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Romantic Nara
The romance of Nara is in its stillness. Experience beautiful gardens, changing seasons and dramatic sunsets without the crowds. Hiking together through the wilderness to a private onsen or meandering through the winding streets of Naramachi; it’s about the quality of time together, uninterrupted and unhurried.
- Nigatsudo
- The ethereal pinks of a sunset viewed from Nigatsudo are simply magical. History & Culture Nara Park
Stunning Sunsets
The geography of Nara, with gentle mountains encircling a flat basin, lends itself to stunning sunset views. Around Nara Park, there are several uncrowded viewpoints. The Nara Prefectural Office has a “secret” rooftop looking over the whole city. Rising behind Todaiji Temple, Mt. Wakakusa is the perfect spot to see the sunset and the glittering night lights.
- Mt. Wakakusa
- Walk up Mt. Wakakusa at dusk to see the sun set over the city below. You can also drive up to the summit along the Nara Okuyama Driveway, or even take a taxi. Nature & The Outdoors Nara Park
Lantern-Lit Walks
Take a walk after dark and enjoy lantern-lit forest paths and illuminated temples. In February, Nara Rurie lights up the week around Valentine’s Day. The main temples around Nara Park are lit up each night during the event, and stalls sell hot cocoa to keep you warm as you stroll.
- Nara Rurie
- Wrap up warm and take a romantic walk around the sights of Nara Park in the run up to Valentine's Day. Cultural Events Nara Park
Kasugataisha Shrine has held light up events in February and August called Mantoro, for over 800 years. Wander the forest paths illuminated only by stone lanterns, and head towards the shrine, softly lit by the flickering candles of hundreds of hanging bronze lanterns.
- Chugen Mantoro Lantern Festival
- Stroll the streets and shrines by lantern light with someone special. Cultural Events Nara Park
Nara Park is beautiful at any time of year, and Ukimido, a hexagonal pavilion in the lake, is beautiful around sunset. In early August each year, it is lit up with hundreds of candles, for an ethereal, fairytale atmosphere. Nearby, Sarusawa Pond reflects the pagoda of Kohfukuji Temple on its mirror-like surface.
- Sarusawa Pond
- With clean air and few large buildings, Nara by night takes on an ancient beauty. Nature & The Outdoors Naramachi
Intimate Evenings
Naramachi and the narrow streets that run off Sanjo-dori Street are home to intimate dining spaces and bars. From grand dining rooms to elegant Japanese restaurants with private dining spaces to low-lit whiskey bars, there are beautiful, atmospheric options for any occasion.
The Nara Hotel, which has hosted royal guests and Hollywood royalty like Audrey Hepburn, retains a romantic, old-world atmosphere, especially in its elegant, wood paneled bar, straight out of a classic film noir. Off Sanjo-dori Street, Lamp Bar is intimate and dark, with perfect service and innovative cocktails until the early hours.
- The Bar (Nara Hotel)
- Enjoy a “secret” assignation at this atmospheric bar. Bars & Izakaya Nara Park
- Lamp Bar
- Cozy, atmospheric cocktail bar perfect for a romantic after dinner drink. Bars & Izakaya Nara Park
Breathtaking Scenery & Private Baths
Around Mt. Yoshino, there are many magical spots to see the cherry blossoms, but the ultimate way to see them is from an outdoor hot spring. Many ryokan in the Yoshinoyama area offer rooms with a private outdoor bath. The outdoor baths at Chikurin-in Gumpoen offer guests sweeping views across the mountains, and some can be reserved for private use. In spring and autumn, the trees around Yoshinoyama are illuminated, and couples walk hand-in-hand, in colorful kimono and cotton yukata.
- Mt. Yoshino Cherry Blossoms
- The cherry blossoms at Yoshino are lovely from any viewpoint. Nature Events Yoshino
- WAQOO Horyuji Toho Kan . Saiho Kan
- Many of the rooms feature private onsen baths overlooking the forest. Enjoy complimentary sake as you soak away your stresses. Ryokan