Yoshikien Garden (Nara)

 garden, public garden

According to an old picture inherited by Kofukuji Temple, its branch temple "Manishuin" used to sit at the place of the present Yoshikien Garden. When Japan entered the Meiji Period (1868-1912), it became a privately owned site.
After the construction of the present buildings and garden in 1919, ownership was transferred to Nara Prefecture. Since April 1st, 1989, the garden has been opened for public viewing and tea ceremonies. The grounds include the Pond Garden, the Moss Garden and the Tea Ceremony Flower Garden.
The Moss Garden has a detached teahouse. In the Pond Garden, slopes and curves of the land remaining from the Edo Period (17th-19th centuries) are incorporated with its buildings. The Moss Garden is said to have the same water source as that of Tobihino in Nara Park.
Since the place is suitable environment for hair moss (Polytrichum), the whole area is covered in it. With th single-storey thatch roof teahouse, the garden creates a quiet, secluded atmosphere. The Tea Ceremony Flower Garden is a simple, charming place with seasonal flowers suitable for tea ceremonies. With fresh greenery in the spring and brightly colored leaves in the autumn, Yoshikien Garden offers beautiful landscapes of the ancient capital in each of the seasons.
(Park booklet)

Free entrance for foreign tourists.
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00, entrance until 16:30.