Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is considered to be one of the most beautiful Japanese garden in Nara, and is separated into a front and back garden. The front garden was created in the Edo period for a wealthy merchant who built a villa and a tea house. The back is a strolling garden connected to the tea house. In the center pond of the garden, there are two islands in the shape of a crane and tortoise, both animals in Japanese culture represents longevity. Isuien is famous for using shakkei, the traditional concept of borrowing scenery for the garden like a portrait. With Nara’s mountains and the Nandaimon of Todaiji Temple both clearly visible framed with trees by the sides creating a visual harmony.