JanuaryWakakusa Yamayaki
Kansai ・ Nara
Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)
Autumn Leaves · Kansai
Hasedera Temple
Sakurai, NaraTemple🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
Overview
Overview
Known as the temple of flowers, this head temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism has been celebrated for its autumn leaves since the time of the Man’yoshu. Maples color the temple buildings spread across the mountainside.
- Address
- 731-1 Hase, Sakurai, Nara 633-0112
- Time needed
- About 1.5 hours
- Official website
- https://www.hasedera.or.jp/
Area weather
NaraWeather and what to wear in Nara →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually mid-November to early December
September
October
November
December
Varies with each year’s temperatures. Check the temple news on the official website for the colors
This year’s special openings & eventsNow on
In 2026 the special opening of the National Treasure main hall, the Chrysanthemum Corridor and a special temple treasures exhibition run 10/10 (Sat)–12/6 (Sun)
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
At the top of the Noborirou, a roofed corridor of 399 stone steps (Important Cultural Property), stands the National Treasure main hall. The autumn leaves around the main hall’s stage and the five-story pagoda are highlights.
📷 Best views
Main hall stage
A stage jutting out from the National Treasure main hall, overlooking autumn leaves on the mountainside
Five-story pagoda
A photo spot where you can frame the pagoda with autumn leaves
Noborirou
A roofed stairway of 399 stone steps. Enjoy the views as you climb from the bottom to the main hall
Hours
Opening hours
Visiting hours (October–November)9:00–17:00
Visiting hours (December)9:00–16:30
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
AdmissionAdults and junior high/high school students ¥500, elementary school students ¥250
Special openings charged separately
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The Noborirou has 399 steps, so wear comfortable walking shoes
- ✓In 2026 the special opening of the main hall coincides with the autumn leaves season, so you can see both
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Hasedera Station (Kintetsu Osaka Line)About 15 min walkFrom the station, walk up a slope and along the approach through the temple town
- By car & parking
- Paid parking in front of the temple (70 spaces)
- Getting back
- You can also take a Nara Kotsu bus from Sakurai Station to the temple town, then walk about 10 min
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The approach and parking lots get crowded on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekdays, right after opening
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Nara: high 17.1°C, low 7.3°C (Japan Meteorological Agency)
- What to wear & bring
- It is in the mountains and cold in the mornings and evenings, so bring a jacket you can layer
Rules
Photography & visitor rules
- !Tripods and monopods are not allowed anywhere in the grounds
- !Drone photography is restricted
Facilities
Facilities
- Toilets
- Available in the grounds
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Hasedera TemplePR
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Nara
January
MarchShuni-e (Omizutori) at Todai-ji Nigatsu-do
Kansai ・ Nara
Every year, March 1–14 (Otaimatsu nightly around 19:00; 19:30 on the 12th, 18:30 on the 14th)
2027 (the 1,276th): Mar 1 – Mar 14
October–NovemberAnnual Exhibition of Shōsōin Treasures
Kansai ・ Nara
Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)
2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition
DecemberKasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival
Kansai ・ Nara
Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)
2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)
Autumn Leaves
Autumn Leaves in Kansai
Park🍁 Typical peak
Temple
Temple
Park
Shrine
Temple
Temple
TempleHogon-in Temple (Arashiyama)
Kansai ・ Arashiyama, Kyoto
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Late Nov
✦ IlluminationNow on
Temple
Temple
Temple
ShrineKitano Tenmangu Shrine Momiji-en
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
✦ Illumination
Temple
Park
Temple
Shrine
TemplePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Colors and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-05
