The ancient city of Nara rivals Kyoto in its number of famous autumn foliage attractions. In 2022, Nara will see its fall leaves – known as momiji in Japanese – changing color from late November to early December.
As a result, you can enjoy the spectacular Nara momiji at the many historic shrines and temples, at Nara Park, or at Mount Yoshino (also well-known for its cherry blossoms).
Plus, during Nara's foliage season, many places have various events, special viewing admissions, and events at night where the momiji are lit up.
While there are many places to see autumn leaves in Nara, this article will introduce five of our most recommended spots.
1. Nara Park: Enjoy autumn leaves together with deer
Photo credit by: Nara City Tourist Association
Nara Park is a nature park that spans the eastern side of Nara City, for a total of 4 km east to west and 2 km north to south.
Deer frolic in the grass, and within the park are several shrines and temples, including Kasuga Grand Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and <@Todai-ji Temple|a=article:a2000163>.
The park is also the site of Nara National Museum's "Shoso-in Treasures Exhibition," open from late October through early November.
The autumn foliage and views in Nara Park are especially vibrant, contrasting the green evergreen trees against the red leaves. While the exhibition is running, the number of visitors to Nara hoping to see both the exhibition and the momiji surges even more.
Todai-ji Temple
Recommended Especially for Photography Lovers
The autumn foliage of Todai-ji Temple is awe-inspiring. You can see beautiful autumn leaves in every part of the expansive temple grounds. The contrast of the Daibutsuden pagoda against the foliage as viewed from across Daibutsu Lake is a special view that can only be seen in Nara in Autumn.
The ability to enjoy seeing deer and maple trees while you gaze at the temples through the trees is also unique to the park. If you want to get a shot of the deer underneath red and yellow maple and ginkgo trees, try going to Tobihino or Kasuga Grand Shrine.
Popular among photography lovers is the park's hexagonal Ukimi-do Hall in the middle of Sagi Lake. Ukimi-do Hall is lit up every day from sunset until 10:00 PM.
Nara Park
The area covering Kasugano-cho, Zoshin-cho, Takabatake-cho, and Noborioji-cho in Nara, Nara
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2. Isuien Garden: Appreciate the autumn foliage and views in two Nara gardens
Isuien Garden is a famous scenic spot found between Nara's two most famous large temples, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji. The garden has two sections, the front garden created in the early Edo period and the rear garden constructed in the Meiji period, both in the style of a path surrounding a pond.
Enjoying the changes as you walk…
