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.
Highlights of the event
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.
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.
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/
Performer Profiles
Promusica Baroque Academy
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.
Toshiki Tsumuraya: Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Vocal Music, majoring in tenor, and the same university, Department of Instrumental Music, majoring in ancient harpsichord music. Artistic Director and Cembalist
Rieko Ikeda:B.M., Tokyo College of Music, M.M., Tokyo University of Music. Concert master
The Baroque music concert with The Promusica Baroque Academy Cembalist: Toshiki Tsumuraya and Violinist: Rieko Ikeda
Performance time: November 24 (Sun.) 13:00 PM - 13:45 PM
November 25 (Mon.) & 26 (Tue.) 7:45 PM - 8:15 PM
Takumi Torio
After graduating from the Vocal Music Department of Tokyo University of the Arts, he completed his studies at the New National Theatre Opera Studio. He has appeared in operas such as "Gianni Schicchi" (as Rinuccio), "Don Giovanni" (as Ottavio), and Akira Miyagawa's "Ashita no Hitomi". In 2024, he appeared as Private First Class Sugihara in Musical-Za's April 2024 performance of "Himeyuri". He is a young tenor singer who is currently attracting attention. A member of the vocal group REAL TRAUM.
Performance times:
November 23 (Sat.) & 24 (Sun.) 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
November 25 (Mon.) & 26 (Tue.) 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Yuma Sakai
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts' Department of Vocal Music. While in school, he was awarded the Ataka Prize. He received his master's degree from the same university.
Completed the master class at the Nikikai Opera Institute.
He was the soloist for Tokyo University of the Arts' 63rd "Messiah" and Beethoven's "Ninth Symphony".
He made his Nikikai debut as Elviro in "Serse".
In 2023, he appeared as a bishop in the Japan premiere of "Peace Day" produced by Nikikai.
A baritone singer who is gaining increasing attention.
A member of the vocal group REAL TRAUM.
Performance times:
November 25 (Mon.) & 26 (Tue.) 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Ayatoshi Oikawa
A pianist who also works extensively as a composer and arranger, he currently performs throughout Japan, mainly as an accompanist for singers, and performs more than 100 times a year on stage.
A promising young pianist who continues to evolve under the direct guidance of renowned Italian conductor Dante Mazzola.
Performance times:
November 23 (Sat.) & 24 (Sun.) 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
November 25 (Mon.) & 26 (Tue.) 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Special Premium Experience
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)
Momiji Festival Information
- 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
Access
- 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.
- <Extra Bus *weekends>
-
Departure from Muroguchi-Ono Station 5:00 PM/6:05 PM
---------------
Departure from Murouji Temple 5:45 PM/6:30 PM/8:00 PM
- <Extra Bus *Nov.25-26>
-
Departure from Haibara Station north entrance 3:30 PM
Arriving at Murouji Temple 3:55PM
----------------
Departure from Murouji Temple 8:30 PM
Arriving at Haibara Station 8:55PM
Arriving at Kintestu Nara/ JR Nara station 10:00PM
- *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