Wakakusayama

Mount Wakakusayama (若草山), a gently sloping hill rising to 350 meters, sits just behind Nara Park, framed by two of the city’s most revered landmarks — Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Covered in open grasslands, the mountain offers sweeping views of Nara City and the surrounding countryside, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. The area is open to visitors for most of the year, with a small entrance fee collected at the base. In spring, cherry blossoms sprinkle the slopes, transforming the hillside into a soft pink canvas that captures the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.

A leisurely 15–20 minute hike leads to a scenic plateau, perfect for resting and taking in panoramic views of the city below. For those seeking a longer walk, the summit can be reached with an additional 20–30 minute climb, offering even more expansive vistas. Each January, Mount Wakakusayama becomes the fiery stage for the dramatic Wakakusa Yamayaki festival. During this centuries-old event, the entire hillside is set ablaze in a spectacular controlled burn, illuminating the night sky in a display that symbolizes renewal and remains one of Nara’s most iconic seasonal traditions.