Kasuga Taisha Manyo Botanical Garden

Located along the main approach to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the Kasuga Taisha Manyo Botanical Garden is Japan’s oldest Manyo botanical garden, opened in 1932. It is home to around 300 species of plants mentioned in the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry. Covering approximately 3 hectares, the garden is divided into four areas: the Manyo Garden, the Five Grains Village, the Wisteria Garden, and the Kasuga Gunpo-en, which was completed in spring 2025.

Throughout the garden, ceramic plaques engraved with Manyoshu poems and explanatory notes are placed beside the plants, allowing visitors to appreciate the ancient Japanese view of nature while enjoying the seasonal scenery. The garden highlights 45 recommended Manyo plants, introducing a few each month along with poem translations and interpretations, including beautifully rendered English versions of the ancient verses.

In the Kasuga Gunpo-en, the “Sacred Garden” expresses the world of the Kasuga Mandala through a dry landscape garden, surrounded by about 100 maple trees that reflect the changing seasons.

At the center of the garden, on a small island in the pond, stands the Garyu no Ichiigashi, an ancient oak tree designated as a cultural property of Nara City. Its stately, timeworn presence captivates visitors. In spring, the Wisteria Garden bursts into bloom with around 200 wisteria vines spanning 20 varieties, while the Five Grains Village features ancient rice and millet fields that showcase the seasonal transitions. A leisurely stroll through the garden offers a glimpse into the natural world admired by the people of the Manyo era.