The Shosoin Exhibition and the autumn colours, from a house of your own.
Nara is at its deepest in autumn. THE KAKU is a private machiya residence a three-minute walk from Nara Park — walk to the exhibition and to the maple gardens, then come back to a private open-air bath. Not a hotel room: a house in the old capital, for a season worth staying in.
The 78th Shosoin Exhibition
The Shosoin Exhibition runs from 24 October to 9 November 2026 at the Nara National Museum. Sixty treasures from the eighth-century Shosoin Repository go on view, eleven of them for the first time — among them the Shikkohei ewer listed in Emperor Shomu’s own inventory of donated treasures, a glass Hakururibin vase made near Persia, and ivory go stones. Open 8:00–18:00, until 20:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; last entry sixty minutes before closing.
The exhibition lasts just seventeen days, and the museum stands inside Nara Park, within walking distance of the house. Go early, when the galleries are quiet, and come back to rest while the afternoon crowds arrive — the kind of day only guests who stay nearby can have.
Please check the Nara National Museum website for current dates, hours and admission.
Autumn colour, all on foot
Nara Park — 3 minutes
Deer on misty grass at dawn; lanterns at dusk. Both belong to the people who stayed the night. Colour usually peaks from mid to late November.
Ukimido & Sagiike Pond
A hexagonal pavilion mirrored in still water, at the quiet southern end of the park.
Isuien & Yoshikien Gardens
Strolling gardens that borrow Todai-ji and Mount Wakakusa as their backdrop. The maples here turn a deeper red than anywhere else in the city.
Naramachi
Step out of the front door and you are already in it: lattice-fronted townhouses and narrow lanes, best walked with nowhere in particular to be.
Autumn at THE KAKU
The days grow short, so you spend more of the trip indoors. In this season the house itself becomes the holiday.
The open-air bath, at night
A natural-stone bath, private to your party, with no closing time. Autumn air is when it is best.
Tea in the tea room
The Kin Suite has its own tea room. Matcha and seasonal sweets are provided — best in the first quiet hour of the day.
A full kitchen for autumn produce
Fully equipped with cookware and tableware. Buy Yamato vegetables at the local market and eat at the single-slab dining table.
Your dog or cat comes too
Pets are welcome in both suites, and dogs roam freely indoors. Autumn mornings in Nara Park are made for a long walk.
The house
Kin Suite — approx. 200 sqm, up to 8 guests. Private open-air bath, tea room, full kitchen. For families and three generations.
Gin Suite — approx. 50 sqm, up to 2 guests. A separate annexe with a king bed. For couples.
Exclusive use of both villas — over 250 sqm, up to 10 guests. For extended family gatherings and corporate or VIP stays.
Rates vary by season. Please check live rates and availability through “Check autumn availability”. Parties of more than four are subject to an additional per-person charge.
Book early
The exhibition runs for seventeen days and the maples hold their colour for about two weeks. Accommodation in Nara for these dates typically fills one to three months ahead. If your dates are settled, our Early Bird rate applies.
How far is the Shosoin Exhibition?
The Nara National Museum stands inside Nara Park and is within walking distance of the house. Nara Park and Kofuku-ji Temple are a three-minute walk away.
When do the autumn colours peak?
Around Nara Park, usually from mid to late November. The exact timing shifts with the weather each year.
Can we stay for a week or longer?
Yes. The house has a full kitchen and a Miele washer-dryer, so longer stays work well. See our long stay plan.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes — pets are welcome in both suites. See the pet-friendly guide for details.