Have you ever visited Nara in autumn?
It is the best time to travel to Nara.
We introduce you the main 3 reasons.
3 reasons why Nara travelers should visit Nara Park in autumn
① Beautiful Autumn Foliage
The best time to view the autumn foliage in Nara usually begins in early November in the higher elevations of the Yoshino region and Mount Shigi, which is adjacent to Osaka.
In mid-November, the best time to view the autumn leaves is at Hasedera Temple and Murouji Temple in the eastern part of Asuka, which are famous sightseeing spots.
Although you can enjoy it everywhere, let us tell you a several outstanding spots.
- A Whole of Nara Park
Nara Park is one of Nara’s most popular tourist attractions as we mentioned in our previous blog and the ancient capital of Japan.
Nara Park is also a place where visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery during the autumn foliage season.
The vast park, covering an area of approximately 511 hectares, is home to 1,182 deer, which are designated as national natural treasures.
Although the park is located in an urban area, visitors can enjoy rare plants and famous trees, making it a sightseeing spot where they can enjoy lush greenery and nature.
During the season of autumn leaves, maple and ginkgo trees beautifully decorate the historical buildings adjacent to Nara Park, such as the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple.
Walking along the promenade along the river and viewing the autumn leaves is also recommended for its elegance.
Deer playing among maple and ginkgo trees in the autumn leaves are a scene unique to this season.
You can take a nice photo of deer in the autumn leaves!
- Sarusawa Pond
Another recommended spot is Sarusawa Pond, also in Nara Park.
Willow trees are planted around the pond, and their reflection in the water along with Kofukuji Temple, which stands nearby, is one of Nara’s eight scenic spots.
In autumn, the red and yellow leaves reflect on the surface of the water, making it a perfect place to take pictures full of emotion.
- Ukigumo Enchi
Ukigumo Enchi (floating cloud park) is a spacious lawn.
Here, visitors can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage of many different kinds of trees, including ginkgo and nankin-haze.
It is also a spot where you can see deer relax and take a break.
- Kasugano Ench
Kasugano Enchi (Kasugano Park) is next to the Ukigumo Enchi (Ukigumo Park) mentioned earlier.
It is a spacious site and a bit far from the station, so there are fewer crowds and you can spend a relaxing time.
It might be a good idea to spread out a leisure sheet here and take a break.
The Sanja Otsunen Pond here is also a beautiful spot with beautiful reflections of the scenery.
- Ukimido Gazebo
The area around Ukimido Gazebo is beautiful with many maple trees dyed bright red.
It is one of the most beautiful spots in Nara Park, and is often used for bridal shoots.
- Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple is less than a 10-minute walk from Nara Park.
The area around Todaiji Temple (Todaiji Temple), famous for its Daibutsu-san (Great Buddha), is also a good spot for viewing the autumn leaves.
The ruins of Todaiji’s East Toin Temple are full of ginkgo trees, and the yellow carpet of fallen leaves, as shown in the photo, is beautiful.
It is recommended to visit when the leaves are beginning to fall.
Some deer take a nap on the soft fallen leaves, which is very cute.
② Perfect Climate for Hiking
Autumn in Japan, especially in Nara, is not too hot or too cold, so it is the best season to go out!
There are various kind of mountains in Nara that you can enjoy hiking.
We will pick up the mountains that beginners can try easily.
- Mount Wakakusa(Nara City)
Mount Wakakusa, where you can enjoy hiking while feeling the rich nature of the Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest.
Mount Kasuga walking trail is the best way to enjoy this forest, which is home to about 800 species of plants and trees, as well as many insects and birds.
You can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the autumn mountains during the season of autumn leaves, when the ancient forest is colored red and orange.
As you proceed along the circular course from the entrance to the boardwalk, the first thing you will see is the five-colored autumn leaves turning red and yellow.
Enjoying the beautiful autumn leaves of the Irohamomiji and the abundant nature, you will walk past the Sunset Kannon and the Morning Sun Kannon, and pass the Nara Okuyama Driveway in the direction of Ohara Bridge to the top of Mount Wakakusa.
The view from the top of the mountain is magnificent, offering views of Todaiji Temple and the cityscape of Nara.
The silver grass rustles in the wind and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Nara in the colors of autumn leaves.
Continue on to the goal point, Todaiji Temple, passing by the Hachimangu Shrine at Temukeyama, which is famous for its autumn leaves.
You can enjoy hiking while taking a walk in the forest.
③ Illumination Events
In Nara City, where the autumn season is deepening, special nighttime visits to World Heritage shrines and temples, evening and night views from Wakakusa Mountain,
and other events will be held every Friday and Saturday in November to enjoy the ancient city at night.
Many temples and shrines are illuminated, and it is so romantic and good for dating.
The details of such events will change each year, so please check before you go.
Summary
Today we showed you 3 reasons why autumn is the best season to visit Nara Park.
The vastness of the area allows visitors to relax and enjoy the popular autumn foliage season without feeling crowded.
However, parking is limited in the surrounding area, and cars often fill up early on Saturdays and Sundays.
An early start or use of public transportation is recommended.
Anyway, autumn has many pleasant weather days, so you can enjoy many attractions!
