[Spring 2026] Enjoy the spring sightseeing in Nara. Famous Places for Cherry Blossoms and Flowers / Spring Events
Spring 2026 | Spring sightseeing in Nara with cherry blossoms and flowers
In Nara, there are many famous cherry blossoms and spring flowers that can be enjoyed along with historical temples and shrines and nature.
Spring in Nara where you can enjoy the taste of the ancient city and the color of spring at the same time. Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara introduces sightseeing spots that you want to visit in the spring of 2026, including Yoshinoyama and Nara Park.
Spring Cherry Blossom Spots Enjoyed in Nara
Yoshinoyama| Nara's most famous cherry blossom spots
Mt. Yoshino, where about 30,000 cherry trees, mainly Shiroyamazakura, cover the mountain, is a spring scenery that represents Nara. The flowering time varies depending on the altitude difference, and it is also attractive that you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a long time.
[Good to see] Early April to late April
[Access] About 50 minutes by car from the hotel
Nara Park| Spring Nara where deer and cherry blossoms meet
Nara Park offers Nara-like spring scenery where cherry blossoms, deer, and historical temples and shrines are in harmony. It is a classic spot where you can enjoy while strolling.
[Good to see] Late March to early April
[Access] About 50 minutes by car from the hotel
Yamatokoriyama Castle Ruins| Beautiful contrast between castle and cherry blossoms
At the ruins of Yamatokoriyama Castle, a historical spot known as a famous cherry blossom spot. Approximately 800 cherry trees are in full bloom around the moat, and it is also called "Gotenzakura". At its best, the "Castle Festival" is held, and you can enjoy various events and cherry blossoms at night.
[Good to see] Late March to early April
[Access] About 50 minutes by car from the hotel
Saho River| A row of cherry trees to enjoy quietly
The row of cherry blossom trees along the river representing Nara City is a famous spring spot loved by locals. Recommended for those who want to enjoy cherry blossoms slowly, such as Furuki, which is over 170 years old, and a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel.
[Good to see] Late March to early April
[Access] About 50 minutes by car from the hotel
Not only cherry blossoms but also spring flowers in Nara
Tsukigase Bairin| Nara's famous plum spot
Tsukigase Bairin, which stretches along the Nabari River, is one of the best plum spots in the Kansai region where about 10,000 red and white plums are in full bloom. The scenery of plums that you can enjoy with the beauty of the valley makes you feel the coming of spring. It is also attractive that you can enjoy it a little earlier than the cherry blossom season.
[Good to see] Mid-February to March
[Access] About 90 minutes by car from the hotel
Umami Hills Park| Park of flowers dyed in spring colors
A city park where colorful flowers such as tulips and nemophila are in full bloom. It is a flower spot that represents Nara in spring, which is popular for families and photography.
[Good to see] Early April to mid-April
[Access] About 30 minutes by car from the hotel
Muro-ji Temple| Yamadera Temple where rhododendron blooms
Muro-ji Temple is impressive with the rhododendron blooming along the stone steps and the silence-filled precincts. You can feel the calm spring Nara, where nature and history are in harmony.
[Good to see] Mid-April to mid-May
[Access] About 45 minutes by car from the hotel
Kasuga Taisha Shrine| Wisteria flower and vermilion shrine
At Kasuga Taisha Shrine, wisteria flowers color the precincts. The elegant scenery of the historic shrine and wisteria is a charm unique to spring.
[Good to see] Mid-April to early May
[Access] About 50 minutes by car from the hotel
Traditional events that color the spring of Nara
■ Shuni-e, Nigatsu-do Hall, Todai-ji Temple
It is a memorial service that prays for the security of the nation and the prosperity of all people, which has continued for more than 1270 years without interruption. It is known as "Omizutori" and "Omatsu torch" and is known as an event that tells Nara the coming of spring.
Date: March 1 to March 14, 2026
Access From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu-Nara Station, get off at Todai-ji Temple Daibutsuden and Kasuga Taisha Shrine-mae bus stop and walk for 10 minutes.
■ Hina Matsuri of the Takatori Castle Town Family
In Takatori-cho, the "Takatori Castle Town House Hina Matsuri" will be held to color the old townscape. You can enjoy Hina-sama events mainly in the castle town area of Takatori Castle and Tsubosaka-ji Temple.
Date: February 28 to March 15, 2026
Access Approx. 10 minutes on foot to the venue area of Tsubosakayama Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line
■ Kin-Mineyama-dera Temple: A special opening of the honzon of the secret Buddha of spring
At Kinmineyama-ji Temple in Yoshinoyama, the main statue of Japan's largest secret Buddha of the national treasure "Hondo / Zao-do", "Kono Zao Daigongen 3" will be opened specially for a limited time in spring. Why don't you see the precious figure that you can't usually see up close and experience the spring of Nara, which is woven by cherry blossoms and history?
Date: March 24 to May 6, 2026
Access Approx. 50 minutes by car from hotel