Isuien Garden
Isuien Garden
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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4.5
503 reviews
Excellent
311
Very good
129
Average
53
Poor
9
Terrible
1
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Martina1888
Inverness, UK505 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
A very scenic little Japanese garden away from the crowds. The entrance ticket also gives you admission to the Neiraku Museum. There's a tea house within the garden which gives you the possibility to further enjoy the tranquility of the garden while drinking matcha tea.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PablerasLogro_o
Logrono, Spain2,491 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Located near the park.
We were a little confused to find it, since a sign indicates a recommended route to avoid the road, but to get to the garden you have to follow the road.
It's pretty but I liked others more.
It also has a small museum with many objects from China and Korea, collected by the family.
We were a little confused to find it, since a sign indicates a recommended route to avoid the road, but to get to the garden you have to follow the road.
It's pretty but I liked others more.
It also has a small museum with many objects from China and Korea, collected by the family.
Written 26 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen H
Edmonton, Canada77 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
It is well worth the 1200 yen to visit this peaceful, beautifully maintained little garden with little paths that take you through the ponds, little waterfalls, waterwheel, stepping stones, little bridges and lush waterlilies. There were benches to sit, relax and take in the view and there was almost no one there during the busiest part of the day in July. This gorgeous little gem is one of my favorite places in Japan and it is worth the trip to Nara to visit the amazing Isuien Garden!
Written 21 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kai C
Half Moon Bay, CA1,367 contributions
Jan 2020
A large garden, as Japanese gardens go, and divided into an "outer" and "inner" side. The garden and associated tea ceremony huts have been popular with Urasenke masters, and rich merchants entertaining artists of the day. I found it rather generic, definitely not worth the exorbitant charge (Y900). Never did I feel the sublime as I do when entering certain temple/palace gardens. The "exhibition" was disappointing - it shows a few medieval Chinese bronze mirrors and scrolls.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MIchael L
New York City, NY103 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Beautifully laid out garden, away from the crowds and the deer. But for a blistering hot July day it was a bit disappointing. We did the loop in about 15 minutes. There was no place to sit, and really no shade to get any relief from the sun. So with all that, the 1,200 yen admission price is rather exorbitant relative to other attractions. But it must be stunning in April and October.
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rainne_T
Singapore, Singapore547 contributions
Feb 2023
A peaceful garden, though admission fee was a tad expensive. Even though it was winter when I visited, it's still very well maintained and looked very beautiful. There's not many people when I was there, but I suppose most would rather spend their time at Nara Park.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daft punk
Toronto, Ontario156 contributions
Nov 2022
If you're spending a full day in Nara and exploring this area, then definitely make a stop here. You can skip the pottery exhibit as it is quite underwhelming, just focus on the garden itself.
However, If you're already doing larger imperial gardens such as Katsura Villa, then skip this one.
However, If you're already doing larger imperial gardens such as Katsura Villa, then skip this one.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward H
Billericay, UK94 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
The Yoshikien Gardens next door are free to people with a foreign passport and are lovely. Save yourself a bit of money.
Written 23 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
earwig
Wellington, New Zealand66 contributions
Isuien is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of "engineered" gardens from the Meiji period. It is an artful balance of wildness and order with pleasing views over a pond and a flowing stream and perspectives beyond to the hills behind Nara. There is a fine small tea-house on the property. This is a great place to escape from the bustle of Todai-ji Temple and to simply walk around and sit and contemplate the views. There is also a small museum with a fine collection of Chinese ceramics from many eras.
The Garden is about about 15-20 minutes walk from the Japan Rail Nara Station. It is a little hard to find and it would be a good idea to get directions before getting to Nara or at the very helpful information centre near Todai-ji.
The Garden is about about 15-20 minutes walk from the Japan Rail Nara Station. It is a little hard to find and it would be a good idea to get directions before getting to Nara or at the very helpful information centre near Todai-ji.
Written 26 July 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baldrobe
London, UK202 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
A pretty Japanese garden with tea houses. Some peace from the nearby crowds. The museum is also worth a look.
Written 18 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, few questions here.
1) Is this a good place for marriage proposal in mid October (15th-21st)? Need advice especially from those who have visited this place in October.
I have never been here and would like it to be memorable by having (i) her immerse in Japanese vibe and culture as she likes Japan, (ii) photo friendly environment as she likes posting on Instagram. Can anyone comment on this pls?
2) Is there maple tree (something unique) setting in mid October? It's added bonus if anyone can share pictures of how the garden looks like in October.
3) Otherwise, I would welcome any other suggestion? Price isn't an issue as long as it's within reasonable means.
Thanks everyone.
Written 15 July 2018
I was there in April. I think it can be a nice place to propose. It is quite romantic. The garden is quite big and has different views. Go there beforehand and choose the right place. Wish you good luck with your proposal.
Written 9 August 2018
Seid ihr sicher, dass ihr im Isuigen ward und nicht im Yoshikien? Die beiden liegen nah nebeneinander und von dem, was ich geesen habe, kann man als Ausländer den Yoshikien kostenlos besichtigen, jedoch nicht den Isuien.
Written 31 December 2017
Is the garden stroller friendly?
Written 9 October 2015
Hi Jolly,
You will find it is OK with stroller, you may need to hold baby here and there, because the path is not smooth like drive way.
Hope it is helpful.
Cheers,
Linda
Written 10 October 2015
Hi there
I will be in Osaka from December 29 to Jan 5 and would like to know if the Gardens are open?
Thanks!
Written 2 August 2015
Opening hours: 9:30 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)
Closed Tuesdays (except in April, May, October and November), New Year holidays, Obon holidays
Fees: 900 yen
Written 2 August 2015
Hi
Are these Gardens open on April 29th, Shōwa Day?
Written 31 January 2015
According to its website, it closes on Tuesday, New Year and Obon holiday. April 29 is Showa, not shown as closed.
Hope this helps.
Written 1 February 2015
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