Man'yō Botanical Garden

The Man'yō Botanical Garden is a garden in Ōnomachi featuring hundreds of plant species mentioned in classical Japanese poetry. The grounds are laid out with walking paths, information boards, and planted sections that allow visitors to explore the collection at their own pace.

The garden opened in June 1989 as a modern project that recreates plants documented in the Man'yōshū anthology from the Nara period. This approach reconnects visitors with the botanical knowledge and artistic interests of classical Japan.

Each plant displays a verse from the Man'yōshū poetry collection, linking visitors directly to classical Japanese literature through living specimens. This arrangement shows how deeply plants were woven into Japan's artistic and literary traditions.

The garden is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and is easily accessible by bus from nearby stops. There are shaded seating areas throughout the grounds, though some paths may be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The garden features a traditional tea house called Ninai Jaya that serves local dishes like green rice porridge and sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. These offerings connect the culinary experience directly to the plants growing on the grounds.