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The vast park area, the core remains of Nara's classic period (752-777), is the first thing that strikes visitors to Nara. Apart from this natural woodland, where deer roam about posing for photographs and beg for rice crackers, the city has many classic Japanese gardens which are worth a visit. Here are a few of the most interesting ones.

Isuien Garden, Nara © Eddie SmolyanskyIsui-en, a garden of the shakkei, or borrowed scenery type, skillfully incorporates views of the Wakakusa and Kasuga mountains. Dating from the Meiji Period, this garden affords an excellent view of Todai-ji Temple, and is particularly well-known for its fine collection of rocks.

Imanishi Garden, a moss garden which serves as a backdrop for the Imanishi House, built in the Muromachi Period (1333-1576) in the so-called shoin style, and designated an Important Cultural Property, features cleverly-positioned stepping stones which form a cross from one side of the garden to the other.
Kyu Daijo-in Garden was designed by the famous fifteenth century gardener Zenami. This is a garden in the shinden-zukuri style, originally designed around a Shinden, or centrally-positioned main building. The vermilion-painted wooden bridge that enables strollers to cross from one side of the natural lake to the other, is one of the garden's most attractive features.

The garden of Futai-ji Temple is renowned for the abundance of its flowers. Founded by Ariwara Narihira, this temple is also known as Narihira-der...