Three must-see spots in Nara during autumn! Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Nara Park

#September Good Places 2025

When it comes to ancient Japanese cities, Nara must be the Top 3 on your “check-in” list! Nara is known as the birthplace of Japanese culture, especially in autumn to correct! Red and yellow maple leaves cover the entire Nara Park, and the antique temples and shrines teach people to fall in love with this historical capital involuntarily. This trip mainly lists the three must-see attractions in Nara: Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine - while feeling the natural beauty and profound cultural heritage, whether you like maple viewing or taking pictures of cultural heritage, it's perfect for you!

Nara itinerary attractions inventory recommendation

1️⃣ Nara Park
📍Address: Nara, Japan
⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day year round
Come to Nara Park in autumn, first feel the unique romance of maple leaves, plus the free roaming deer herd, the picture is super healing! It is recommended to arrive in the morning, avoid the crowds and can enjoy the purest autumn sunshine. There are many corner benches around, you can sit down and interact with the deer and take pictures when you are tired. Remember not to feed too much deer cake, otherwise you will be surrounded by a large herd of deer 🤣

2️⃣ Todaiji Temple
📍Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8587 Japan
⏰ Opening Hours:
April 1st - October 31st 07:30-17:30
November 1st – March 31st 08:00-17:00
As a representative temple in Nara, Todaiji Temple, in addition to the world's largest wooden Buddhist temple, the main Buddha "Lushena Buddha" is super shocking! In autumn, the maple leaves outside the temple turn red, creating a beautiful contrast with the mossy stone walls. It is highly recommended to step into the temple to worship and feel the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient temple. In addition, there are several snack shops next to Todaiji Temple selling persimmon leaf sushi, which is very refreshing.

3️⃣ Kasuga Taisha Shrine
📍Address: 160 Kasuganocho, Nara, 630-8212 Japan
⏰ Opening Hours:
March 1st - October 31st 06:30-17:30
November 1st – February 28th 07:00-17:00
Kasuga Taisha and Nara Park are in the same area and within walking distance. The most outstanding ones are the thousand stone lanterns and the orange-red shrine, which are very photogenic! The maple trees on both sides of the entrance to the shrine in autumn are in full bloom, and the whole shrine has a Japanese ancient rhyme. Also see: Kasuga Ninai Jaya inside Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where you can sit down and have a cup of matcha, the recommended Wagashi set is both authentic and comforting.

Transportation & Food Tips
From Osaka, take the JR Yamato route directly to Nara Station, change buses or walk to the Nara Park area. Flats + hat are recommended, slightly cool in autumn but the sun is quite strong during the day. If you are not in a hurry, you can find the ancient street of Naracho to stroll. Near the park, there are famous persimmon leaf sushi and Nara ginseng matcha desserts.
Maple viewing tips: The most beautiful maple leaf season is around mid-November to early December, itinerary planning is best in these two weeks. A thousand years old capital + autumn leaves, no matter how you take pictures!

The three major attractions in Nara, whether maple viewing, feeling the history or interacting with the deer, are wonderful experiences not to be missed. A trip to the ancient cultural capital of autumn, a great value recommendation!

#Nara MapleSighting #Todaiji Temple #Kasuga Taisha Shrine #NaraPark #Ancient Japanese Capital