Nara: The Most Beautiful 12 Autumn Foliage Spots in 2024

Visit Nara in Autumn

Nestled in the fertile plains southwest of Osaka, Nara has often been praised as the cradle of Japanese culture, boasting stunning architecture and splendid natural scenery.

There is no time more picturesque than in the fall when the blend of traditional culture and vibrant autumn scenery creates an unforgettable experience for visitors.

The fall foliage season varies by altitude, with the peak of autumn colors in early November in the mountainside and late November in Nara City.

The Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Nara

1. Nara Park
2. Todaiji Temple
3. Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its Botanical Garden
4. Isuien Garden
5. Tatsuta Park
6. Tanzan Shrine
7. Hasedera Temple
8. Mt Yoshino
9. Mt. Odaigahara
10. Tomi Shrine
11. Mitarai Gorge
12. Shoryakuji Temple

1. Nara Park

Photo by Pixta

Filled with magnificent maples, gorgeous ginkgo trees, and other autumnal varieties, Nara Park is a paradise for fall foliage enthusiasts.

As you stroll through the park, gently falling autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop for the freely roaming deer, offering countless photo opportunities.

The combination of ancient temples and shrines framed by fiery reds and golden yellows adds a sense of timeless beauty to the landscape.

With each step, you'll experience the peaceful harmony between nature, wildlife, and history that makes Nara Park a must-see in autumn.

Nara Park
Fall Foliage Season: Late October to early December
Location: Map
Access: About an 8-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. About a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station, or take the Nara Kotsu bus (city loop, outer route) for 7 minutes and get off at the Kencho-mae bus stop. Alternatively, you can get off at the bus stop for your desired shrine or facility.

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2. Todaiji Temple

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While often best remembered for the large bronze Buddha in its worship hall, Todaiji Temple's beautiful gardens have much to offer in autumn.

As the seasons change, the temple grounds come alive with vibrant hues, with maple and ginkgo trees painting the scenery in the warm glow of autumn colors.

These striking colors beautifully contrast with the ancient wooden architecture, enhancing the temple's serene atmosphere.

A stroll through the gardens in the fall offers a peaceful escape, where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.

Todaiji Temple
Fall Foliage Season: Late November
Location: Map
Access: From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Nara Kotsu bus on the City loop - Outer route and get off at the Todaiji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha Mae bus stop. It will take about a 5-minute walk to reach your destination.

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3. Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its Botanical Garden

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One of the most brilliant examples of the vibrant vermilion that defines Japanese shrines, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and its gardens are not to be missed in autumn.

Surrounded by maple trees, the shrine's bright red exterior and lanterns stand out even more vividly against the backdrop of autumn foliage.

The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft light filtering through the canopy create a peaceful, almost mystical atmosphere.

Visiting in the fall offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Fall Foliage Season: Late November to early December
Location: Map
Access: From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the bus (to Kasuga Taisha Honden) for about 11 to 15 minutes and get off at Kasuga Taisha Honden. Alternatively, you can take the city loop bus (outer route) for about 9 to 13 minutes and get off at Kasuga Taisha Omotesando, then walk for about 10 minutes.

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4. Isuien Garden

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A chance to enjoy the crisp autumn air and the fall foliage while luxuriating in a traditional tea house sounds like a dream!

Isuien Garden provides a picturesque setting, with colorful leaves reflected in its serene ponds. The combination of manicured landscapes and natural beauty enhances the peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for an autumn stroll.

Sipping tea while surrounded by vibrant autumn hues offers a truly tranquil and immersive experience.

Isuien Garden
Fall Foliage Season: Mid-October to late November
Location: Map
Access: A 15-minute walk from the Kintetsu Nara Station.

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5. Tatsuta Park

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Tatsuta Park has been sung in ancient waka poetry as a gorgeous place to see the autumn colors. Nowadays, its name instantly evokes the beauty of fall foliage.

Renowned for its breathtaking maple trees, the park creates a vibrant red canopy in the fall. One of the park's highlights is the Momiji Bridge, which is surrounded by lovely red maple leaves during the peak foliage season.

The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot to relax and take in the seasonal beauty. Whether you're enjoying a picnic or simply walking through the park, the serene atmosphere offers a wonderful escape.

Tatsuta Park
Fall Foliage Season: Mid-November to early December
Location: Map
Access: About a 25-minute walk from JR Yamato Line's Oji Station, or a 31-minute walk from JR Yamato Line's Horyuji Station.

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6. Tanzan Shrine

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At Tanzan Shrine, a vibrant vermilion 13-story pagoda rises amidst towering maple trees set ablaze by the changing colors of fall. Pagodas are usually found in temple precincts, but this shrine has a pagoda because in medieval times it used to be both a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, known as Tonomine.

The contrast of the shrine's striking architecture against the fiery hues of the surrounding foliage is truly mesmerizing. As you explore the grounds, each step reveals more of the natural beauty that envelops Tanzan Shrine in autumn.

The peaceful, elevated location offers spectacular panoramic views of the seasonal landscape below.

Tanzan Shrine
Fall Foliage Season: Mid-November to early December
Location: Map
Access: The nearest station is the Kintetsu or JR Sakurai Station. From Sakurai Station, take a bus (one bus per hour) for about 25 minutes. Get off at the final stop and walk for about 3 minutes. You can also take a taxi from Sakurai Station; the ride takes about 15 minutes.

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7. Hasedera Temple

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Experience a picturesque balcony that frames the fall foliage against the intricate architecture of Hasedera, a centuries-old Buddhist temple.

The view from Hasedera's balcony is a breathtaking tapestry of autumn leaves and historic charm.

Wander through the temple’s grounds, where every path is adorned with seasonal beauty. Admire the contrast between the centuries-old architecture and the brilliant foliage that enhances the temple’s serene atmosphere.

Hasedera Temple
Fall Foliage Season: Mid-November to early December
Location: Map
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Hasedera Station (Kintetsu Line).

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8. Mt Yoshino

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While often lauded for its splendor in spring, Mt. Yoshino is a spectacular autumn foliage spot that visitors must see!

In autumn, the mountain transforms into a vibrant landscape of deep reds, oranges, and yellows, stretching as far as the eye can see.

As you hike along its scenic trails, you'll encounter stunning viewpoints overlooking the colorful canopy below.

Mt. Yoshino's peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect escape for nature lovers during the fall season.

Mt. Yoshino
Fall Foliage Season: Around early November
Location: Map
Access:
- The nearest station is Yoshino Station (Kintetsu Line). You can access the mountain by Yoshinoyama Ropeway, which operates from Senbon-guchi Station (in front of Kintetsu Yoshino Station) to Yoshinoyama Station (Shimo-senbon).

- If hiking, use the Nanamagari path to reach Yoshino Shimosenbon (approximately 20 minutes uphill). There is a significant elevation difference between Yoshino Station, Yoshino Shimosenbon, and Oku Shimosenbon. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking.

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9. Mt. Odaigahara

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Take yourself to the spot considered the "roof" of the Kansai region and experience the magnificence of autumn from high above.

Mount Odaigahara offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains draped in fall colors, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of hues both above and below.

The cool, crisp air at this high altitude enhances the vibrant foliage, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience. Hiking through its misty, autumn-tinged trails offers a serene and immersive way to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.

Mt. Odaigahara
Fall Foliage Season: Mid-October to late October
Location: Map
Access: Take the Kintetsu Yoshino Line bound for Yoshino and get off at Yamato-Kamiichi Station. From there take the bus bound for Odaigahara. The end of the route is Odaigahara Visitor Center.

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10. Tomi Shrine

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Tomi Shrine is an intimate shrine nestled within the forests of Sakurai City. It makes for a perfect autumn hideaway, allowing you to put the world on pause.

The shrine’s serene atmosphere is beautifully complemented by the surrounding trees, which burst into warm hues of red and gold during the fall. Strolling through the quiet, leaf-strewn pathways offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The gentle rustling of the leaves and the soft sunlight filtering through the trees create a tranquil setting, ideal for reflection and relaxation.

Tomi Shrine
Fall Foliage Season: Early November to early December
Location: Map
Access: Walk for around 13 minutes from Sakurai Station, which is serviced by both JR and Kintetsu Railway lines.

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11. Mitarai Gorge

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Waterfalls cascading through a canopy of autumn foliage colors—what could be a more scenic natural spot in Nara?

At Mitarai Gorge, the vibrant hues of fall are mirrored in the crystal-clear waters of the river, creating a mesmerizing contrast.

As you follow the trail, the rustling of leaves and the soothing sound of flowing water enhance the serene ambiance.

Each turn reveals new vistas, with the surrounding foliage creating a breathtaking backdrop to the tranquil landscape.

Mitarai Gorge
Fall Foliage Season: Early November to mid-November
Location: Map
Access: Take the Nara Kotsu bus from Kintetsu Shimoichiguchi Station to Dogawa Onsen or Nakazanju. It's about a one-hour ride, and then get off at the Tenkawa-kawaai bus stop and walk for 40 minutes. The hike allows you to enjoy stunning scenery!

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12. Shoryakuji Temple

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A temple that boasts amazing autumn foliage and is also the birthplace of modern sake—what's not to love?

Nestled in the hills, Shoryakuji Temple offers stunning views of vibrant autumn leaves that blanket the surrounding forest.

The temple’s serene atmosphere makes it a peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst nature’s colors.

After admiring the foliage, visitors can learn about the temple’s sake-making history, adding a unique cultural touch to the experience.

Shoryakuji Temple
Fall Foliage Season: Early November to early December
Location: Map
Access: From either Kintetsu or JR Nara stations take a bus heading for the Tenri or Shimoyama; the ride takes 15 minutes; get off at the Shimoyama bus stop. Then transfer to the community bus to Maiyamachi for 7 minutes and get off at Yanagi-Chaya, followed by a 30-minute walk.

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Enjoy the Charm of Late Autumn in Nara

So whether you want to see adorable furry deer frolicking among the foliage or admire the awe-inspiring architecture of Nara blending with the spirit of autumn, Nara has something for everyone.

While this part of western Japan often plays third fiddle to its well-known neighbors, its majesty in autumn is a must for any autumn itinerary.

Main image by Pixta