Murin-an Japanese Garden

Murin-an is a stunning Japanese villa and garden located near Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto. Built between 1894 and 1896, it served as the private retreat for Yamagata Aritomo, a prominent Meiji-era statesman and former Prime Minister. It is celebrated as a masterpiece of modern Japanese garden design and is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Unlike many traditional Kyoto gardens that rely on religious symbolism, Murin-an was designed with a naturalistic approach. Master gardener Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji) used water from the Lake Biwa Canal to create a dynamic, rhythmic stream that flows through a bright, open lawn. The garden is a prime example of shakkei (borrowed scenery), incorporating the distant Higashiyama mountains into its visual landscape to make the space feel expansive.

You can enjoy matcha green tea and seasonal Japanese sweets on the first floor of the main house while overlooking the tranquil scenery.