6 Best Autumn Foliage Spots in Nara Accessible by Kintetsu Train from Osaka

• Table of Contents
• Just 35 Minutes by Train from Osaka Namba: Top Autumn Foliage Spot for a Day Trip
• 1. Nara Park: Deer and Enchanting Autumn Colors 
• 2. Shoryakuji Temple: A Scenic Fall Foliage Spot in Nature
• 3. Hasedera: The Iconic Japanese Landscape with Five-Story Pagoda
• 4. Tanzan Shrine: Daytime Autumn Colors to Evening Light-ups 
• 5. Takatori Castle Ruins: Hike Through Stunning Red Leaves 
• 6. Mount Yoshino: Spectacular Night Illuminations
• Enjoy Japan's Autumn Foliage with Kintetsu 

Just 35 Minutes by Train from Osaka Namba: Top Autumn Foliage Spot for a Day Trip

By taking the Kintetsu Railway, you can travel from Osaka Namba to Kintetsu Nara in about 35 minutes without transferring. From there, many famous autumn foliage spots in the surrounding areas are easily accessible using Kintetsu Railway and local buses. This year, consider visiting Nara instead of the more crowded Kyoto, and enjoy the autumn leaves at a more relaxed pace.

The Kintetsu Rail Pass offers a convenient and cost-effective way to travel on Kintetsu trains. There are 4 types available: 1-Day, 2-Day, 5-Day, and 5-Day Plus passes. Each pass differs in the areas it covers and its price, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your travel plans.

Check Kintetsu Rail Pass Details

1. Nara Park: Deer and Enchanting Autumn Colors 

Nara Park, a must-visit destination in Nara, is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season. The colorful leaves enhance the iconic sight of deer leisurely grazing throughout the park. This seasonal combination of autumn colors and deer can only be seen at this time of year, making it a unique experience. Since the park can get crowded during peak autumn, it is best to visit early in the morning. The crisp autumn air adds to the enjoyment, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery.

Access: About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line

Best time to see the flowers: late October to early December

Nara Park

〒630-8212 Kasuganocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

Nara Park is a representative tourist spot in Nara, with approximately 1,300 deer living in its vast grounds. Historical buildings such as Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine are dotted around the park, and you can enjoy the scenery throughout the seasons. It is an attractive spot for interacting with the deer and enjoying the beautiful nature.

Evenings and nights are also worth visiting. While Nara Park itself does not have autumn leaf illuminations, nearby Kasuga Taisha, a World Heritage site, offers special nighttime events. On November 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2025, you can see the main hall— a national treasure—lit for special worship. Additionally, the Mantoro Festival features 1,000 hanging lanterns along the shrine corridors, illuminated with purifying fire. No reservations are required for these events, but be sure to check the dates and times before your visit.

Learn more about Kasuga Taisha

2. Shoryakuji Temple: A Scenic Fall Foliage Spot in Nature

Shoryakuji Temple is home to over 3,000 maple trees, which gradually change color during the autumn foliage season. The blend of green trees with vibrant red maple leaves has long been celebrated as Kinshu no Sato (“Season of Nishiki”). From autumn into winter, more than 1,000 nandina plants line the temple approach, their bright red berries adding to the seasonal scenery. The combination of colorful maple leaves and nandina berries creates a truly breathtaking view.

Best time to see: Mid-November to early December

Access: Get off at Nara Nara Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line and take a taxi for approximately 25 minutes. *Special buses will run from Kintetsu Nara Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from November 22nd to December 7th, 2025 (620 yen).

Check the Bus Timetable

The first building you encounter at Shoryakuji Temple, Fukujuin Temple, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can enjoy the temple’s borrowed scenery garden, which offers a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape. The autumn leaves seen from Fukujuin Temple add an extra layer of beauty, making it a highly recommended spot during the foliage season.

3. Hasedera: The Iconic Japanese Landscape with Five-Story Pagoda

Climb the 399 steps to the main hall. From the stage, you can see a magnificent picture scroll of autumn leaves. If you look to your right, you can see the elegant five-story pagoda between the beautifully dressed trees and the mountains.

Best time to see: Mid-November to early December

Access: About 15 minutes walk from Hasedera Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line

(Photo left: Main hall, right: Five-story pagoda)

Hase-dera

731-1 Hase, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture 633-0112

Hasedera Temple is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhism Toyoyama sect and is known as the "Temple of Flowers." Flowers bloom in every season, and the area is especially famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall. The view from the stage of the main hall is also spectacular.

4. Tanzan Shrine: Daytime Autumn Colors to Evening Light-ups 

There are many important cultural properties within the grounds of Tanzan Shrine. In particular, the thirteen- Mie pagoda and the main hall of Tanzan Shrine look even more beautiful during the autumn foliage season. In 2025, the Autumn Leaves Festival will be held from Wednesday, October 1st to Sunday, December 7th. The entire grounds will be colored with vibrant autumn leaves, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the historic shrine and the Mie pagoda. The autumn leaves will also be lit up at night only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from Friday, November 14th to Sunday, December 7th. The illuminations will be on from sunset until 8:30 PM (last admission at 8:00 PM), so be sure to visit.

Best time to see: Mid-November to early December

Access: Get off at Sakurai Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line, then take a local bus for about 25 minutes.

5. Takatori Castle Ruins: Hike Through Stunning Red Leaves 

Takatori Castle Ruins is perfect for hiking amid autumn foliage. Its stone walls, part of Japan’s 100 famous castles, are beautifully framed by fall colors. From Tsubosakayama Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, the hiking course is about 4.5 km (roughly two hours). As a mountain castle, it is not accessible by car, but the summit at 583.6 m offers expansive views over the ruins. Wear appropriate hiking gear, including sneakers and long sleeves, and plan your visit carefully—sunset comes early on the mountain.

● Best time to see the flowers: late November to early December

●Access: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours walk from Tsubosakayama Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Yoshino

6. Mount Yoshino: Spectacular Night Illuminations

Mount Yoshino, famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, is lit up during the autumn foliage season, creating a view that will make you want to take photos. In 2025, Mount Yoshino will be lit up from 4:30pm to 10pm from Friday, October 24th to Sunday, November 30th. During this period, the area will be lit up on both weekdays and weekends. The places we have introduced so far are only lit up on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so if you are planning to visit on a weekday, we recommend Mount Yoshino.

Best time to see: mid-October to late November

●Access: Get off at Yoshino Station on the Yoshino

Enjoy Japan's Autumn Foliage with Kintetsu 

Nara has many famous autumn foliage spots! It's also close to Osaka and Kyoto, so be sure to take a trip there.

If you are planning to visit Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara, the Kintetsu Rail Pass 2-day is very convenient for foreign visitors to Japan.

Purchase"Kintetsu Rail Pass" and Visit Nara