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
Muroji Temple
Uda, NaraTemple🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec✦ Illumination
Overview
Overview
An ancient temple in the mountains known as “Women’s Koya,” long a place of faith for women. In autumn the maples in the grounds change color, and it holds an autumn leaves illumination, which is rare among temples and shrines in Nara Prefecture.
- Address
- 78 Muro, Uda, Nara 633-0421
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Official website
- http://www.murouji.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
Being in the mountains, the colors vary with how cold it gets
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The highlight is the combination of autumn leaves and the National Treasure five-story pagoda (16 m tall), the smallest outdoor five-story pagoda in Japan. As you climb the stone steps, you see halls dotted across the mountainside among the colored trees.
📷 Best views
Five-story pagoda
The classic composition of the small National Treasure pagoda with autumn leaves
Illumination
Illumination & night viewing
- Period
- Held during the autumn leaves season
Check Muroji Temple’s announcements for the 2026 dates
Hours
Opening hours
Visiting hours (April–November)8:30–17:00
Visiting hours (December–March)9:00–16:00
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
AdmissionAdults ¥600, children ¥400
Treasure hall ¥400 extra
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓The grounds have many stone steps, so wear comfortable walking shoes
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Muroguchi-Ono Station (Kintetsu Osaka Line)Bus bound for Muroji to Muroji, then a 5-min walk
- By car & parking
- Paid parking in front of the temple (100 regular cars)
- Getting back
- Buses are not frequent, so check the return times in advance
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Buses and parking lots get crowded on weekends at the peak
- Quieter times
- Weekday mornings
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- November normals for Nara: high 17.1°C, low 7.3°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). It is in the mountains and tends to be colder than Nara city
- What to wear & bring
- It is cold in the mountains, so bring a heavy jacket and gloves
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
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
Temple
Park
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
