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Spectacular Sunsets in Nara
With wide plains, rolling mountains and few tall buildings, Nara seems designed for perfect sunset views. The view of Kohfukuji Temple’s pagoda silhouetted against the fading sun is one of the classic images of Nara. And with few street lights to interrupt the mood, you can forget the stress of modern life.
As the sun sinks over the grassy plain and the Former Site of Heijokyu Imperial Palace, you feel like you have traveled back in time to the Nara period. Ringed by low mountains, the dramatic sunsets are breathtaking.
Former Site of Heijokyu Imperial Palace
Salute the sunset from the site of Japan’s first capital.
History & Culture | Nishinokyothe sun crowns the far off mountains in a glowing light
Behind Todaiji Temple, Mt. Wakakusa offers a bird’s-eye-view of the Nara basin as the sun crowns the far off mountains in a glowing light.
As the sun sets, the lights of Nara sparkle below.
Nature & The Outdoors | Nara Park
There are several viewing areas with seating on the way to the top of the mountain, which can be climbed easily from the park below, taking a little over 30 minutes. Remember to bring a flashlight for the descent after dark, or ask your accommodation to pre-order a taxi to pick you up
feel like you’re in a fairytale
Walking up the stone steps to the Nigatsudo temple building, you are rewarded with stunning views. Lit by lanterns at night, the area takes on a magical atmosphere at sunset. Below, as the setting sun hits the tiled rooftops and the lights of the priests’ houses flicker on, you feel like you’re in a fairytale.
The winding, narrow streets and stone steps leading to Nigatsudo glow gold as the sun sinks slowly.
glittering lights
Fans of Studio Ghibli animations might feel a sense of “Spirited Away” as the sun sets and the lanterns start to glow. High on Mt. Ikoma, the streets around Hozanji Temple take on a fairytale atmosphere at dusk. The glittering lights of Osaka below, add to the magic.
Take the quirky cable car up the mountain for a spectacular sunset view.
Activities & Experiences | Ikomafantastic views over Yoshino
Visit Mt. Takagi Observatory for fantastic views over Yoshino, especially in cherry blossom season when there are often light-up events at dusk. Equally spectacular are the views in autumn, when the leaves change red, gold and yellow. There is a bus in spring and autumn, but the last service departs around 3pm. You can hike from Kinpusen-ji Temple in about 25 minutes. The road is steep and dark, so bring a flashlight.
Bring your own drinks and snacks to this isolated but spectacular observatory.
Nature & The Outdoors | Yoshino