3 colored leaves areas in Nara, from the remote to the popular. What’re the attractions for each?

When you visit Nara in the fall, you cannot miss beautiful colored leaves spots. This page shows 3 different areas and each attraction you’ll see the beautiful scenery. Do you choose the popular area or the remote, yet quiet and relaxing area?

1. Nara park area (奈良公園)

This is the most popular sightseeing area in Nara throughｍ the year, thanks to famous temples and cute deer! Actually, there are a lot of trees here with colored leaves. The must-visit spots are Todaiji temple, Kasuga-Taisha shrine, Kofukuji Temple and Nara Park.

Todaiji (東大寺) is well-known for the big Buddha statue, Kasuga-Taisha (春日大社) has a solemn and beautiful approach, Kofukuji has an iconic statue registered as a national treasure and Nara park is full of deer. It is worth visiting this area as it is covered with colored leaves, though you’ve visited this area already.

Access:
JR or Kintetsu Nara (奈良) station

2. Asuka village area (明日香村)

This is one of the biggest ancient tomb areas in Japan. Some say they were built about 1400 years ago.
You’ll have a quiet time there because it is not the central Nara area and not so well-known. Actually, there are few buildings except for nature and tombs. When you want to have a stroll seeing colored leaves without any crowds, this would be your choice.

Access:
JR Okadera (岡寺) or Asuka (飛鳥) station

3. Mitarai valley area (みたらい渓谷)

This is a remote area and doesn’t have good access. Therefore, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty of fall leaves. It’s highly recommended to go there if you can drive. Waterfalls and lumpy rocks in the valley give you the spectacular scenery you cannot see in a city. You can visit both Asuka village and Mitarai valley on the same day because Asuka village is between the central Nara and Mitarai valley area.

Access:
Tenkawakawaai (天川川合) bus stop via Kintetsu Shimoichiguuchi (下市口) station

Mount Yoshino is the must-visit in spring

Near Asuka village and Mitarai valley, there is Mount Yoshino (吉野山). The scenery of the pink-covered mountain is a highlight of spring in Japan. Don’t miss this spot, too!