Photo credit: Restaurant website
ラッキーガーデン
Sri Lankan
“A Sri Lankan curry restaurant in the forest on Mt. Ikoma since 1999”
Lucky Garden (Mori no Restaurant Lucky Garden) is a Sri Lankan restaurant on the slopes of Mt. Ikoma in Ikoma, Nara. It has two neighboring areas: the walk-in Sheep Area with curry plates and à la carte dishes, and the reservation-only Sakura Area with seasonal Sri Lankan course meals. It opened on January 15, 1999.
- Families
- Friends
- Groups & parties
- Buffet
- Takeout
- With kids
Something extra
Why it’s worth the trip
Forest Setting
Seating includes a terrace, wood-stove rooms, private rooms, a bonfire corner and an animal run with goats, which diners can use freely.
Rooted in Sri Lanka
The founder volunteered in Sri Lanka as a medical volunteer from 1980. A Sri Lankan chef who stayed at the house served curry to visitors, and the restaurant opened in 1999.
Reservation Course Dining
The Sakura Area serves seasonally changing Sri Lankan courses in private indoor rooms or outdoors, with night views of Ikoma.
Shop and Organic Farm
A gallery shop sells curry spices, Sri Lankan black pepper and tea, and the restaurant runs an organic farm growing pesticide-free vegetables.
On the menu
Dishes to look for
Curry Plate
カレープレート
A curry plate served in the walk-in Sheep Area.
Sri Lankan Buffet with Weekly Biryani
¥4,000スリランカバイキング（週替わりビリヤニ）
A Friday night buffet of food, dessert and tea featuring a chef's weekly-changing biryani.
Sri Lankan Curry Hot Pot
スリランカカレー鍋
A seasonal curry hot pot announced to start around mid-November.
Bamboo Biryani
バンブービリヤニ
A biryani available by reservation the day before, offered seasonally.
Arabian Plate
アラビアプレート
A plate served on Tuesday nights.
💡 Tips before you go
- Payment is cash only. Parking for 20 cars is available; the site advises against using car navigation, so check its route guide.
- Sakura Area courses need a phone reservation (0743-77-7936) by the day before.
- Outside food and drink may not be brought in. Seating is open all day with no lunch/dinner split.
- Check the official site for closures, e.g. Arabian Plate paused on 10/20 and resuming 10/27.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours?
The Sheep Area is open 10:00–21:00 Sun–Thu (last food order 20:00) and 10:00–22:00 Fri–Sat (last food order 21:00). The Sakura Area opens irregularly. Please check the official site for notices of closures.
Do I need a reservation?
Not for the Sheep Area, where all seating is first-come. The Sakura Area is reservation-only, by phone (0743-77-7936) by the day before.
How do I get there?
It is about 10 minutes by taxi from Ikoma Station, or 5 minutes from the Hanshin Expressway Ichibu exit. There is parking for 20 cars. From Hozanji Station it is about a 30-minute walk (1,320 m).
Is takeout available and how can I pay?
Takeout is available, and the site has a takeout menu. Payment is cash only.
Is there a buffet?
Yes, a Sri Lankan buffet runs on Friday nights with food, dessert and tea, including a weekly-changing biryani. It costs 4,000 yen for ages 13 and up, 2,000 yen for ages 9–12, 1,500 yen for ages 4–8, and is free for ages 0–3.
Curry Navi wrote this guide from the restaurant’s own information and listing data. Please confirm details with the restaurant. Sources: Official website ↗ · OpenStreetMap ↗
Good to know
- ✓ Takeout
- ✓ Reservations
- ✓ Dine in
- ✓ Outdoor seating
- ✓ Family friendly
About this place
Sri Lankan curries, rice dishes & cakes served at rustic outdoor tables with views of rolling hills.
Follow
🕒 Opening hours
- Mon: 10:00–22:00
- Tue: 10:00–22:00
- Wed: 10:00–22:00
- Thu: 10:00–22:00
- Fri: 10:00–22:00
- Sat: 10:00–22:00
- Sun: 10:00–22:00
Plan ahead
- 🅿 Parking
- Available