Isome-shi Garden, Japanese garden and historic house in Katata, Ōtsu, Japan.
Isome-shi Garden is a Japanese garden and historic residence in Katata featuring ponds, carefully shaped trees, and stone arrangements throughout the grounds. The layout takes advantage of its position near Lake Biwa, with native plantings and water features that shift with the changing seasons.
The garden was established by the Isome family, whose settlement expanded in this area during the Edo period when the Tōkaidō route connected Edo to Kyoto. Its location along this major trade route shaped the development of the site and its architecture across generations.
The garden's name reflects the Isome family lineage that shaped this corner of the shoreline. Walking through the grounds, you notice how water, stones, and vegetation work together to create a balanced composition that guides your eye and movement.
The garden is accessible during daylight hours, with early mornings or late afternoons offering the best light for viewing the grounds and buildings. The administrative office on site can answer questions and provide helpful guidance for exploring on your own or with additional support.
Its position right on Lake Biwa allows visitors to observe migratory birds and other water creatures that move between the lake and garden spaces. This living element means each visit brings unexpected encounters with local wildlife that shares the grounds.
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