A Meiji-period Japanese garden with borrowed views of the Todai-ji pagoda and Mount Wakakusa; one of the most beautiful views in Nara; admission ~1.200 ¥.
The Isuien Garden is the most beautiful Japanese garden in Nara and one of the most refined in the country. Its name means "water garden" and it was designed in the Edo period (17th century) applying the technique of shakkei or "borrowed scenery": the designers integrated as a backdrop the Nandaimon gate of Tōdai-ji, the Kōfuku-ji pagoda and the profile of Mount Wakakusa, fusing the garden with the city's monuments in a visually extraordinary way. The garden is divided into two historic zones: the front garden (Mae-en, 17th century) and the larger rear garden (Goen, late 18th century), of a more elaborate style. The ponds, the stones arranged with mathematical precision and the tea pavilions create an experience of great serenity. Admission costs 1.200 ¥ for adults. It opens from 09:30 to 16:30 (last entry at 16:00) and closes on Tuesdays (if Tuesday is a holiday, it closes the following Wednesday). It is a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, very close to Tōdai-ji. It is a perfect complement after visiting the Great Buddha. Admission also includes access to the neighbouring Neiraku art museum, with Chinese and Korean ceramics and bronzes.
