【Departing from Osaka】Nara Autumn Foliage Day Tour | Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Tsubosaka-dera Temple, World Heritage Mount Yoshino Autumn Leaves & Fruit Picking (Autumn Exclusive)
- Itineraries are arranged based on the departure season, featuring cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage spots in autumn.
- Stroll through Nara Park, enjoy the historic atmosphere of Todai-ji Temple, and interact with the adorable deer.
- Visit the hidden autumn foliage gem, Tsubosaka-dera Temple, and experience the magnificent scenery where the giant Buddha meets the red maples.
- Head to the World Heritage site Mount Yoshino to admire the stunning views of the mountain ranges painted in autumn colors.
- Pick seasonal oranges and enjoy the fun of fruit picking in Japan during autumn and winter.
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 15 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
- Attraction Introduction -
- Nara Park
Nara Park is the most iconic tourist attraction in Nara. The vast park is home to over a thousand adorable sika deer that roam freely and interact with visitors. The surrounding area is also a hub for world-class historical and cultural sites such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Kofuku-ji Temple, all exuding a rich atmosphere of an ancient capital. When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring, the soft pink flowers and the leisurely strolling deer create a picturesque scene, showcasing the most representative spring landscape of Nara. In autumn, the maple and ginkgo leaves weave together into vibrant colors, with fiery red maples, ancient temples, and sika deer painting a charming autumn scene of the ancient capital, offering different charms throughout the four seasons.
★Best time for cherry blossom viewing: Late March to early April
★Best time for autumn foliage viewing: Mid-November to early December
- Todai-ji Temple
Nara's most representative World Cultural Heritage site and one of the largest wooden structures in Japan, it houses the 15-meter-tall Great Buddha of Nara, showcasing a thousand years of history and solemn grandeur. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the Great Buddha Hall, where the ancient temple and pink flowers complement each other, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere. In autumn, red maples and golden ginkgo leaves adorn the Mirror Pond, Nigatsu-do Hall, and the surroundings of the Great Buddha Hall, presenting a classic landscape where historical temples and natural beauty blend.
★Best time for cherry blossom viewing: Late March to early April
★Best time for autumn foliage viewing: Mid-November to early December
- Tsubosaka-dera Temple
With a history spanning over 1,300 years, Tsubosaka-dera Temple is one of Nara's famous ancient temples, renowned for prayers for eye health and its giant stone Buddha statues. The temple is nestled on a hillside, surrounded by mountains, offering distinct scenery throughout the seasons. When cherry blossoms bloom in spring, the temple grounds are dyed in soft pink, which, combined with the ancient temple and stone Buddha statues, exudes a solemn yet gentle spring atmosphere. In autumn, it is surrounded by layers of fiery red maple leaves, with the vermilion three-storied pagoda, stone steps, and ancient temple architecture set against the colorful foliage, making it one of Nara's most iconic hidden spots for autumn foliage viewing.
★Best time for cherry blossom viewing: Late March to early April
★Best time for autumn foliage viewing: Mid-November to late November
- Mount Yoshino (Autumn Exclusive)
Mount Yoshino is a famous World Cultural Heritage site in Japan. It has been a sacred place for Shugendo since ancient times and is famous throughout Japan for its 'thousand cherry trees' in spring. In autumn, the entire mountain forest changes into fiery red and golden colors. From the Shimo Senbon (lower), Naka Senbon (middle), to Kami Senbon (upper) areas, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of layered mountains dyed in red. Stroll along the ancient pilgrimage paths to admire the beautiful scenery woven by ancient temples, shrines, and mountain-wide autumn leaves, and experience the autumn charm of this World Heritage site, which is completely different from the spring cherry blossoms.
★Best time for autumn foliage viewing: Mid-November to late November
- Takami no Sato (Spring Exclusive)
Located on the border of Mie and Nara, Takami no Sato is known as the 'Cherry Blossom Garden in the Sky,' with over a thousand mountain cherry trees planted from the bottom of the slope to the top. During the flowering season, pinkish-white and light red cherry blossoms cover the entire hill, resembling a dreamlike flower carpet blooming in a sea of clouds. From the summit trail, you can overlook the spectacular view of the entire cherry forest extending from your feet, and the 360° panoramic view allows you to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of layered mountains intertwined with cherry blossoms. This is also one of the most eye-catching hidden mountain cherry blossom spots in Kansai in recent years, perfect for travelers who love nature and photography.
★Estimated flowering period: Late March to early April)
- Important Information -
- Infants under 3 years old who do not occupy a seat can participate for free. If you are traveling with an infant, please inform us in the 'Remarks' column when booking.
- The flowering period may be slightly affected by weather conditions. Once the tour is confirmed, it will proceed as scheduled regardless of the cherry blossom blooming status. Thank you for your understanding.
- Vehicle type: Assigned based on the number of passengers. For small groups, a driver who also serves as a tour assistant will be arranged to provide full travel services. No additional tour leader will be provided. Thank you for your understanding.
- Due to limited storage space in the luggage compartment, please inquire in advance if you wish to bring large luggage. Thank you for your cooperation.
The Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple is a representative World Heritage Site of Japan and one of the world's largest wooden buildings. It houses the Nara Great Buddha (Vairocana Buddha), which is about 15 meters tall, showcasing exquisite ancient architecture and Buddhist art.
Nara Park is home to over a thousand free-roaming sika deer. Strolling along the tree-lined paths, you can not only interact with the adorable deer up close, but also enjoy the stunning scenery where ancient temples, autumn leaves, and nature blend together. It is Nara's most popular spot for viewing autumn foliage and taking photos in autumn.
When you visit in spring, the cherry blossoms in Nara Park are in full bloom, and the pink sea of flowers and the leisurely strolling deer complement each other, showcasing the most representative spring scenery of Nara.
In autumn, Kosaka-ji Temple is enveloped in layers of crimson maple leaves. The vermilion three-story pagoda, ancient stone steps, and massive stone Buddha appear even more magnificent against the backdrop of the red leaves. Climbing to the top and looking out over the surrounding mountains, which are painted with vibrant autumn colors, it is one of Nara's most representative secret spots for viewing autumn leaves and a must-see destination for photography enthusiasts.
In spring, the entire mountain is dyed pink by blooming cherry blossoms. The ancient temple, the three-story pagoda and the cherry blossoms complement each other, creating a tranquil and dreamy spring scene. It is one of the must-see spots for cherry blossom viewing in Nara.
Located deep within the Yoshino Mt. World Heritage Site, the Yoshino Mt. Okusenbon Trail is a popular autumn foliage viewing spot surrounded by primeval forests. Strolling along the winding trail, you can admire the layers of autumn colors created by maple leaves, beech trees, and jujube trees, and experience a tranquil atmosphere far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Seasonal Orange Picking Experience: Step into an orange orchard, pick fresh seasonal oranges by hand, enjoy the sweet taste of freshly picked oranges, and experience the most popular fruit picking fun in Japan during autumn and winter.
Takami no Sato, a spring-only destination, is famous for its more than 1,000 weeping cherry trees. Every spring, the entire hillside is covered in a pink floral carpet. Strolling along the hillside trails, one can admire the layers of blooming weeping cherry trees and the magnificent mountain scenery, earning it the reputation of being the most dreamy "sky cherry blossom garden" in the Kansai region.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point & destination: Osaka, Nara, Mie
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company names: Hua Ying International, Japan Tourism, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Minimum group size: 15
Team Leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1892
Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (General Incorporated Company), Regular Member
Reminders
A minimum of 15 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
If you leave the group midway through the trip, it will be considered a voluntary abandonment, and you will not be entitled to any refund. You will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage caused as a result.
During free time, please be mindful of your personal safety and belongings. If you fail to heed this advice and an accident or loss occurs, you will be solely responsible for the consequences.
Please understand that due to force majeure factors such as traffic and weather, there may be changes to the itinerary or cancellation of attractions.
Due to factors such as road conditions on the day of the trip, the time spent at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be cancelled. Return arrival time may also be significantly delayed; please take note.
Vehicle type: Vehicles will be assigned based on the number of participants. For group tours, a driver and accompanying person will be provided to offer full-service transportation. No additional tour leader will be provided. Upon arrival at each attraction, tourists are free to explore at their own pace.
The peak season for viewing autumn foliage and cherry blossoms may be slightly affected by weather conditions. However, once the tour is organized, the departure will proceed as scheduled regardless of the condition of the autumn leaves. Please be aware of this.
Bus seats are subject to on-site allocation and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
The tour guide will not contact passengers the day before departure. Please arrive at the designated meeting point at the specified time on the day of departure and look for the LION TRAVEL sign to check in.
The orchard information provided is for reference only; actual arrangements will be based on on-site conditions. Fruit ripening periods may vary due to weather conditions, and the types of fruit picked will depend on local arrangements. It is also possible that pre-picked fruit may be consumed.
