Things to do in Nara in August

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Overview

August is a less popular time to visit Nara. The weather is usually very warm, muggy, with temperatures ranging from 72—87°F (22—31°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Nara during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a day trip to Mount Yoshino, visit the Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, visit the Isuien Garden, and more!

Nara has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your August trip to Nara. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Nara in August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Nara in August

Top experiences in August
Take a day trip to Mount Yoshino
August is a great time to visit this famous cherry blossom spot, which is located just a short train ride from Nara City. The mountain is covered in thousands of cherry trees, which bloom in August and create a stunning pink and white landscape. Visitors can hike the mountain's trails, visit historic temples, and enjoy the natural beauty of Nara's countryside.
Visit the Yoshino Mikumari Shrine
August is the peak season for the blooming of the sacred Yoshino cherry blossoms, and the shrine is a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) during this time. The shrine's beautiful grounds and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it a perfect place to experience the natural beauty of Nara in August.
Visit the Isuien Garden
August is a great time to explore this beautiful Japanese garden, which is located near Nara Park. The garden features lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. August is also the season for lotus flowers, which bloom in the garden's ponds and add to its natural beauty.
Attend a traditional tea ceremony in Nara
August is a great time to experience the art of tea in Nara, as many tea houses and cultural centers offer special events and workshops during this time. Visitors can learn about the history and etiquette of the tea ceremony and enjoy a peaceful and meditative experience in a traditional Japanese setting.
Try traditional Nara cuisine at a local restaurant
August is a great time to sample seasonal dishes such as ayu (sweetfish) and kuzu (arrowroot starch) dishes, which are popular in Nara during the summer months. Local restaurants offer a wide variety of traditional Nara cuisine, providing a unique culinary experience for visitors.
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Visit the Nara City Museum of Photography
August is a great time to explore this museum, which showcases a wide variety of photography exhibitions and events. The museum's collection includes works by both local and international photographers, providing a unique opportunity to experience the art of photography in Nara.
Take a hike in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest
August is a great time to explore this ancient forest, which is located near Nara Park. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife and is a peaceful retreat from the summer heat. Hiking trails lead to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Explore the Nara National Museum
August is a great time to visit this museum, which houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events in August, providing a unique opportunity to learn about Nara's rich cultural history.
Attend the Nara Tokae Lantern Festival
This annual event takes place in Nara Park and features thousands of lanterns illuminating the park and its famous deer. The festival also includes traditional performances, food stalls, and a magical atmosphere that is unique to August in Nara.
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Holidays in Nara in August
August
  • Mountain Day (August 1112)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Nara in August

Temperatures on an average day in Nara in August

The average temperature in Nara in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 87°F (31°C) to a low of 72°F (22°C). Some would describe it as very warm, muggy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Nara, August, has days with highs of 87°F (31°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 30°F (-1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Nara in August based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in August
87°F
highs
72°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm, muggy
Feels like
36%
Chance of rain
0.199 in
Amount
9.7 mph
Wind speed
80%
Humidity
13.5 hrs
Daylight length
5:16 AM
Sunrise
6:44 PM
Sunset
45%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 87°F (31°C) and a low of 72°F (22°C), it generally feels very warm, muggy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Nara in August

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Nara has to offer for travelers in August, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Nara that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Nara for August.
Tōdai-ji
1. Tōdai-ji
4.6
(23663)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Buddhist temple originally built in the mid-700s, with one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.
Nara Park
2. Nara Park
4.5
(55283)
Park
Nature & Parks
Landscaped, public park with ancient temples & the Nara National Museum of art, plus tame deer.
Kasuga Taisha
3. Kasuga Taisha
4.5
(11577)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Bright vermillion columns support the roof of this Shinto shrine originally established in 768 A.D..
Kofuku-ji
4. Kofuku-ji
4.4
(10716)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Complex of Buddhist temple halls & pagodas, plus an on-site museum showcasing national treasures.
Todai-ji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
5. Todai-ji Nigatsudo (February Hall)
4.6
(2766)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Hilltop hall, part of Tōdai-ji Buddhist temple, with sweeping views of Nara from its balcony.
Toshodai-ji temple
6. Toshodai-ji temple
4.5
(3867)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Buddhist temple complex known for its 8th-century Golden Hall, acknowledged as a national treasure.
Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
7. Isuien Garden and Neiraku Museum
4.4
(916)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Sizable collection of ancient Chinese bronze wares, mirrors & seals, along with Korean pottery.
Yakushi-ji temple
8. Yakushi-ji temple
4.4
(4668)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Originally built in 680, this Buddhist landmark was once one of the Seven Great Temples in Nara.
50-50 Noboriōjichō
9. 50-50 Noboriōjichō
Building
Museums
Daiichiji Daigokuden
10. Daiichiji Daigokuden
4.2
(488)
Sights & Landmarks
Cultural landmark
Noboriojicho
11. Noboriojicho
3.9
(63)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Mount Wakakusa
12. Mount Wakakusa
4.5
(704)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
1,122-foot tall hill with an annual festival called Yamayaki, where dead grass is burned.
Naramachi
13. Naramachi
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
In lively Naramachi, narrow streets are lined with Edo-era wooden machiya merchant townhouses, many transformed into museums, gift shops, guesthouses, and cozy ramen and sushi restaurants. It's home to ancient shrines such as the restored Gango-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site dating from the 6th century. Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum has interactive exhibits, and family-run Harushika Sake offers brewery tours.
NARA Visitor Center & Inn
14. NARA Visitor Center & Inn
4.7
(557)
Tourist information center
Visitor Centers
Functional inn housed in a tourism center offering airy rooms with terraces & complimentary Wi-Fi.
Gango-ji
15. Gango-ji
4.2
(1934)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Buddhist temple in a garden setting featuring a sloping tiled roof & a tranquil atmosphere.
Higashimuki Shopping Street
16. Higashimuki Shopping Street
4.0
(2196)
Business park
Sights & Landmarks
Covered shopping arcade featuring casual eateries & retailers for souvenirs, clothing & housewares.

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