Best Time to Visit Nara

Mid-April to May and October to November are the best time to visit Nara because of the favorable weather. It is warm in mid-April and May and very cool in October and November. As for rainfall, these 4 months are not affected by the rainy season and typhoon season. As a result, there are not too many rainy days during the periods.

Most importantly, the scenery is beautiful in these periods. For example, from April to May, various flowers bloom and trees rebirth from the coldness of winter in Nara Park, creating a lush green environment; from October to November, Nara comes into autumn, and ginkgo leaves and maple leaves gradually change colors, turning Nara Park into a world of red and yellow colors.

Nara in October

Best Time to Appreciate Cherry Blossom in Nara

Generally, cherry blossoms in most areas of Nara begin to bloom in late March, but it is not until early April that the flowers fully bloom – the best appreciation time. However, in some places like Nara Park, the blossom period of Sakura trees is long to early May, which means you can still watch these beautiful flowers if you come here in early May.

Blooming Sakura in Nara Park

Nara Red Leaves Peak Season

The peak season of red leaves in Nara lasts from late November to early December. Specifically, the leaves near Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple usually turn completely red around November 20th each year, while in the Yoshino area, it does in December.

Red Leaves in Nara

When is Nara’s Travel Peak Season?

The travel peak season in Nara includes:
(1) cherry blossom season from late March to early May, 
(2) summer vacation from July to August, 
(3) red leaves season from late November to early December, 
(4) New Year's holiday from late December to early January.
In addition, Japan's Golden Week from late April to early May and the Obon Festival in mid-August are also the travel rush hour in Nara.

If you travel to Nara during the peak season, you may encounter the following problems: 

(1) there are many tourists in Nara’s major scenic spots, contributing a comparatively poor traveling experience;

(2) the cost of staying hotels is much higher than in the off-season, which is not very friendly for tourists with limited budgets; 

(3) it is more difficult to reserve your desired hotel in peak season if you don’t make reservation in advance; 

(4) the train tickets to Nara are also hard to buy because of more tourists coming here.

Tips

If you persist coming here during the peak season, to avoid the above problems, here are some advice: 

(1) avoid coming here on weekends, Golden Week, and Obon Festival; 

(2) reserve a hotel and buy train tickets to Nara at least 3 months and 1 month separately and do not buy tickets just before departure.

When is the Cheapest Time to Travel to Nara?

The cheapest time to travel to Nara is the off-season, including the period after January’s New Year holiday and before March’s Sakura season, May after the Golden Week, June, September-October, and November before red leaf season starts.

However, traveling to Nara in the off-season tourism also has drawbacks. For example, it is a little cold from January to March, and hot and rainy in June.

Therefore, if you plan to go to Nara during the off-season and your budget is limited, May after the Golden Week, September and October, and November before the foliage season are more recommended for the climate and scenery are bearable.

When is the Best Time to Watch Nara’s Deer?

June to August is the best time to go to see Nara deer for their beautiful appearance. During the 3 months, the deer's molting period already ends and their previously thick gray fur gradually turns into light brown color with white spots, making them look very cute.