5 Photogenic Superb-View Spots of Nara | Recommended Instagrammable Natural Scenery

When you think of the ancient capital of Nara, the image of deer and the Great Buddha is strong, but in fact it's a treasure trove of "photogenic superb views" known only to those in the know. The superb scenery woven by nature is so beautiful it draws a sigh, even with just a single smartphone. Here we carefully introduce 5 spots that will make you want to go photograph them right now.

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01. Soni Highland | A Golden Carpet of Susuki Grass Spreading in an Autumn Paradise

Soni Highland, renowned as one of Nara's foremost superb views. The vast grassland of susuki (silver grass) spanning about 38 hectares is dyed golden in autumn, just like a fantasy world.

Why is it photogenic? During the hours when the setting sun streams in, the susuki ears glowing in the backlight create a curtain of light. The orange × gold colors make a painting-like shot with no filter needed.

Best Time / Time of Day: Mid-October to early November / evening, the 4–5 o'clock hour Shooting Angle: Putting the susuki in the foreground from a low angle and including a wide expanse of sky gives outstanding depth! Access: About 50 minutes by bus bound for Sambonmatsu Station from "Haibara Station" on the Kintetsu Osaka Line

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02. Odaigahara | A Fantastical Morning Scene Created by a Sea of Clouds and Virgin Forest

World Heritage Odaigahara has the charm of a fantastical superb view, as if standing above the clouds. The sea of clouds spreading in the early morning is truly "scenery in the heavens" itself.

Why is it photogenic? The mossy virgin forest wrapped in mist and the white of the sea of clouds create a fantastical contrast. The bluish atmosphere itself crafts a photogenic worldview.

Best Time / Time of Day: September to October / the 5–7 o'clock hour right after sunrise Shooting Angle: A panoramic composition capturing the sky and sea of clouds in a wide format from Masaki Pass is recommended Access: About 1 hour 45 minutes by bus bound for Odaigahara from "Yamato-Kamiichi Station" on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line

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03. Lake Muro | A Reflection Superb View with Beautiful Mountains Mirrored on the Water

Lake Muro, sitting quietly in eastern Nara, is a spot talked about among photography lovers for the beautiful reflection of the mountains mirrored on the lake surface.

Why is it photogenic? On calm, windless mornings, the lake surface becomes like a mirror. Its expression changes with the four seasons — fresh greenery, autumn foliage, snow scenery — making you want to visit again and again.

Best Time / Time of Day: The November autumn foliage season / windless times from 7–9 a.m. Shooting Angle: A symmetrical composition placing the reflection in half the frame from a low position by the lakeside is ideal Access: About 15 minutes by bus bound for Muro-ji from "Murouguchi-Ono Station" on the Kintetsu Osaka Line

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04. Mt. Takami | Winter Superb-View Photos Created in a Silver World of Rime Ice

Mt. Takami, called the "Matterhorn of Kansai." The rime ice coloring the summit in winter is a hidden photogenic spot that creates a fantastical silver world.

Why is it photogenic? The contrast of the pure-white rime ice covering the tree branches and the blue sky is a breathtaking beauty. Though monotone, it has rich expression, and you'll find yourself pressing the shutter again and again.

Best Time / Time of Day: The deep-winter period of January to February / clear mornings Shooting Angle: A "framed composition" peering at the distant mountain range with rime ice as the frame is popular Access: About 2 hours by bus + walking from "Haibara Station" on the Kintetsu Osaka Line

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05. The Terraced Rice Fields of Asuka | A Nostalgic Superb View Where Japan's Original Scenery Spreads

The terraced rice fields spreading across Asuka Village are a nostalgic yet beautiful spot, as if Japan's countryside scenery had been cut out just as it is.

Why is it photogenic? The water-filled terraced fields after rice planting line up as small mirrors reflecting the sky, beautiful as if grains of light were scattered. The terraced fields dyed orange at sunset are also dramatic.

Best Time / Time of Day: May to June (the water-filling period) or September (golden ears of rice) / evening Shooting Angle: Looking down from a high spot makes the terraced steps stand out, for a composition with depth Access: About 20 minutes by the Asuka loop bus from "Kashiharajingu-mae Station" on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line

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Nara's charm is that every spot shows an entirely different expression depending on the season and time of day. Do visit and find your own "one shot."

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