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
Tanzan Shrine
Sakurai, NaraShrine🍁 Typical peak: Mid Nov – Early Dec
Overview
Overview
A shrine in the mountains of Tonomine dedicated to Fujiwara no Kamatari, a key figure in the Taika Reform. Known for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, in autumn its maples color the vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings and pagoda throughout the grounds.
- Address
- 319 Tonomine, Sakurai, Nara 633-0032
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Official website
- https://www.tanzan.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 changes in temperature
This year’s special openings & events
In 2026 the special treasures exhibition Kamatari and the Sword: Prayers of the Warrior runs 11/1 (Sun)–12/20 (Sun)
Peak times are typical guides. The timing shifts with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The main highlight is the combination of autumn leaves and the thirteen-story pagoda (Important Cultural Property), the only surviving wooden thirteen-story pagoda in the world. As you walk around the mountain grounds, you can also enjoy the colors around the vermilion main sanctuary and Gonden hall.
📷 Best views
Thirteen-story pagoda
The world’s only wooden thirteen-story pagoda. Its contrast with the surrounding maples is the classic composition
Around the main sanctuary
A colorful view of vermilion shrine buildings overlapping with the autumn leaves
Hours
Opening hours
Visiting hours8:30–16:30
Entry until 16:00
Hours can change by season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
AdmissionAdults ¥700, elementary school students ¥300, preschoolers free
¥350 with a disability certificate (same rate for one caregiver)
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓Buses are infrequent, so check the return times before leaving Sakurai Station
- ✓The grounds are on a mountainside with many stairs, so wear comfortable walking shoes
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Sakurai Station (JR, Kintetsu)About 25 min by bus from the South Exit; get off at the last stopBuses run once an hour, ¥500 one way
- By car & parking
- Parking around the grounds. In November, No. 5 Parking ¥1,000, No. 1 Parking ¥500
- Getting back
- Return buses run once an hour, so check the timetable before your visit
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 a heavy jacket and gloves are a good idea
Facilities
Facilities
- Toilets
- Available in the grounds
- Accessibility
- Priority parking for people with disabilities and older visitors at the West Entrance
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
Temple
Park
Temple
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
