Wakakusa Mountain

Mount Wakakusa is a 342-meter-high mountain located at the eastern edge of Nara Park. The entire mountain is covered with grass, and because it resembles three straw hats stacked on top of one another, it is also known as Mount Mikasa. To reach Mount Wakakusa, take the Nara Kotsu bus bound for "Kasuga Taisha Honden" from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at the final stop, and walk about five minutes to the foot of the mountain. It is also about a 30-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the mountain is colored with vibrant fall foliage, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons. Deer can be seen roaming freely across the mountain area. It takes about 40 minutes to hike to the summit, making it an ideal distance for a refreshing walk. Mount Wakakusa is especially famous for the Wakakusa Yamayaki, a traditional grass-burning event held every January. The spectacular scene truly lives up to its reputation as a festival of flames and is often featured as one of Nara’s most iconic photographic sights. In addition, the night view of Nara City from the summit is ranked as one of the New Three Major Night Views of Japan. Visitors can also drive to the summit via the Shin-Wakakusayama Driveway.