What to know
Isuien (依水園) is a charming Japanese garden that incorporates Todaiji Temple's Nandaimon Gate and Mount Wakakusayama as "borrowed scenery." The name Isuien means "garden founded on water," as its ponds are fed by the nearby Yoshikigawa River. Across the river lies the Yoshikien Garden.
The garden consists of two parts: a front garden dating back to the mid-17th century and a larger rear garden built in 1899 by a wealthy merchant. Several tea houses are scattered throughout. Adjacent to the garden, a small museum displays pottery, seals, mirrors, and other ancient artifacts from China and Korea, part of the family collection that owns Isuien. Admission includes entry to the museum.
Located in central Nara, Isuien Garden is easily combined with nearby attractions like Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple, both a ten-minute walk away.
The garden is a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. From JR Nara Station, take a bus bound for Aoyamajutaku or Kunimidai-hacchome to Oshiagecho bus stop (10 minutes, 250 yen).
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:30 to 16:30 (until 17:00 in April and May)
- Closed
- Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday); from late December to mid January and in the last third of September
- Admission
- 1200 yen (~$7.68)
- English name
- Isuien Garden
- Original name
- Isuien Garden
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.