NaraExplorer
Up-to-date and essential English tourist information about Nara for international visitors
Nara Explorer is Nara's first and only English tourist magazine.
Our inaugual first issue will be published in June.
For further information,click here.
- Special feature
- Event
- Essential Sightseeing
- NE Recommendations
Essential Sightseeing - What Not To Miss in Nara
History of the Japanese garden goes back to around 7th century. In the design and arrangements of the Japanese garden there is a respect for the nature and abstract representations of the utopian world of the time which were derived from the religion and philosophy. Therefore, the Japanese gardens use natural materials, only without any artificial processing. They are arranged to show many expressions of sometimes dynamic forms and other times extremely subtle and sensitive forms.
- Isui-en Garden
- The Isui-en Garden is a wonderful Meiji period (1868-1912) garden with a stream which meanders past grand stone lanterns, traditional tea rooms and exquisite greenery. Mount Wakakusa, Kasuga and Mikasa have dignified appearance in the background. There is also a traditional restaurant where visitors can experience a simple yet sophisticated classic Japanese light meal (11:30-13:00; open: Fri.-Mon., national holidays) The Neiraku Museum, located directly next to the garden, houses a collection of over 2,000 art objects from ancient China, Korea and Japan.
- Open: 9:30-16:00, closed Tues. & end/beginning of the year; 650 yen; Tel: 0742-25-0781
- www.isuien.or.jp
- Yoshiki-en Garden
- Yoshiki-en Garden, located to the southwest of Isui-en Garden, is a large and classic Japanese garden consisting of three sections: one for strolling around a big pond, one with moss covering and one where flowers and plants for the tea ceremony are grown. In the moss-covered garden there is a traditional tea ceremony room. The designer has skillfully made the most of the natural geography of the site.
- Open: 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30); closed Dec. 28-Mar. 19; 250 yen;Tel: 0742-22-5911
- www.narakotsu.co.jp/yoshikien/
- Jiko-in Temple
- Jiko-in Temple, located in Yamatokoriyama City, was established in 1663. This temple has strong connection with tea ceremony. The garden which is one of the three best gardens in Nara, has grand view of adjacent Tomio River and mountains on its background in addition to a wide range of trimmed bushes and plants used for tea ceremony. In the garden, there is a restaurant where visitors can experience authentic Zen vegetarian cuisine (reservation required by phone) or noodle.)
- Open: 9:00-17:00; 1,000 yen (including matcha green tea in the Shoin building); Tel: 0743-53-3004; access: take Nara Kotsu Bus #97 or 98, get off at Jikoin –mae stop
- Gunpo-en Garden in Chikurin-in
- This large stroll-style Japanese garden with a pond used to be a part of a temple (Chikurin-in) and today, it belongs to a traditional Japanese inn. Located in deep in the sacred mountain area of Yoshino, this garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Nara and was designed by the master of the tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591). You can enjoy wide views of the Yoshino mountains in the background of the garden. If possible, it is recommended to stay overnight in this prestigious inn which serves beautiful Japanese cuisine and also has an open air hot spa.
- Open: 8:30-17:00. to Yoshino area; 300 yen (free entry if staying in the inn); Tel: 0746-32-8081
- www.chikurin.co.jp
