Just outside Nara City proper is the temple of Ryōsen-ji. Founded in the 8th century by Indian monk Bodhisena, this temple has a long history and many cultural treasures. But I’m not going to write about those today. Today I’m going to show you the rose garden.

This rose garden was made in 1957, as a living prayer for world peace.

There are over 200 blooms to view here. Many of them also have a heady scent.

We spent a pleasant time here, savoring the many fragrances and the varied velvet blooms.

I love roses. And I loved this garden.

There is also a cafe at one end of the garden where you can try some rose flavored tea or coffee.

I asked for cream with my coffee, but the good lady instructed me that it would detract too much from that unique rosey taste. A drop of cream would have been a mercy though. That coffee was nasty.

The roses are at their best in the spring (from mid-May to mid-June) and autumn (from mid-October to early November).

To get to Ryōsen-ji take the Kintetsu Nara line from Nara station and get off at Tomio (富雄). From there you will have to take a bus or taxi. Here is a MAP.

I will post more pictures from the temple itself at a later date…

See also: Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Deep Nara #2 – Cafe & Restaurant Bambuno