Mt. Wakakusa

Located at the eastern edge of Nara Park, this 342-meter-high, 33-hectare mountain is one of the symbolic landscapes of Nara, with its gently sloping mountainside covered with grass.

Deer roam freely here, and the scenery changes with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn leaves and silver grass in fall.

From the summit, you can see the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, the five-story pagoda of Kofukuji Temple, and the city of Nara, and on a clear day, you can also see the three mountains of Yamato and Mount Ikoma in the distance.

On the summit of the mountain is the Uguisuzuka burial mound, which is believed to have been built around the 5th century and has been called “Uguisuzan” since ancient times.

It is shaped like three round hills overlapping each other, the first, second, and summit (the third), and is also called “Mikasa-yama” (Mt. Mikasa). In the Edo period (1603-1867), “Mikasa-yama Yuki” was famous as one of the eight scenic spots in the southern part of Japan.

The summit (Mie-me) can be accessed by car on the Nara Okuyama Driveway. The sunset and night views from the summit are breathtaking. The night view from the summit is recognized as one of the three best night views in new Japan.

In addition, every January, the traditional event of the ancient capital of Nara, the Yamayaki (burning of the mountains), is held. This spectacular event is truly a festival of flames, and the sight of the flames burning in the night sky is beautiful.