Isuien Garden @ Nara, Japan

Isuien Garden is a Japanese garden located in the central of Nara and it was created during the Meiji era. The garden featured many elements of life and strike balance in Japanese culture. It has water area, surrounded by mountains and garden. In the central pond of the gardens, there are two islands with sculptures of a crane and tortoise. These animals are significant in Japanese culture which represent longevity. The surroundings area which is near by Kasuga shrine and Todaiji temple together with mountainous landscape enabled this garden to have a "borrowed landscape" and this producing a landscape blend in visual harmony. The area looks more harmony as there is no artificial items around.


One of the tea houses in Isuien Garden. This area is also known as front garden.

Entrance to Isuien Garden.

Autumn view of Isuien Garden.

Traditional path which was build during Meiji era passing thru garden moss.

The area on the left look like a tortoise. This resemble longevity.

A small pine of dripping water which is harmony with the surroundings.

Water wheel at rear garden.

Running water with beautiful background landscape of green and stone.


Part of the rear garden with stone steps. The scenery is beautiful, colourful and harmony.

Entrance to tea ceremony house.

Tea house surrounded by pond of water.

GPS/Coordinate: 34.685698, 135.837656
Address: 74 Suimoncho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Public transport: Isuien Garden is also located a 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and 25 minutes from JR Nara station.
Admission fee: 650 Yen.

Kasuga Grand Shrine @ Nara, Japan

Kasuga Grand Shrine which is located in the city of Nara is registered as UNESCO World Heritage site. This Shinto shrine is famous for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns. The lanterns are donated by the worshippers. The area surrounding Kasuga shrine is mountainous and there is deer park near by. You will be able to see many deers roam freely around the shrine. kasuga shrine offers great view especially during autumn times with among the best autumn foliage view in Nara. This has been featured in Lonely Planet article.


Walk way to Kasuga Shrine. The path is aligned with hundreds of stone lanterns. These lanterns will only be light up twice a year during Setsubun Mantoro (February 2–4) and Obon Mantoro (August 14–15).

Main entrance to Kasuga shrine.

Kasuga Taisha is UNESCO World Heritage site.

Historic stone lanterns.

The stone lanterns are mostly decorated uniquely as it is donated by worshippers.

Autumn season in Kasuga shrine with hundreds of lanterns.

Famous stone lanterns in Kasuga shrine.

Autumn leafs with many stone lanterns.

Stone lanterns in Kasuga shrine.

Smaller enclaves.

Minamimon.

Kasuga shrine corridor.

Bronze lanterns.

List of contributors to the shrine.

Warning about deer in Nara park. Please take care and respectful to the animal and scared site here.

GPS/Coordinate: 34.681460, 135.848443
Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan.
Public transport: Kasuga Taisha is located in the east of Nara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station.

Todaiji temple @ Nara, Japan

Todaiji temple or translated as "Great Eastern Temple" is one of the most famous temple in Japan and a landmark of Nara. The main Todaiji temple hall is the the world's largest wooden building. This is where the world largest bronze Buddha statue (Daibutsu) is located in the hall. The Big Buddha is 15 metres tall and represents Vairocana. The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara.

Another popular attraction is a pillar with a hole in its base that is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. It is said that those who can squeeze through this opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life.


Todaiji temple.

Giant bronze Buddha statue.

Buddha statue.

Bishamonten statue in Todaiji temple.

People enjoying the view surrounding the temple.


During a certain festival, the small door will open to show the Buddha face outside the temple.

The main hall is decorated during festival.

Me outside Todaiji temple.

Temple visitors will encounter some deer from the adjacent Nara Park.

GPS/Coordinate: 34.688999, 135.839917
Address: 1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture 630-8211, Japan.
Public transport: Todaiji is located in the northern part of Nara Park. It is about a 30 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or about a 45 minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Admission fee: 500 Yen