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
Nara Park
NaraPark🍁 Typical peak: Late Oct – Early Dec
Overview
Overview
A vast park surrounded by Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple, where the appeal is enjoying deer and autumn leaves together. Colors appear all over the park, and the peak lasts a long time, from late October to early December.
- Address
- Kasugano-cho and surrounding area, Nara, Nara 630-8212
- Time needed
- About 2–3 hours
- Official website
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/narapark
Area weather
NaraWeather and what to wear in Nara →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
PRKlookNara Afternoon Tour (from Kyoto/Osaka)Half-day coach tour from Kyoto or Osaka with a licensed English-speaking guide to Todai-ji, Nara Park with its deer, and Kasuga TaishaView on Klook- PRKlookNara Park & Kinkaku-ji Heritage Tour with Tea Ceremony (from Kyoto)Bus tour from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit with an English-speaking guide to Kasuga Taisha, Todai-ji and Nara Park, and Kinkaku-ji, plus a tea ceremony in a machiya. Lunch and admissions includedView on Klook
- PRKlookKyoto & Nara Small-Group Day Tour (from Osaka/Kyoto)Small-group day trip by van from Osaka or Kyoto to Kiyomizu-dera and its old streets, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nara Park. Optional hotel pickup in OsakaView on Klook
Peak Time
When to See the Leaves
Typical peakUsually late October to early December
September
October
November
December
The timing of the colors differs by location and type of tree
🍁 These spots are in their typical peak period. Actual colors shift with each year’s temperatures, so check the official foliage updates too.
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
Autumn leaves can be seen all around the park, and you can enjoy leaf-viewing as you walk the riverside paths and the Kasugayama walking trail. The view from Mt. Wakakusa is also recommended.
📷 Best views
Kasugayama walking trail
A trail through primeval forest. Enjoy the autumn leaves as you walk
Mt. Wakakusa
A hill overlooking the city of Nara and the park. Its view in the autumn leaves season is recommended
Hours
Opening hours
ParkOpen 24 hours
Temples, shrines and facilities each have their own visiting hours
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Park entryFree
Temple and shrine admission, entry to Mt. Wakakusa and so on are charged separately
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Deer will gather around you if you have deer crackers, so take special care if you have children with you
- ✓Autumn is the mating season for male deer, so keep your distance from antlered deer when taking photos
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Kintetsu Nara StationAbout 5 min walk
- JR Nara StationAbout 20 min walkThe Gurutto Bus Nara Park route is also available
- By car & parking
- Prefectural parking lots available (paid)
- Getting back
- You can also take a bus to JR Nara Station
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- On weekends in the autumn leaves season, the area from Kintetsu Nara Station to around Todaiji Temple gets crowded
- 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)
- What to wear & bring
- Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring a coat, light down jacket or other layer
Rules
Photography & visitor rules
- !Deer crackers (shika senbei) are the only thing you may feed the deer
- !Do not carelessly approach male deer during the mating season
Facilities
Facilities
- Toilets
- Available throughout the park
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Nara ParkPR
PR9.3天然温泉 吉野桜の湯 御宿野乃奈良
★★★★Check rates on Agoda6,300 reviews2.1 km from center
PR8.6ホテル日航奈良
★★★★Check rates on Agoda6,661 reviews2.3 km from center
PR9.0ピアッツァホテル 奈良
★★★★Check rates on Agoda3,570 reviews2.4 km from center
PR8.8天然温泉 若草の湯 ダイワロイネットホテル奈良
★★★★Check rates on Agoda3,957 reviews2.4 km from center
PR9.1スーパーホテルPremier JR奈良駅
★★★Check rates on Agoda2,948 reviews2.2 km from center
PR8.2スマイルホテル奈良
★★★Check rates on Agoda5,882 reviews2.3 km from center
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
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
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