Peaceful, Pretty, and Super Relaxing

#springitinerary Manyo Botanical Gardens is such a mellow spot to wander around, especially if you’re into plants or just need a break from the busy tourist stuff. It’s right near Kasuga Taisha in Nara, but way less crowded, which is awesome. The garden’s got a bunch of different sections with flowers and trees mentioned in old Japanese poetry, so it feels kind of poetic and dreamy without trying too hard. There’s always something blooming depending on the season. Wisteria, irises, plum blossoms and the layout is really easy to stroll through. You can take your time, stop at little benches, and just enjoy the peace and quiet. It’s super green and feels like a little forest escape, even though you’re not far from town. Definitely not a high-energy place, but that’s the point. If you want to slow down and chill for a bit, this garden totally hits the spot.