Mountain Wakakusa
Wakamasa Mountain is the highest mountain in Nara Park, about 342 meters (1,122 feet) above sea level, and you can have a panoramic view of Nara from the top of this mountain. The whole mountain is covered with grass, and planted with only a few cherry trees. The mountain consists of three overlapping mountains and is divided into three sections, each with a viewing platform.
Mountain Wakakusa
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What to Do on Mountain Wakakusa
1. Enjoy the Whole View of Nara
Standing at the top of the mountain, you can overlook the whole of Nara. The night view of Nara from the Mountain Wakakusa is called “one of the three new night scenes in Japan”. Besides, many tourists enjoy the sunset from the top of the mountain, and the whole Nara turns orange-red. At night when the neon lights of Nara are lit up, it is another breathtaking scenery. In autumn and winter, you can view the totally different scenes of Nara. However, suppose you plan to climb the mountain in autumn and winter, please take measures to keep warm. The temperature at the top of the mountain is much lower than that at the bottom.
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2. Feed Cute Deer
At the bottom of the mountain, you have the opportunity to see herds of deer relaxing in the grass. It is said that deer here are relatively mild compared to the deer in other places, especially deer at the top of the mountain. Besides, you can see many ravens on the mountain. Mountain Wakakusa is relatively untouched by tourists, so the deer can easily smell the deer cracker and they may surround you and ask for food. Male deer have very powerful horns, so don't tease them easily or they may attack you.
3. Attend Yamayaki - Burning Mountain Wakakusa Festival
The mountain burning festival, known as Yamayaki, has been practiced in Nara for hundreds of years and is held every year on the fourth Saturday of January. On the day, the whole Mountain Wakakusa will be on fire. During the festival, you will also see different kinds of ritualists, such as torchbearers dressed in white with black hats, and samurai in black robes and white turbans, and with swords and wooden clogs. Before burning the mountain, you can appreciate fireworks show lasting for more than ten minutes. Besides, some performers play Japanese traditional music with big drums and other instruments. In general, fireworks will begin at 18:15 and officiating staff will begin burning the mountain at 18:30. The festival will end at about 20:00 and the firefighters and government officials will help put out the fire. By the way, burning grass will produce smoke, you’d better wear a mask to protect your throat.Tips:
1. Take insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquito bites during summer and autumn.2. A picnic blanket allows you to lie down and enjoy the sunset more comfortably.
3. There is no washroom on the mountain top.
4. On the first hill there is a small shop selling water, shaved ice and food.
5. It is advised to bring some food for your Mountain Wakakusa trip.
6. Sliding on the grass is prohibited.
Two Entrances to Mountain Wakakusa
Mountain Wakakusa has two entrances, namely the North entrance and the South entrance.The north entrance is close to Todaiji Temple, and the climbing road leading to the mountain top is all stairs, relatively steeper and more strenuous than the one to the south. But there are some trees on both sides of the road to provide shade.
The south entrance is close to Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The southern climbing road has a gentler slope, which can save you energy.
Recommended Visit Time
About 2~3 Hours.If you want to climb to the top of the mountain, it will take about 50 minutes. Some tourists choose to view the scene from the peak of the first mountain, which takes about 30 minutes to climb up here. Spring and summer are the best visit times because you can see the green grass covering the whole mountain.
Opening Time and Ticket
The south entrance is open from 9:00 to 17:00 and the north entrance is open from 9:00 to 16:30. From June 22 to September 11 and November 24 to March 19, the mountain is closed. The ticket is 500 yen.
How to Get to Mountain Wakakusa
You can take the Nara Bus at Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station, get off at “Tōdai-ji Daibutsuden / Kasuga Taisha-mae” bus station, then walk for about 10 minutes to get there.Travel Advice
There are many cultural and historical attractions near the Mountain Wakakusa that are well worth seeing, like Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara National Museum, and Isuien Garden. You can walk to these attractions or take Gurutto Bus.
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