The beautiful Japanese-style garden "Yoshijo-en" hidden in a corner of Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan

When coming to Nara for free travel, many tourists usually focus on three things: "Todaiji Temple, feeding deer, and eating kamameshi". Fast travelers can do it in more than 2 hours. After these trips, it seemed like I didn’t know where to go. Anyway, I went back to the shopping street near the station and wandered around. When the time was almost up, I took a bus and left. If you have ever been to Nara, a treasure land, but inadvertently wasted a lot of precious travel time, please be sure to save this article. This private scenic spot "Yoshijo-en" that is so beautiful that you don't want to tell others is located on foot next to Todaiji Temple. It’s about 5 minutes away, perfect as a side trip!

This is a beautiful Japanese garden where you can sit on the corridor under the eaves and overlook Mt. Wakakusa. Foreign tourists can enter the garden for free by showing their passports. Do you think Nara people are very Buddhist? If you are a Japanese tourist, you will have to spend an additional 250 yen to buy a ticket to enter the venue. Do you want to know how beautiful Yoshijoen is, known as the back garden of Nara? Then come and take a look!

A famous Japanese garden that Nara people are proud of

Although this Yoshijoen Garden, built in 1918, is low-key to foreign tourists because of its low-key management and little publicity. It is said that it is not well-known, but in fact the beauty of the garden is stunning. The description of "one flower, one world, one tree, one bodhi" is vividly displayed. It is not inferior to the high style of Japan's three famous gardens. It is definitely a place to go. Free travel itinerary you won’t regret. This garden was originally owned by private individuals, but is now under the management of the Nara Prefectural Government. In 2011, it was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture.

The entrance to Jicheng Garden is a small and long passage

Looking from top to bottom, you can feel a sense of freshness and tranquility

Enjoy the scenery, flowers and moss , here you can enjoy endless beautiful scenery

Yoshijo Garden is mainly divided into three gardens: "Pond Garden", "Moss Garden (tea room)", and "Camellia Garden". The first thing you notice after entering the garden is What comes into view is the "Pond Garden", a tranquil pond surrounded by green plants. Although the main house located in the garden cannot be visited, the corridor under the open roof allows visitors to sit down and quietly enjoy the beautiful scenery, even if the weather is clear. On days like this, you can sit by the pond and enjoy the bright green Nara landmark Mount Wakakusa in the distance!

Nara Wakakusa Mountain can be seen from the Pond Garden

Visitors can sit on the corridor under the eaves and overlook the beautiful scenery

Along the winding and undulating paths, After bypassing the landscaping of small bridges and flowing water, we entered the second park, which is the "Moss Garden (Tea Room)". This park uses the underground water layer of Nara Park, and the special geographical environment creates a large area of ??pleasing scenery. The thick green moss looks healing and lovely. The teahouse in the center of the garden was a social place for Japanese literati in ancient times to drink tea and recite poetry. The bright green moss and the simple teahouse complement each other. No matter when you visit during the four seasons, you will always have new experiences and feelings!

Many green tree species are planted in the small park, which show different styles with the changes of the seasons.

Walking along the winding paths, you can vaguely discover the pool and the main lake surrounded by green trees. House

"Teahouse", an indispensable and important element in Japanese gardens

From the outside, you can see the simple interior decoration (not open to the public)

Teahouse The winding river and thick moss next to it are very soothing

The moss is dotted with some fallen red camellias to make it look green

After passing through the path next to the tea house, a large area appears Green lawns and gravel pine trees

The simple thatched roofs and dense pine trees against the blue sky and white clouds are very beautiful

The existence of the final "Camellia Garden" is like a Japanese style with a green tone. Colorful colors have been added to the garden, including camellias. Many seasonal flowers, plants and trees have been planted in the park. On warm days, you can sit in the pavilion in the park and look at the flowers and plants blooming at your feet and rethink the meaning of a good life. And soul satisfaction!

Before arriving at the camellia garden, all the plants were mainly evergreen trees. Only here are cute little flowers added.

Different flowers bloom in four seasons, and the red, yellow and green are beautiful. It's so touching

Yoshijoen

?Japanese name: Yoshijoen (よしきえん)

?Detailed address: 60- Todaiji-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 1

?Opening time: 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry time is 16:30)

?Closed period: From February 15th to February 28th every year

?Admission fee: Free admission for foreign passport holders (those who do not present their passport will be charged)

There are very few tourists in Yoshijo Garden on weekdays. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you can book the park. Sit leisurely in the garden and experience the slow and quiet time.

In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms; in the rainy season, the green moss grows all over the ground; in autumn, the green pines and cypresses set off the bright red maple leaves; in winter, the snow is capped, and the four seasons of Japan are all concentrated in this small but beautiful exquisite garden.

There is no noise here, just the natural harmony of sunshine, air, flowers and water. It also provides free admission services exclusive to foreign tourists. Next time you come to Nara, after seeing the World Heritage Todaiji Temple, I suggest you take a short walk. Take a short detour to Yoshijo-en, experience the simple and not luxurious beautiful garden scenery limited to Nara, and deeply experience the beauty of Nara!