Natadera Autumn Leaves: When to Go and How to Get There

Natadera (那谷寺) is usually in autumn colour through late October and November: the temple lists its maples for both months,^[1] and the nearest city forecast, for Kanazawa, puts the maples at November 30 this year.^[11] Without a car, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen and then the CANBUS Mountain Route, about 35 minutes to the temple.^[4],[6] The one thing not to miss: CANBUS only runs one way round its loop, so plan your return before you get off.^[10],[9]

Key facts

• Colour period: the temple lists autumn leaves for October and November.^[1]
• 2026 forecast for Kanazawa maples (Japan Meteorological Corporation, a forecast): November 30, against an average of November 24.^{[11] [11]}
• Hours: 9:15–16:00, the same in summer and winter, open every day.^{[2] [2]}
• Admission: ¥1,000 for adults.^[2]
• CANBUS: ¥500 per ride, or a ¥1,300 one-day digital ticket that is not sold on the bus.^{[8],[10] [8],[10]}
• Time at the temple: 30–40 minutes for the general route, about 1 hour with the special viewing.^{[2] [2]}

When exactly are the leaves at their best?

Natadera’s own calendar names October and November for autumn leaves, and the temple calls the red maples against the white rock of Kiseki-yuen (奇岩遊仙境) one of the leading foliage sights in Hokuriku.^[1] The temple does not publish a peak date, so use the nearest forecast as a guide.

The Kanazawa date is for a sample tree in the city, not for Natadera itself, which is in Komatsu. Read it as a rough marker for the area: if Kanazawa runs late, expect Natadera to run late too. The forecaster plans its next update for early November.^[11] How these forecasts work, and how the rest of Japan compares, is covered in the autumn leaves guide for all of Japan.

Two national holidays fall in the season: Culture Day (November 3) and Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23).^[12] Expect more visitors and fuller buses on those days and the weekends next to them, and pick a weekday if your dates allow.

How do I get there from Kanazawa without a car?

The temple is not on a railway line. The simplest car-free route is the Shinkansen one stop past Komatsu to Kaga Onsen, then the sightseeing bus.^[7]

1. Kanazawa to Kaga Onsen by Shinkansen

   Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen towards Tsuruga and get off at Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉), the stop after Komatsu.^[7]

2. Board CANBUS Mountain Route at Kaga Onsen Station

   CANBUS (キャンバス) routes start from JR Kaga Onsen Station.^[10],[9] Board at the front door and put ¥500 in the fare box,^[8],[10] or show a one-day digital ticket bought in advance: it costs ¥1,300 and is not sold on board.^[8],[10]

3. Get off at NataderaAbout 35 min

   The ride to the Natadera stop takes about 35 minutes.^[4],[6]

4. Return on the next bus round the loop

   CANBUS runs in one direction only, except for the Mountain Route M6 service.^[10],[9] From Natadera you continue round the loop back to Kaga Onsen Station, rather than retracing the route. The whole Mountain Route loop takes between 1 hour 3 minutes and 1 hour 31 minutes.^[9] Check the operator’s current timetable for the last bus from Natadera before you set off. If you are riding on to the hot-spring towns, the Kaga Onsen guide covers Yamanaka, Yamashiro and their public baths.

Two backups if the bus times do not fit. Natadera’s access page lists the Hokutetsu Kaga Bus bound for Natadera from JR Awazu Station and from JR Komatsu Station.^[4] A taxi takes about 10 minutes from Awazu Station, about 20 minutes from Kaga Onsen Station, about 30 minutes from Komatsu Station and about 65 minutes from Kanazawa Station.^[4]

What is there to see inside?

Natadera was built in 717 by the monk Taicho,^[5] and its grounds earned a star in the Michelin Green Guide for their scenery.^[5],[6] The general route covers the Kondo hall, Kiseki-yuen, the main hall, the three-storied pagoda and the viewpoint; the temple allows 30–40 minutes for it.^[2]

• Kiseki-yuen. The white rock formation that the temple pairs with its red maples in autumn; this is the view to aim for.^[1]
• The main hall, pagoda and viewpoint. Part of the general route, with no extra ticket.^[2]
• The special viewing area. Reopened on September 1, 2026, after a closure: the shoin (an Important Cultural Property), the Kuri garden, the Rubien garden and the Sanzon-seki rocks.^[3] It costs ¥1,000 on top of general admission, paid at the reception or at the Kondo Kaoden hall.^[3] With both parts, allow about 1 hour.^[2]

Children pay less: ¥300 at elementary school age, and preschool children enter free.^[2]

What can change the plan?

• Closing time. The gates keep the same hours all year, 9:15–16:00.^[2] If you want the special viewing as well, arrive with at least an hour to spare.^[2]
• Closing days. There are none; the temple is open every day.^[2]
• Snow. In winter, the special viewing area closes whenever snow lies.^[2]
• Holiday crowds. Culture Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day fall in the foliage weeks.^[12]

Questions people also ask

Frequently asked questions

Can I combine Natadera with Yamanaka or Yamashiro Onsen on the same day?

Usually, yes, if you plan the order of stops: CANBUS runs one way round its loop, so you ride on from the temple rather than back.^[10],[9] Decide which stops you want, in loop order, before you board at Kaga Onsen Station.

How long should I allow at the temple?

The temple allows 30–40 minutes for the general route^[2] and about 1 hour if you add the special viewing.^[2] Add the bus ride each way and the wait for the next CANBUS.

Can I visit as a day trip from Kanazawa?

Yes, by Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen and CANBUS from there.^[4],[6] If Kanazawa is your base, the Kanazawa guide helps you plan the rest of your stay.