Nara is worth visiting year-round but has two peak seasons: late March to early April for cherry blossom, and mid-October to mid-November for autumn foliage. Both periods bring large crowds and higher accommodation prices; the park is genuinely beautiful at these times but busy.
Summer is hot and humid but less crowded than the peak seasons. The Nara Tokae lantern festival in August illuminates thousands of lanterns throughout the park and is one of the most atmospheric events in the region. Winter is cold but peaceful; the deer look magnificent in frost and the temples are quieter than at any other time of year.
The Onimazushiki Ceremony at Todai-ji in February is one of the oldest continuous rituals in Japan — sacred torches are swung from a platform above the crowds, showering sparks believed to ward off evil. It has been held every year since 752.