Japan’s Nara city is a wonderful amalgamation of history, culture and nature. This city is not only famous for its temples and deer, but also colorful festivals and celebrations are organized here in every season. Especially the month of October is considered very special for visiting Nara. At this time, one gets a unique experience from food and drink to art, music, traditions and natural beauty. Let’s know what things can be enjoyed while visiting Nara in October.
Nara Craft Beer Festival – A confluence of taste and fun
If you are a beer lover, then the beginning of October can be very memorable for you in Nara. Every year Nara Craft Beer Festival is organized on the first weekend of October. This event is held in Noborioji Park of Nara Park, which is located near Kohfuku-ji Temple. Here you will get a chance to taste the best local beer of Japan.
The festival has various food stalls and can be enjoyed through a ticket system. This festival runs from morning to evening and is full of music, taste and excitement.
C’Festa Nara Food Festival – A World of Delicious Cuisine
Held in Nara from 12 October to 20 October, the C’Festa Food Festival is the biggest food event in the entire province. The event takes place in Noborioji Park located between the Nara National Museum and Kohfuku-ji Temple.
Here, Japan’s renowned chefs and restaurants offer their best dishes. Every day, a special menu of a different chef can be seen. Special events such as Ramen Day, Bread and Sweets Day, Sake Tasting* and Curry Fest are organized on weekends. Apart from this, fresh pizzas coming out of the Blue Sky Stone Pizza Oven and a special food zone for children make this event special for families as well.
Yoshino 20 Art Festival – A Combination of Tradition and Art
Yoshino City, a World Heritage Site, hosts the Yoshino 20 Art Festival in October. The event promotes local culture, Shugendo tradition and art. There are Noh dances, historical exhibitions, night temple visits and dance and music performances.
Special events take place from October 11 to 13 and you can also enjoy the beautiful early autumn leaves.
Ogawa Festival – A Glimpse of Rural Culture
If you want to see rural life in Nara up close, check out the Ogawa Festival held at Niu-Kawakami Shrine in Yoshino District on October 13. People from eight different areas take part in a procession with their traditional taiko palanquins. The event is full of vivacity and colour and introduces you to the soul of Japanese rural life.
Manyo Nigiwai Festival – Experience a return to history
The Manyo Culture Museum in Asuka Village organizes special events in October. Here you can feel yourself part of old Japan by dressing up in ancient Manyo period costumes.
On October 14, there is a special concert by the Nara Philharmonic Orchestra, which blends modern music with traditional tunes.
The tradition of cutting the deer’s horns – unique and historical
Nara’s Deer Park is famous for its free-roaming deer. But in October a unique tradition is performed here which is called Tsunokiri. During this time the horns of male deer are cut so that they do not become aggressive and do not harm tourists and nature. This tradition is about 350 years old and a large number of people come to see it.
Mount Wakakusayama – A walk in the lap of nature
Located near Nara city, Mount Wakakusayama is a special place for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. From here, a breathtaking view of Nara city can be seen. The golden paddy fields climbing the slopes of the mountain and the colorful autumn trees make this trip even more memorable.
Cosmos Flowers in Spring
The month of October brings the bloom of Cosmos Flowers in Nara. These delicate pink and white flowers are seen around Nara’s Hanya-ji Temple, Fujiwara Palace Site and Hoki-ji Temple. This view decorated with millions of flowers mesmerizes the tourists.
Special Exhibitions and Cultural Programs
Many temples and museums in Nara organize special exhibitions in October.
- The eleven-faced Kannon statue is on display at Kairyu-ji Temple and Fukuchi-in Temple.
- The Kasuga-taisha Shrine Museum has a special lacquerware exhibition.
- The restored Golden Pavilion at Kohfuku-ji Temple is open to the public.
The Shishi-mai Lion Dance at Soni Village
Soni Village, located in the northeastern part of Nara, is famous for its natural beauty. The Shishi-mai Lion Dance here attracts people in October. This dance is an ancient cultural heritage that is performed at the local shrine.
Enjoy the early autumn leaves
Although the peak of autumn in Nara comes in November, leaves start changing color in hilly areas such as Yoshino District and Mount Odaigahara from October onwards. While trekking here you can see red, yellow and golden coloured leaves..
Conclusion
October is truly a great time to visit Nara. The city offers delicious food, traditional festivals, historic temples, natural beauty and vibrant culture all in one. Whether you are a foodie, art and music lover or a nature enthusiast – Nara has something special for everyone in the month of October.
