Chikurin-in, Gunpoen Japanese Garden in Yoshino, NaraGunpoen (Chikuri-in) Japanese garden is located in Yoshino, Nara. It is considered one of the "Three Best Japanese Gardens in Yamato (ancient name for Nara)". Somewhat unique to Japanese gardens is the focus on cherry trees (sakura) which are famous in Yoshino.
Chiurin-in, where the garden is located, is now an upscale ryokan, or Japanese inn, that even the Prince and Princess of Japan have stayed at. Historically it was originally a temple called Tsubakiyama Temple where mountain ascetics would gather. Here is a video I made in autumn at the garden: Although the sakura are a main feature of the garden, it is still constructed as a true Japanese garden that can be enjoyed in every season. In autumn the maple trees become the focus. The famous tea ceremony master Sen no Rikkyu is said to have re-created this Japanese garden.
Given the chance, I do recommend seeing this garden, which lies deep in the southern Nara Mountains, in the spring time. The cherry trees do play a very big role in the essence of this garden. However, as you can see from the video, other seasons will also allow you to find something new in this garden. Yoshino is slightly off the beaten path from the usual Nara Park and Todaiji Great Buddha day trips people make from Kyoto, but the extra journey will definitely be worth it. The Yoshino area is quite famous with Japanese tourists and has many inns located in the mountain top, and is slowly catching on with foreign tourists. Gunpoen Japanese garden should definately be on your list of places to visit in Nara.
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