Yugayama Enchi (Old Yamaguchi House Garden)
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Kintetsu-Nara Station · 15 min walk (Kintetsu Nara Line)
- Hours
- 9:00–22:00 (last entry 21:30); closed February 24 through the end of February
- Admission
- Free (tea house rental requires a fee and advance reservation)
- Time needed
- 20–40 min
- Best time to go
- Evening or autumn; the garden paths are lit and remain open until 22:00, offering nighttime vistas of Ukimido pavilion, while foliage colors peak in late November.
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
This beautifully restored early 20th-century villa garden offers a peaceful retreat in Nara's historic Takabatake district. Known for its clever use of 'shakkei' (borrowed scenery), the garden seamlessly integrates the surrounding Kasugayama hills into its lush, mossy landscape. Visitors can stroll around the tranquil pond, admire traditional tea house architecture, and enjoy a quiet moment away from the main temple crowds.
What Japanese guides note
The entrance gate sits directly across from the bridge leading to Ukimido pavilion on Sagi-ike pond, functioning as a transit route between central Nara Park and the Takabatake residential area. The entrance gate is kept closed to deter wild deer from browsing the vegetation, so visitors must slide the latch to open it. While upscale lodging and dining operate on the perimeter of the parcel, access to the historic garden pathways is open to all visitors without charge.
Details from local sources
- In 1927, Yugayama and the adjoining Sagi-ike pond received an addition to the national Place of Scenic Beauty designation for Nara Park. [source]
- The garden originally served as the villa retreat of Osaka financier Kichirōbei Yamaguchi, hosting cultural gatherings with painter Hachizan Komidera and tea masters. [source]
- The western precinct contains Taku-an, a restored tea house reconstructed from Yamaguchi's original plans that can be rented for private tea ceremonies. [source]
- One of the historic stone lanterns near the pond features a deer carved into the firebox and the twelve Chinese zodiac signs carved around the middle platform. [source]
Insider Tip
Admission to the garden is free, making it a perfect, budget-friendly peaceful stop after visiting nearby Shin-Yakushiji Temple.
Frequently asked
How do you reach Yugayama Enchi by bus from the stations?
Take the Nara Kotsu City Loop bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu-Nara Station to the Wariishicho stop and walk two minutes north. On weekends and holidays, the Gurutto Bus Nara Park route stops immediately outside the gate at Takahatacho Chushajo / Ukimido.
Can you visit Yugayama Enchi at night?
Yes. Most traditional gardens in Nara close by 17:00, but Yugayama Enchi stays open until 22:00, with last entry allowed at 21:30. Footpaths and pond features are illuminated after dark, offering elevated viewpoints over the lighted hexagonal pavilion at Sagi-ike pond.
Is admission to Yugayama Enchi free?
Yes, walking through the 1.3-hectare landscaped grounds, the pond sector, and the dry garden sections is completely free of charge. Advance reservations and separate rental fees apply solely if you intend to use the restored tea house Taku-an for private events.
Our Nara walking tours
On the same walk
Photos
