Just north of Nara Park sit two of the city’s loveliest strolling gardens. Isuien is a refined pond garden that ‘borrows’ the scenery of Todai-ji’s gate and the eastern hills, while neighbouring Yoshikien offers three gardens — pond, moss and tea-flower — and is free to foreign visitors.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Suimoncho, Nara (near Todai-ji) |
| Hours | 9:30–16:30 (Isuien closed Tue); Yoshikien ~9:00–17:00 |
| Admission | Isuien ¥1,200; Yoshikien free for foreign visitors |
| Time needed | 1 hour for both |
| Best time | Fresh green (May) & autumn maples |
What to See
- Isuien — a two-part pond garden framing Todai-ji’s Nandaimon and Mt. Wakakusa as ‘borrowed scenery’.
- The Neiraku Museum at Isuien, with Chinese and Korean bronzes and ceramics.
- Yoshikien — a serene trio of pond, moss and tea-flower gardens, tranquil and rarely crowded.
- Seasonal color: fresh green in spring, fiery maples in November.
Combine Your Visit
- Steps from the Great Buddha — Todai-ji guide .
- More greenery in our Nara nature guide .
- Quiet finds in our Nara hidden gems guide .
Getting There
- From Kintetsu Nara Station: 12–15 min walk toward Todai-ji.
- By bus: Get off near Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga-taisha.
Tips
Yoshikien is free for overseas visitors (show your passport) — a beautiful, low-cost pairing with Isuien.
