What you need to know before visiting Mount Wakakusa

Do you know the word of ‘Yamayaki’?

Mount Wakakusa is famous for this and many tourists come here in this season.

We will explain about Yamayaki later.

Today we will tell you several points about Mount Wakakusa that you should know before visiting.

Basic Information of Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa is a gently sloping mountain covered entirely with grass.

The word of Wakakusa means young glass in Japanese.

It is also called Mt. Mikasa because of its three gently rounded hills.

From the top, you can see the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) and Nara Park, and on a clear day, you can see the three mountains of Yamato and Mount Ikoma in the distance.

The mountain is 342 meters high and 33 hectares in area, and deer can be seen here and there throughout the mountain.

Visitors can enjoy nature in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and silver grass.

Visitors can enjoy different scenery at the foot of the mountain, the first floor, the second floor, the summit (the third floor), and along the road around the Yushizuka burial mound.

(For the path around the Yingzuka burial mound, go north (turn left toward the summit) from the Nijyume toll station.)

It takes about 30 to 40 minutes from the foot gate to the summit. Enjoy a pleasant sweat.

Yamayki of Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa is also famous for the annual “Yamayaki event”.

The traditional event that heralds the early spring in the ancient capital of Nara is a spectacular sight as it scorches the night sky.

The festival is held on the fourth Saturday of January every year (if it cannot be ignited, it is postponed to the next day).

On the day of the festival, events and ceremonies are held from the afternoon at the foot of the mountain, and just before the burning of the mountain, a huge firework display is held to start the burning of the mountain with its spectacular signal fire, which bathes the clear winter night sky in brilliant light and color.

Don’ miss it!

Hiking in Mount Wakakusa

Mount Wakakusa is closed during the winter.

Wakakusa is open from the third Saturday in March to the second Sunday in December, and the north and south gates are closed during the winter.

Even during the opening period, the gates are closed at night.

The gates are open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Mount Wakakusa is a mountain that anyone can climb, even beginners.

The distance to travel is not too long and access is convenient, so it can be enjoyed at a hiking level while sightseeing in Nara.

Toilets are available at the top of the mountain.

You can enjoy hiking without worrying about that, too.

There are several hiking trails to Mount Wakakusa, but they are generally accessed from the north or south gates.

From the top of the mountain, you can see Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and of course Nara City.

Even beginners can enjoy this hiking course while sightseeing in Nara.

We will show you some courses below.

Up to the first level of the Mount Wakakusa

The time required is short, and the course may not seem like a hike.

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes from either the north or south gate to reach a spot where you can view Nara Park and Todaiji Temple.

The distance is short, so beginners as well as those with children can enjoy it without any problems.

If you enter through the North Gate, you can also circle around and exit through the South Gate.

Up to the summit viewing platform of Mount Wakakusa

This is a course to enjoy hiking from the North Gate to the summit observatory of Mount Wakakusa.

It takes about 50 minutes to reach the summit.

Entering from the North Gate, you will climb about 350 steps.

After about 15 minutes, you will arrive at the first staircase.

From here you can see the five-story pagodas of Todaiji and Kofukuji.

After another 10-minute walk, you will arrive at the second staircase.

You can see a slightly different view of Todaiji Temple from the first floor. After another 10 minutes, you will reach the summit observatory.

Deer may welcome you. From the summit observatory, you can see Mount Katsuragi, Mount Ikoma, and the mountains of Yoshino in the distance.

Opening Period and Prohibitions of Mount Wakakusa

As mentioned above, the mountain is open from the third Saturday in March to the second Sunday in December.

Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please do not enter the off-limits area or engage in any prohibited activities such as bonfires, fireworks, etc.

Admission and Entrance of Mount Wakakusa

(This is information at the time of writing and should be verified before you go.)

Discounts for the physically challenged: Free admission for the disabled and one accompanying person upon presentation of a physical disability certificate, a rehabilitation certificate, or a health welfare certificate for the mentally disabled.

Others Open: 3rd Saturday in March – 2nd Sunday in December

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (except for temporary openings)

Transportation of Mount Wakakusa

From JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Nara Kotsu Bus bound for Kasuga Taisha Hon-den, get off at the last stop, and walk 5 minutes to the foot of the mountain.

Or, take Nara Kotsu Bus “City Circulation Outer Circuit”, get off at “Todaiji Daibutsuden/Kasuga Taisha-mae”, and walk 10 minutes to the foot of the mountain.

You can also take the “Nara Park Route” bus to the foot of the mountain (South Gate).

Please refer to the Nara Park/Heijo Palace Site Access Navi external site for the service days and times.

Summary

If you are planning to make a trip to Nara, we recommend going during Yamayaki season because it is not often you get a chance to see that event in Japan.

Don’t miss the powerful and beautiful spectacle!