Isuien is considered Nara's most beautiful traditional Japanese garden, comprising two distinct sections. The front garden was built in the 17th century in tea garden style, while the rear garden dates from the Meiji era and offers stunning views of Mount Wakakusa and Nandaimon Gate. The 'borrowed scenery' technique used here is among Japan's finest examples.
Includes Neiraku Art Museum. Closed late December - mid January and late September for maintenance
April for cherry blossoms, November for autumn foliage. Early morning for the best light and fewer crowds. The garden is particularly stunning when Mount Wakakusa is visible.
faq.subtitle Isuien Garden
Shakkei is a Japanese garden design technique that incorporates external landscape elements as part of the garden composition. At Isuien, Mount Wakakusa and Nandaimon Gate appear as extensions of the garden itself, creating an illusion of a much larger space.
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