Mount Wakakusa

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Mount Wakakusa

It is a scenic spot with unobstructed views of Nara City both day and night. It is also well-known for the annual Yamayaki, a grass-burning festival.

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Mt. Wakakusa is a grass-covered gentle mountain, 342 meters above sea level. It is also called “Mt. Mikasa” because it looks like three hats stacked on top of each other. It is well-known for its annual Yamayaki, a Nara traditional event held in January.

It only takes about 30 minutes to reach the peak from the gate at the mountain’s base. From the peak, you can see Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, and other scenic spots in Nara.

You can choose from a short climb to the first peak, a hike in the meadow area, a tough hike to the top of the third peak, or a walk further into the primeval forest, depending on your physical strength and time.

The peak is also accessible by car. The night view is so beautiful that it was named one of the “New Three Major Night views of Japan” in April 2003.

Photo courtesy Nara Visitors Bureau

Highlights

  • A gentle mountain, 342 meters above sea level.
  • It is also well-known for Yamayaki, the traditional festival.
  • It only takes 30 minutes to climb to reach the peak.
  • It offers a beautiful night view.
  • In Nara Park, follow the deer safety precautions.

Photos

  • The view of Nara City from Mt. Wakakusa.
Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

    The view of Nara City from Mt. Wakakusa. Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

  • Yamayaki
Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

    Yamayaki Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

  • Nara firefighters set fire to the mountain.
Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

    Nara firefighters set fire to the mountain. Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

  • It is a popular tourist destination. 
Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

    It is a popular tourist destination. Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

  • The night view from the top of Mt. Wakakusa.
Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

    The night view from the top of Mt. Wakakusa. Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

  • It was named one of the “New Three Major Night views of Japan”.
Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

    It was named one of the “New Three Major Night views of Japan”. Photo courtesy : Nara Visitors Bureau

Reviews

3

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  • 夕樹舞子

    Climbing to the top of this not-so-high mountain gives you a nice view of Nara city. It's pretty beautiful.

  • 陳松林

    Besides feeding the deer, you can get a fantastic view of all of Nara City. The scenery is amazing!

  • Louis Liu

    It's not a very tall mountain—more like a little hill. If you're in Nara, you should definitely walk up. It gives you a different perspective.

Details

Name in Japanese
若草山
Postal Code
630-8211
Address
469 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara
Telephone
0742-22-0375 (Nara Park Office)
Admission
Adults (Middle school students and up) 150 yen, Elementary school students 80 yen
Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Open from 3rd Saturday of March to second Sunday of December)
Directions
Take the City Loop Bus and get off at “Todaiji-Daibutsuden / Kasugataisha-mae” Stop, then walk for 12 minutes.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)