Nara Park Autumn Leaves 2026
Last updated: July 28, 2026. Typical viewing times and details below are compiled from official park, temple, city and tourism-association websites (linked at the end of this page). The dates of annual night light-ups are set each year — check the official site before you travel.
A vast open park where free-roaming deer wander among cherry, maple and ginkgo trees, giving Nara's ancient temples and grasslands a photogenic autumn setting over an unusually long season.
Key Facts
| Typical peak | Late October to early December |
|---|---|
| Best months | October–December |
| Location | Nara, Nara |
| Nearest station | Kintetsu Nara Station (about 5 minutes on foot) |
| Admission | Free (the park itself has no admission fee; individual temples and shrines within it may charge separately). |
| Night light-up | No autumn night light-up |
| Official site | https://yamatoji.nara-kankou.or.jp/013kouyo/narakoen/0000000008/ |
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Highlights
- Deer grazing among crimson maples and golden ginkgo across the park's lawns
- Riverside promenades and the Kasugayama walking path lined with autumn colour
- Sweeping views over the coloured park from the slopes of Mount Wakakusa
Where to See the Autumn Leaves
Kasugayama Promenade (Free)
A wooded walking path on the park's eastern edge where maples and mixed forest turn vivid, offering a quieter foliage stroll.
On foot from the park's eastern side, reached via the paths behind Kasuga Taisha.
Mount Wakakusa (Free)
A grassy hill above the park giving a panoramic outlook over Nara's autumn colours and the city beyond.
About a 15-20 minute walk uphill from the central park area.
Getting There
About a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or about a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Crowd & Timing Tips
- The long peak window (late October to early December) spreads visitors out, but weekends around mid-November are busiest near Todai-ji.
- Come early in the day for the best light on the deer-and-maple scenes before tour groups arrive.
About Nara Park
Nara Park surrounds some of Japan's most important ancient temples and shrines, including Todai-ji and Kasuga Taisha, and is famous for its protected wild sika deer.
See more autumn-leaf spots: Kansai Autumn Leaves 2026 · Japan Autumn Leaves Guide 2026