5 Spots in the Old City of Nara to View Autumn Leaves

1. Mt. Yoshino

Over 30,000 cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the spring, as Mt. Yoshino is known as as one of the best viewing spots in the country. Once the right season hits, this spot transforms into a beautiful and vivid spectacle with its autumn leaves. Aside from cherry blossoms, you may also view the maple leaves as they transcend in color from the mountain top to the base.
It would be a good idea to try out the resting spot at the Mt. Takagi observatory as well as the Yoshimizu Shrine to be able to have a view of the autumn leaves spread out beneath you. You will also find many souvenir shops in the vicinity.

Time for Viewing: Late October to Late November

2. Murou-ji

This temple stands at the upper stream of the Murou River near the border of Nara and Mie. You will find distinct architecture within the vicinity as well as the contrast of the maple and ginkgo tree leaves once fall comes in. The walk from the Taiko Bridge to the five story pagoda is especially beautiful and is a recommended viewing spot. You may also experience evening lighting events in the area once the autumn leaf season hits. (Schedule for 2017 still undecided)

Time for Viewing: Mid-November to Early December
Viewing Fee: 600 JPY for Adults, 400 JPY for Children

3. Nara Park

Nara Park is representative of the prefecture and is a designated site of scenic beauty in the country. This park is famous for the wild deer that roam around. The whole area measures to about 5,020,000 square meters. This park is located next to shrines, temples, and other cultural facilities, like Todaiji Temple and Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, the Nara national museum, and the Shosoin Warehouse. Here you may witness greenery as well as a vibrant contrast in autumn, where the cherry blossoms turn into beautiful colors.

Time for Viewing: Early November to Early December

4. Tatsutagawa River

People from long ago have sung about the beauty of the autumn leaves at this area. This vicinity of this river that stretches to 2km is designated as a prefectural park. It is recommended to take a walk along the path whilst gazing upon the autumn leaves. The people of Nara hold an autumn leaf festival at the end of November of each year, where you can enjoy the beautiful view along with the flea market and tea ceremonies. (Schedule for 2017 is undecided)

Time for Viewing: Mid November to Late November

5. Hasedera

This is a famous Buddhist temple located at the bottom of Mt. Hase with the riverside alongside it being famous as a viewing spot for autumn leaves. The flowers here by the season as well as the autumn leaves provide such a spectacular sight that Hasedera has long been called the "flower temple." It is especially worth seeing the five story pagoda as well as the vicinity surrounded by the leaves from the outside platform of the main hall, which is designated as a national treasure. Each year, they hold an autumn leaf festival from the end of October to the start of December. (Schedule for 2017 is undecided)

Time for Viewing: Mid November to Early December
Fee to Enter Mountain: 500 JPY for Middle School Students and above, 250 JPY for Elementary School Students

Please visit areas in the Japanese autumn where you can view the bright leaves during the season.