Mount Wakakusayama (若草山) is the grass covered mountain behind Nara Park, located between Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine. The mountain is about 350 meters tall and affords unobstructed views over Nara City. Tourists are allowed to climb Mount Wakakusayama all year round except during winter. A small entrance fee is charged.

The grassy slope of the mountain is lined by cherry trees that are usually in full bloom around early April. A steep trail leads along the leftmost edge of the slope to a plateau halfway up the mountain with great views over the city. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the plateau and many people turn back here. An additional 20-30 minutes get you to the mountain's peak.

Every winter on the fourth Saturday of January, Mount Wakakusayama's slopes are burned during the spectacular Wakakusa Yamayaki. The origins of the event are unclear. One theory claims that it resulted from a boundary dispute, while another claims the fires were used to drive away wild boars. The burning of the mountain is preceded by a short fireworks display.

Getting there and around

The base of Wakakusayama is located about a 10-15 minute walk from both Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha. The mountain can also be reached on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station in about 35 minutes or from JR Nara Station in about 50 minutes. Buses run from either station as far as Kasuga Taisha (250 yen).

How to get to and around Nara

Hours and Fees

Hours

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Admission

Hotels around Nara

Top rated in Nara
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    • Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei
      Luxury
      Nara Kasugaokuyama Tsukihitei is located in the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each guest room has a Japanese-style decor and offer panoramic forest views, traditional tatami (woven-straw) floors, and shoji paper screens. All guest rooms are equipped with Japanese-style futon beds. The rooms have an en suite bathroom. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is 400 metres away from the property. Todaiji Temple is about a 10-minute walk away. Kintetsu Nara Train Station and JR Nara Train Station are both less than a 10-minute drive away. Japanese-style breakfast and a set meal course dinners are prepared by the Japanese chef using seasonal specialities.
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    • Guest House Oku
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Guest House Oku in Nara offers family rooms with air-conditioning, tatami floors, and slippers. Each room includes a shared bathroom and free WiFi.

      Convenient Facilities

      The guest house provides bicycle parking, luggage storage, and washing machines. Additional amenities include a washing machine and a tatami floor.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Guests highly rate the host, convenient location, and bed comfort. Reception staff speak English, Italian, and Japanese.

      Local Attractions

      Located 53 km from Itami Airport, the guest house is near Nara Park and Todaiji Temple.
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    • SLOW HOUSE NARA
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      SLOW HOUSE NARA in Nara offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a bidet, shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, bicycle parking, and an inner courtyard view. The ground-floor unit features tatami floors, providing a relaxing environment.

      Prime Location

      Located 54 km from Itami Airport, the property is situated on a quiet street. Highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and immaculate rooms.
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    • Yuzan Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Yuzan Guesthouse in Nara offers a 1-star hostel experience with a sun terrace, garden, and free WiFi. Guests enjoy air-conditioning, garden views, and parquet floors in ground-floor units.

      Convenient Facilities

      The property features private check-in and check-out, a shared kitchen, full-day security, bicycle parking, and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a hairdryer, shared bathroom with shower, and a work desk.

      Prime Location

      Located 53 km from Itami Airport, the hostel is highly rated for its convenient location, attentive staff, and well-equipped kitchen. Guests appreciate the inner courtyard views and tatami floors.
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    • Hotel Rokune
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hotel Rokune in Nara offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, balconies, and private bathrooms. Guests enjoy amenities such as bathrobes, free toiletries, and soundproofing for a restful stay.

      Essential Facilities

      The hotel features a terrace and free WiFi, ideal for relaxation and connectivity. Additional facilities include a lift, laundry service, and a work desk, ensuring convenience for all visitors.

      Convenient Location

      Located 52 km from Itami Airport, Hotel Rokune provides easy access to Nara attractions. The quiet street setting offers a peaceful environment, enhancing the overall guest experience.

      Guest Satisfaction

      Highly rated by guests for room comfort, convenient location, and room cleanliness, Hotel Rokune consistently delivers excellent service and accommodations.
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    • Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park
      Budget-friendly

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Mountain Home Lodge in Deer Park offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Each room includes a washing machine, dining area, and free WiFi.

      Convenient Facilities

      Guests benefit from daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and a dining table. Additional amenities include a sofa bed, wardrobe, and free toiletries.

      Activities and Location

      Located in Nara, the lodge is 55 km from Itami Airport. Hiking enthusiasts can explore nearby trails. The convenient location is highly rated for nature trips and the well-equipped kitchen.
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    • Hilo Hostel
      Mid-range

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Hilo Hostel in Nara offers a 3-star hostel experience with free WiFi, air-conditioning, and a lounge. Guests can relax in the shared kitchen, enjoy the tatami floors, and utilise the work desks and sofas.

      Convenient Facilities

      The hostel provides full-day security, luggage storage, and a lounge. Additional amenities include a bidet, hairdryer, shared bathroom, shower, and slippers, ensuring a comfortable stay.

      Prime Location

      Located 53 km from Itami Airport, the hostel is highly rated for its friendly host, excellent public transport options, and convenient location.
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    • Ryokan Asukasou at the entrancne of Nara park
      Luxury

      Comfortable Accommodations

      Ryokan Asukasou in Nara offers family rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and modern amenities. Each room includes a kitchenette, balcony, and free WiFi.

      Relaxing Facilities

      Guests can unwind on the terrace or enjoy the open-air bath. Additional amenities include a loungees: terrace: terrace and open-air bath.

      Delicious Breakfast

      A daily Asian breakfast featuring local specialities is served, highly praised by guests.

      Convenient Location

      Located 54 km from Itami Airport, the ryokan is situated on a quiet street with a tatami floor. Free on-site private parking is available.

      Exceptional Service

      Highly rated for its attentive staff and excellent service support, the property ensures a comfortable and memorable stay.
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    • Wakasa Annex
      Luxury
      Wakasa Annex features an outdoor hot public bath and free WiFi. Other facilities include a 24-hour reception, drinks vending machines and free parking. Todai-ji Temple is only an 8-minute walk. Soundproof rooms feature a serene interior with a tatami (woven-straw) floor, low furniture and shoji paper screens. Amenities include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge and toiletries. Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding, and the rooms come with an all-wooden bathroom. Luggage storage is offered before and after check-in/check-out. English maps for exploring the area are available, and the property staff organises free tours guided in English for staying guests. Annex Wakasa serves Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner at the dining area. Dinner is a traditional kaiseki multi-course meal featuring seasonal dishes. The hotel is an 8-minute walk from Japanese garden Isui-en, and a 15-minute walk from Nara Park. Nara Train Station is a 12-minute walk, while Kansai Airport is 80 minutes by bus.
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    • ANDO HOTEL NARA Wakakusayama -DLIGHT LIFE & HOTELS-
      Luxury
      Perched atop a hill overlooking the cityscape of Nara, ANDO HOTEL NARA Wakakusayama is just a brief 15-minute shuttle ride from JR Nara Station. Featuring an on-site restaurant, guests can indulge in traditional breakfast and dinner offerings. Additionally, guests can unwind in the rooftop open-air bath. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, complimentary green tea, and a private bathroom with slippers. Some rooms offer views of the cityscape. Advance reservation is required for shuttle service from Nara Station, and complimentary parking is available. Nara Park and Kasugataisha Shrine are a 10-minute drive away, while Todaiji Temple and the Nara National Museum are reachable within 7 minutes by car. During your stay, relax in the large communal bath or enjoy activities such as night views and stargazing tours at the summit of Mount Wakakusa, hiking, and even firewood chopping experiences. The hotel offers set menu breakfast and Japanese course dinner options for guests to enjoy.
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Experiences around Nara