The Top 5 things to do in Nara during Summer
- Published on : 28/04/2026
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
@joey-huang
Notre Travel Angel, vous fait découvrir le meilleur de la saison estivale à Nara.
Summer in a Historic City
Summer in Nara offers a blend of cultural traditions, seasonal festivals, and scenic outdoor experiences. While the weather can be warm and humid, it is also a time when the city’s historic temples, green parks, and surrounding countryside feel especially vibrant. From evening lantern festivals to quiet walks through forested hills, Nara provides a range of ways to experience both its heritage and natural beauty during the summer months.
This guide explores some of the highlights of the summer season in Nara, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
Hydrangeas at Yata-dera Temple
Yata-dera is well known for its hydrangea displays, which reach their peak during the early summer rainy season. Thousands of blooms in shades of blue, purple, and pink cover the temple grounds, creating a calm and atmospheric setting.
Paths wind through the gardens, allowing visitors to enjoy the flowers from different viewpoints while taking in the surrounding greenery. This seasonal display has made Yata-dera a popular spot for those looking to experience one of summer’s most iconic flowers in Japan.
Hydrangeas at Yata-dera
@Naokijp on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Climb Mount Wakakusa
Mount Wakakusa, also known as Mount Mikasa, rises to 342 meters and sits on the eastern edge of Nara Park, close to major cultural landmarks such as Tōdai-ji and where the famous deer of the area roam. Its gentle slopes make it one of the more accessible viewpoints in the area, suitable for a relatively short and manageable hike.
The ascent is typically divided into stages. A walk of around 20 minutes brings you to a broad plateau, which already offers pleasant views and open grassy space. From there, continuing for another 30 minutes leads to the summit. Along the way, the landscape opens up, and you may encounter some of the deer that roam freely in the surrounding park.
Mount Wakakusa
@Naokijp on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Visit Chōgosonshi-ji Temple at Shigisan
Chōgosonshi-ji, commonly known as Shigisan Temple, was founded in the 7th century by Prince Shōtoku. Located on the forested slopes of Mount Shigi to the northwest of Nara, the temple is approached via a peaceful walk through wooded paths, setting a quiet and reflective atmosphere before arrival.
The temple is associated with Bishamonten, a guardian deity of fortune and protection, and has long been a place where visitors come to pray for success and good luck. One of its most recognizable features is the large papier-mâché tiger, known as Fukutora, which stands at the entrance. The tiger is linked to local legends surrounding Prince Shōtoku and has become a symbol of the temple.
Monk at Chosonshiji Temple
@Marubatsu on Wikimedia, CC0 1.0
Explore Asuka
Asuka served as Japan’s capital during the 6th and 7th centuries and is now a quiet rural area with many historical sites. Visitors can see ancient temples and archaeological remains, including kofun burial mounds, which provide insight into Japan’s early history and the origins of its imperial culture.
Renting a bicycle is one of the most popular ways to explore Asuka, as many of the key sites are spread out across the countryside and connected by relatively flat, scenic routes.
During the summer months, the surrounding rice fields are a vibrant green, and the rural landscape feels especially lively. However, temperatures can be high, so it is advisable to start early in the day, take breaks, and stay hydrated.
Okadera Temple in Asuka, Nara Prefecture
@Wikimedia
See the Chūgen Mantōrō Lantern Festival
Held each summer at Kasuga Taisha, this festival has taken place for more than 800 years and is associated with the Obon season. Around 3,000 lanterns, including many made of stone, are lit around the shrine grounds.
Traditional performances are also part of the event, with bugaku court music and dance on the first evening, followed by kagura ritual dances on the second.
Enjoying Nara during the Summer
Whether you are exploring historic temples, walking through scenic hills, or attending seasonal festivals, summer in Nara offers a wide range of memorable experiences.
The combination of cultural traditions, natural landscapes, and longstanding events makes it an appealing destination for those looking to experience a different side of Japan during the warmer months.
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