Make your way to Mt. Wakakusa while visiting Nara Park
Mt. Wakakusa, located at the eastern end of Nara Park, is a 342m-high mountain covering 33 hectares. On its 3 gently-sloping hills, children are often cheerfully climbing through the area. Comfortable grass covers the slopes and from the peak, the entire city of Nara including the Great Buddha Hall and the 5-story pagoda can be seen which makes it well-known as one of the great viewpoints of the area. The night view from Mt. Wakakusa is known as one of the New Great Three Night Views of Japan. There is also the one highlight on the peak in the form of the Uguisuzuka Tumulus, a historical site built around the 5th century. Inside this tumulus, which is located over 300m above sea level, there is an ancient burial mound which is the largest of its kind in Japan. As well, you can enjoy cherry blossoms, autumn leaves and Japanese pampas grass on the mountain which changes expressions for each season, but the one recommended highlight is being able to see the adorable deer which can be seen all year here within the confines of Nara Park. Depending on the time of year, the whole family can even enjoy events such as the Shika-senbei (deer crackers) Throwing Tournament. Also, there is the famous event of the Mt. Wakakusa yamayaki (mountain roasting) ceremony held annually on the 4th Saturday of January. It is a traditional ritual to herald the coming of spring in the ancient capital of Nara, and the large fireworks festival that is held immediately before the yamayaki brilliantly cuts through the clear air of the wintry sky. Mt. Wakakusa can be accessed through a South gate and a North gate. Since the two gates are 300m apart, please be careful when making plans to meet. If you go all the way to the peak, you can catch a wonderful view from the mountaintop observation point, but even going a little up the mountain, you can get enough of a fine view so people who don’t quite have the stamina can still easily and fully enjoy the scenery.