How to spend your time Aotani Yoshinara
Aotaniyoshi, autumn in Nara
Autumn in Nara, with its vibrant colors.
Autumn in Nara is bustling with school trip groups from all over the country, and news of the changing leaves is arriving.
This is a time full of highlights, with national treasures being specially exhibited.
Once a year, the most precious treasures are unveiled.
Shōsōin Exhibition
The Shōsōin Treasure House originated when Empress Kōmyō deposited Emperor Shōmu's belongings at Tōdai-ji Temple. The Shōsōin Exhibition features approximately 60 of the roughly 9,000 treasures representing the Nara period. This exhibition, which allows visitors to encounter these treasures once a year, transcending Yukyu of time, captivates many history enthusiasts.
[Period] Late October to early November
[Venue] Nara National Museum New Building and New Building
[Access] Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the hotel.
For details such as dates, opening hours, admission fees, and exhibit list, please check the Nara National Museum website as soon as the event is officially announced.
https://www.narahaku.go.jp/index.html
The ancient capital is bathed in elegant beauty.
Late autumn foliage
Nara, with its abundant forests and mountains, boasts numerous spots famous for their autumn foliage.
Here are some spots that add color to the city in late autumn.
Best time to see the autumn leaves
In mountainous areas and at higher elevations, the leaves begin to change color around mid-October. In flat areas such as Nara Park, the best time to see the leaves is usually from mid-November to early December.
Nara Park
A dazzling display of green and red. Near Ukimido, the water's surface is ablaze with color, creating a fantastical landscape.
[Beginning to change color] Late October
[Best time to see] Early November to early December
[Access] Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Shōryaku-ji Temple
The sight of over 3,000 maple trees changing color is
It is called "Nishiki no Sato" (Village of Brocade).
[Beginning to change color] Early November
[Best time to see] Mid-November to early December
[Access] Approximately 25 minutes by car from the hotel.
*A parking fee of 500 yen will be charged only from early November to early December.
Women's Koya Murōji Temple
The autumn foliage around the main hall and Yoroi-zaka slope is particularly spectacular.
During peak season, the autumn leaves are illuminated at night.
[Beginning to change color] Late October
[Best time to see] Early November to early December
[Access] Approximately 90 minutes by car from the hotel.
Mount Yoshino
Mount Yoshino is famous for its 30,000 cherry trees.
The sight of the entire mountain covered in autumn foliage is breathtaking.
[Beginning of color change] Mid-October
[Best time to see] Mid-November to early December
[Access] Approximately 90 minutes by car from the hotel.
Traditional events designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties
Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival / Wakamiya Shrine
The annual festival of Wakamiya Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
This is a traditional event that has been preserved and passed down without interruption since the late Heian period.
[Period] 12/15-18
[Venue] Wakamiya Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine
[Access] Approximately 30 minutes on foot from the hotel.
Please check the official Kasuga Taisha website for event times.
https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/onmatsuri/
October/November/December Event Schedule
Autumn long-term event
Late October to early November: Shosoin Exhibition / Nara National Museum
October
| Day 1 | Festival dance and music at Himuro Shrine |
|---|---|
| 3-5 days | Komyō Shingon Sand Consecration Ceremony / Saidaiji Temple |
| 5th | Tengai-e / Tamukeyama Hachimangu Shrine |
| 8th | Okina-mai (Old Man Dance) / Narazuhiko Shrine |
| 8th | Emperor Tenmu Memorial Service and Lantern Festival / Yakushiji Temple |
| 9th | Autumn Grand Tea Ceremony / Saidaiji Temple |
| 10-12 days | Deer antler cutting / Deer park |
| 15th | Autumn Festival for the Great Buddha / Todai-ji Temple Great Buddha Hall |
| 21st-23rd | Shakyamunibutsukai/Toshodaiji Temple |
November
| 3 days | Meiji Festival/Culture Day Manyo Gagaku Association/Kasuga Taisha Shrine |
|---|---|
| 13th | Jionkai / Kofuku-ji Temple |
| 23rd | Niiname-sai Festival / Kasuga Grand Shrine |
December
| 14th | Buddhist Name Ceremony / Todai-ji Temple, Nigatsu-do Hall |
|---|---|
| 15th | Body Cleansing / Toshodai-ji Temple |
| 15th-18th | Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival / Kasuga Grand Shrine |
| 22nd | Winter Solstice Festival (Prayer for Protection Against Stroke) / Shoryaku-ji Temple |
| 29th | Body cleansing / Yakushiji Temple |
| 31st | Great Purification Ceremony / Kasuga Grand Shrine |
Deer antler cutting / Deer park
This traditional event began in the early Edo period to prevent danger and protect trees. It is a magnificent ceremony in which people called "seko" catch antlered deer, and a Shinto priest cuts off their antlers.
Emperor Tenmu Memorial Service and Lantern Festival / Yakushiji Temple
This event involves lighting approximately 1,000 lanterns to commemorate Emperor Tenmu, who initiated the construction of Yakushi-ji Temple. You can enjoy the fantastical scenery illuminated by the lanterns.
Meiji Festival/Culture Day Manyo Gagaku Association/Kasuga Taisha Shrine
This festival, held on Culture Day, celebrates the achievements of Emperor Meiji and prays for the nation's development. In the afternoon, various "Bugaku" (court dance and music) performances will be offered on the floating stage within the Manyo Botanical Garden.
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