Autumn Night Nara: Five World Heritage Sites After Dark 2026

Why You Should Visit

On Saturday evenings from October 31 to November 28, five World Heritage shrines and temples in Nara City open their National Treasure halls after dark. Kasuga Taisha offers a night visit to its main sanctuary with around 1,000 hanging bronze lanterns lit, Kofukuji opens its Eastern Golden Hall in its 1,300th year, and Gangoji opens the Gokurakudo hall and its miniature five-story pagoda. Toshodaiji and Yakushiji open their Golden Halls on Nov 7 and Nov 21 only. Dates and hours differ by site, so pick the ones open on the night you visit.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, Gangoji, Toshodaiji and Yakushiji

period

October 31, 2026 (Sat) - November 28, 2026 (Sat)

Time

Between 17:30 and 21:00, varies by site (Saturdays only)

cost

Separate admission at each site (¥500–1,000). Wakakusayama twilight night-view bus: adults ¥2,000, children ¥1,000. World Heritage loop bus: ¥250 adults / ¥130 children per ride

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

Kintetsu Nara Station is closest to Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and Gangoji; Kintetsu Nishinokyo Station is closest to Toshodaiji and Yakushiji. On the Nara Park side, the World Heritage loop bus runs on Saturday evenings from Nov 7 to 28.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

No reservation needed for the five night visits or the World Heritage loop bus. The Wakakusayama twilight night-view bus requires booking (Nara Kotsu reservation center, 0742-22-5110). The Kasuga Taisha lantern-dedication plan is by advance booking through the Nara City Tourism Association.

NOTE

[Fees at a glance] (No booking needed, except the Twilight bus)

Kasuga Taisha: 700 yen (Nov 7, 14, 21, 28)
Kofukuji: adults 500 yen, junior high/high school 300 yen, elementary 200 yen, preschool free (Oct 31, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28)
Gangoji: 700 yen (Nov 7, 14, 21, 28)
Toshodaiji: 500 yen (Nov 7, 21)
Yakushiji: 1,000 yen (Nov 7, 21)
Wakakusayama Twilight & Night View Bus: adults 2,000 yen, children 1,000 yen (return)
World Heritage shrine and temple loop bus: adults 250 yen, children 130 yen per ride

Other special openings in Nara this season

Yakushiji daytime special opening: Yakushiji Autumn Special Opening: Hakuho Revived
Kofukuji Hokuendo Hall: Kofukuji Hokuendo Hall Autumn Special Opening (daytime only, until Nov 8)

*Entering the rear hall (Ushirodo) at Kofukuji costs the same admission again

FAQ

Can I visit all five sites in one night?

All five open only on Nov 7 and Nov 21. Toshodaiji and Yakushiji are in Nishinokyo, a train ride away from the three sites around Nara Park.

Is there a combined ticket?

Admission is paid separately at each site. No reservation is needed for the night visits.

Do the sites close before the night session?

Yes. Each site closes once at 17:00, and the night session opens at 17:30 (18:00 at Gangoji).

Calendar

Add it to your calendar so you can check back on it later.

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