6 Breathtaking Scenic Spots in Nara: A Land Full of Nature’s Beauty Loved Since Ancient Japan

Nara Prefecture, like Kyoto, is one of Japan’s ancient capitals and a popular tourist destination. While Kyoto is often considered the cultural heart of Japan, Nara reflects an even older chapter of Japanese history. Similar to Kyoto, Nara is home to numerous shrines and temples, and is often associated with national treasures and cultural heritage such as the Great Buddha. However, as symbolized by its famous deer population, Nara is also abundant in natural beauty—with pristine forests, mountains, rivers, suspension bridges, cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, snowy landscapes, and more that vividly showcase the four seasons of Japan.

Japan is known for its clearly defined seasons, and Nara can be described as the ancient capital that most naturally embodies the essence of Japan’s seasonal beauty. Unlike the bustling crowds of Kyoto, Nara offers a more relaxed atmosphere. In this article, we introduce six carefully selected scenic spots in Nara that highlight its serene and captivating charm.

1. Mount Yoshino – A Scenic Treasure Packed with All Four Seasons of Japan!

Mount Yoshino offers diverse seasonal beauty throughout the year. It’s one of Japan’s top cherry blossom spots, with about 30,000 trees of 200 varieties blooming in spring. From early to mid-April, the blossoms gradually bloom from the base (Shimo-senbon) to the upper areas (Oku-senbon), allowing for a long-lasting cherry blossom viewing season.

In summer, visitors can enjoy hydrangeas, fresh greenery, and “Sakura Tōka,” where lanterns illuminate the mountain at night. In autumn, the cherry trees turn vibrant shades of red. In winter, the scenery transforms into a completely different, snow-covered world, bringing with it a deep and almost sacred silence. Interestingly, in ancient times, it was actually Mount Yoshino’s snow-covered winter landscape that was most beloved.

With many shrines and temples, and attractions like the Takagi-yama Observatory and Japan’s oldest Yoshino Ropeway, you can enjoy stunning views of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. From the warmth of spring to the chill of winter, Mount Yoshino offers breathtaking scenery year-round.

2. A Romantic Spot with Deer, Night Views, and the Sacred Fire Festival – Mt. Wakakusa

Located at the eastern edge of Nara Park, Mt. Wakakusa is a scenic destination enjoyable both day and night. Standing at 342 meters, its rounded triple peaks give it the nickname “Mt. Mikasa.” The entire mountain is covered in noshiba, a type of Japanese grass, and deer roam freely throughout.

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, you can enjoy pampas grass and colorful foliage. Every year on the 4th Saturday of January, the mountain is dramatically set ablaze during the traditional Yamayaki event—a fire ritual to honor the spirits of ancestors and pray for world peace.

This early spring spectacle is one of Nara’s biggest events, and the glowing red mountain is truly a sight to behold. Mt. Wakakusa is also accessible by car and is home to one of the “Three Great Night Views of New Japan.” From the observatory, you can see expansive views of Kyoto and Nara—making it an ideal date spot both day and night. Play with the deer on the grassy fields by day, and enjoy the spectacular nightscape or Yamayaki fire display with your loved one at night.

3. Autumn Grasses and Golden Pampas at Soni Highlands – Summer Greenery Also Astounds!

Soni Village, also known as “Nara’s Hidden Retreat” or “Karuizawa of Kansai,” is located in northeastern Nara Prefecture, near the border with Mie Prefecture. The Soni Highlands, surrounded by hot springs and mountains, are perfect for hiking. But the highlight is the pampas grass that blooms in full glory in autumn. Best viewed from mid-September to mid-November, the grass glows golden in late October under the setting sun—offering one of the most breathtaking scenes in Nara.

Though autumn is its peak season, Soni Highlands transforms beautifully throughout the year: snow-covered landscapes in winter, mountain burning rituals like Mt. Wakakusa in spring, and fresh green meadows in summer. This natural cycle is thanks to the ashes from spring’s mountain burning, which act as fertilizer for the regrowth of the pampas grass—creating a living work of art.

Aside from autumn, early summer (especially May) is also highly recommended. Enjoy Nara’s great outdoors in the lush, vibrant grasslands as the pampas grass begins its seasonal cycle.

4. Untouched Wilderness and Rare Wildlife – Mount Ōdaigahara

Mount Ōdaigahara, straddling the border of Nara and Mie Prefectures, is a richly forested mountain area known for its pristine ecosystems. It is said to be the last habitat of the Japanese wolf and has been designated as a Special Natural Monument.

Featured in the famous book “100 Famous Mountains of Japan” by author and mountaineer Hisaya Sawada, the area has also been recognized as a UNESCO Eco Park, emphasizing its biodiversity and sustainable development efforts. It is part of the Yoshino-Kumano National Park, which spans across Nara, Mie, and Wakayama Prefectures. The park’s visitor center hosts nature observation events and educational programs.

Mount Ōdaigahara is divided into two main areas: Nishi-Ōdai (West Ōdai), which preserves untouched virgin forest and is strictly regulated under law, and Higashi-Ōdai (East Ōdai), which features scenic spots like Mount Hidegatake. Entering Nishi-Ōdai requires advance reservation at least three months prior. The area is rich in wildlife, especially deer, as well as many other rare plants and animals.

5. Japan’s Longest Residential Suspension Bridge! Thrilling Yet Stunning Views at “Tanize Suspension Bridge”

As a suspension bridge used for daily life, the Tanize Suspension Bridge is the longest in Japan! Measuring 297 meters in length and 54 meters in height, it is an enormous structure. Built shortly after World War II in 1954 (Showa 29), local villagers invested a large sum of money to construct it as a flood countermeasure. It is now a representative sightseeing spot in Totsukawa Village, connecting the Uenochi area to the Tanize district across the river.

The sheer length of the bridge and the height above the river create a thrilling experience even just by looking at it. Walking across feels like strolling through the air. And when the bridge sways—expect more fear than you imagined!

A maximum of 20 people are allowed to cross at one time, and during crowded tourist seasons such as long holidays, the bridge may be regulated for one-way traffic only. The width is just about 80 cm, so walking side by side is barely possible. But if you walk it as a couple, the so-called “suspension bridge effect”—a psychological phenomenon where fear heightens romantic feelings—might just work in your favor.

6. Mitarai Gorge – A Crystal-Clear Emerald Stream in the Mountains

Located in southern Nara Prefecture, Mitarai Gorge is a sacred site of Shugendō, an ancient Japanese mountain ascetic tradition. Often regarded as the most beautiful gorge in the Kinki region, it’s synonymous with breathtaking scenery.

In spring and summer, it is filled with lush greenery. In autumn, it dazzles with brilliant red and gold foliage. And in winter, visitors can witness picture-perfect snowy landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and frost-covered trees. The gorge’s name is said to come from an event during the 14th-century Nanboku-chō period when Prince Moriyoshi, son of Emperor Go-Daigo, is believed to have purified himself by washing his hands and mouth (mitarashi) in the local waters to pray for victory.

The gorge’s emerald green, crystal-clear waters are so transparent you can see all the way to the bottom—this clarity is one reason it’s known as one of the most beautiful water spots in Kinki. There’s also a suspension bridge from which you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the flowing river. Tenkawa Village, where the gorge is located, is also renowned for its pristine water. Nearby attractions include Dorogawa Onsen and limestone caves.

◎ Summary

Aside from famous landmarks like Todai-ji, the Great Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha, Nara Prefecture is filled with nature-rich scenic spots that are equally captivating. Some of the destinations introduced here are deep in the mountains, away from the city center, and may not have been accessible during school field trips.

From thrilling adventures like suspension bridges and primeval forests in Mt. Ōdaigahara to peaceful escapes, Nara offers a quieter, less touristy alternative compared to Kyoto. It's full of heartwarming places where nature and traditional Japanese culture coexist. If you’re looking to soothe your soul with majestic scenery, the untouched nature in the depths of Nara is highly recommended.