Murou-ji Temple nighttime autumn leaves light-up

Enjoy a premium experience at Nara's Murou-ji Temple, the best-kept secret for autumn foliage, using all five of your senses

If you are visiting Japan after the hot summer has finally come to an end and when autumn is in full swing, you should definitely make a trip to see the autumn leaves that envelop the entire mountain of Murou-ji Temple. Located in southern Nara, Murou-ji Temple is a superb spot for viewing beautiful autumn leaves. The beautiful harmony between the historic and precious cultural assets and the rich natural environment will inspire awe and bring you peace and tranquility.

Daihonzan Murou-ji Temple

The temple was built about 1,200 years ago and is also known as "woman's Koyasan", as women were permitted to visit the temple at their leisure, unlike Koyasan, which women were strictly prohibited from entering. The tranquil atmosphere of the temple exudes a warm welcome. Although there are many places in Kyoto and Nara that are famous for their autumn foliage, at Murou-ji Temple you can spend a quiet time immersed in cultural assets and art. The annual Momiji Festival and illuminations are held every year, and in 2024, visitors will be able to experience a traditional and artistic event that retains a deep connection with Murouji Temple.

An ancient temple in the mountains surrounded by fiery autumn leaves

Located on the upper reaches of the Murou River near the border between Nara and Mie prefectures, the compound is lined with temple buildings, including the Kondo Hall and the five-story pagoda, which are National Treasures. The scenery is particularly beautiful when the maple and ginkgo leaves change colors, and the path leading to the main hall from the arched bridge is especially note-worthy. In particular, the nighttime illumination of a dragon rising from the five-story pagoda unique to Murou-ji Temple, which is associated with the dragon god, is a must-see.
The best time to visit is usually from mid-November to early December. During the Momiji Festival, premium tours of National Treasures and valuable cultural assets that are normally closed to the public are also offered with an explanation from a Buddhist priest. Enjoy the harmony of autumn leaves and cultural assets that can only be experienced here.

Autumn leaves at Daihonzan Murou-ji Temple

Kyogen performed by the head of the Izumi school, which developed under the Tokugawa family

Have you ever heard of "Kyogen"? Kyogen is one of Japan's traditional performing arts. Created over 650 years ago it is considered the origin of Japanese theater, and the performance style's comic nature has earned it the nickname of the art of laughter. In 2015, it was designated a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Performed with rhythmic dialogue and gestures, Kyogen is unique in that it is performed bare-faced (without a mask/makeup), a feature uncommon in the world of theater, which stems from its origins as a religious ritual.
The current repertoire includes fairy tale-like stories as well as more humanistic tales of menial workers who love alcohol, are clumsy, and are lazy, which makes for a show that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You will be able to see, hear, and use your imagination to enjoy the performance along with the scenery around you.
At Murou-ji Temple, which has ties to the Tokugawa family, a Kyogen performance by the head of the Izumi school will be performed exclusively for the 2024 Momiji Festival.

The Izumi school

Michelin-class Dining

Ushigen Honten is a long-standing restaurant established in Nara that has been passed down for five generations. It was introduced in the 2017 edition of the Michelin Guide Nara as the only long-established meat restaurant where you can enjoy Yamato Haibara beef (A5 grade black wagyu). Dishes featuring Yamato Haibara beef and Yamato vegetables* are offered exclusively to tour participants.

*Vegetables produced in Nara Prefecture (former Yamato Province) using unique cultivation methods inherited from local history and culture
https://ushigen.com/

Yamato Haibara Beef Ushigen

Performer Profiles

The Promusica Baroque Academy is a professional orchestra that uses original instruments. It is one of the most dynamic group of performers of past music at the moment, and is currently working on a project to perform all of J.S. Bach's cantatas.Artistic Director and Cembalist: Toshiki Tsumuraya, Concert master: Rieko Ikeda.The Baroque music concert with The Promusica Baroque Academy Cembalist: Toshiki Tsumuraya and Violinist: Rieko Ikeda
Performance time: 11/25 (Mon) and 11/26 (Tue) 7:45 PM - 8:15 PM

Enjoy a luxurious dinner and appreciate art at an ancient temple where you can experience the finest autumn leaves and a moment of tranquility!

An artistic journey to enjoy the spectacular autumn foliage: A premium tour with a traditional Kyogen performance, concert, and meal

Dates
November 25 (Mon.) and 26 (Tue.), 2024
Time
4:00 PM - 8:20 PM
  • Special private viewing of Murou-ji Temple
  • Autumn leaves light-up
  • Tour by the chief steward of Murou-ji Temple
  • Kyogen performance by the head of the Izumi school
  • Kyogen practice experience
  • 2 concerts
  • Special dinner of A5 grade Japanese black beef, Yamato Haibara beef

JPY70,000

per person (including consumption tax and service charge)

Kyogen Performance & Special Workshop by Junko Izumi & Toukuro Miyake, the First Female Kyogen Performers in History at Women’s Koya

Dates
November 23 (Sat.) and 24 (Sun.), 2024
Time
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Autumn leaves light-up
  • Kyogen performance by female Kyogen performers from the Izumi school(Cast:Junko Izumi, Toukuro Miyake, Ayame Izumi, Keiko Izumi and others)
  • Kyogen experience
  • Edicinal Herb Workshop

*Classic concert to be held in the temple on the day of the event.

JPY20,000

per person (including consumption tax and service charge)

Private nighttime tours guided by a Buddhist priest at Murou-ji Temple during the Momiji Festival

Dates
November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 16, 17, 30 and December 1
Time
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM/6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Special viewing of Murou-ji Temple
  • Autumn leaves light-up
  • Tour by a Buddhist Priest of Murou-ji Temple

JPY8,000

per person (including consumption tax and service charge)

Autumn foliage season
October 19 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.)
Exclusive special temple stamp for the autumn foliage season
October 19 - Limited to first 3,000
Special viewing of the Kondo Hall
October 19 (Sat.) - December 1 (Sun.)
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM *Reception is until 3:00 PM
Special worship fee: JPY 500 Receive a special pocket talisman
Photography inside the hall is permitted, but only with a smartphone.
Autumn leaves light-up
November 2 (Sat.) - 4 (Mon./Public holiday), 9 (Sat.) - 10 (Sun.),16 (Sat.) - 17 (Sun.), 23 (Sat./Public holiday), 24 (Sun.),30 (Sat.), December 1 (Sun.) Total: 11 days
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM *Reception is until 7:30 PM
Entrance fee: Adult JPY 600 Child JPY 400
As far as the five-story pagoda, no entry to the other halls

From Kyoto Station
1 hour 15 minutes by Kintetsu limited express train (Transfer to an express train at Yamato-Yagi Station)
From Osaka Namba Station
1 hour 12 minutes by Kintetsu limited express train (Transfer to an express train at Tsuruhashi Station)
From Nara Station
1 hour 5 minutes on the Man-yo Mahoroba Line limited express train (Transfer to an express train at Sakurai Station)
*Bus
Nara Kotsu Bus "Muroguchi-Ono Station" stop - "Murouji-mae" stop
Get off at Murouji-mae bus stop and walk about 5 minutes
Time required: approx. 14 min.
*Taxi
Time required from "Muroguchi-Ono Station": approx. 10 min.
  • 1.

    Front gate of Murouji Temple

  • 2.

    Murouji Temple Store

  • 3.

    Treasure House

  • 4.

    Mirokudo Hall

  • 5.

    Kondo Hall

  • 6.

    Main Hall

  • 7.

    Five-story pagoda

  • 8.

    Keiunden