Mount Wakakusa at a glance
Mount Wakakusa (Wakakusayama) is the hill above Nara Park. It is 342 m high, and the climb to the summit takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the prefecture, the park office or a bus company. Prices and times are those of 2026.
The hiking season follows a fixed rule: from the third Saturday in March to the second Sunday in December, from 09:00 to 17:00. In 2026 that means 21 March to 13 December. Do not assume the mountain is open outside this season. The general opening of the park does not cover winter or night access to the hill.
Entry fee in 2026
Rates for hikers, children, groups and visitors with a disability card.
| Visitor | Entry |
|---|---|
| Adults and students from middle school up | JPY 150 |
| Elementary school children | JPY 80 |
| Groups of 30 or more | JPY 120 and JPY 60 for the same two groups |
| Holders of a recognized disability card | Free for the holder and one companion |
For very small children, ask at the entrance before you plan around a free ticket.
Nara tours and day trips
Guided walks, e-bike tours and day trips that include the park, with live prices and availability.
Two ways up
Walk, or ride the bus to the summit and decide there.
Walk up
Allow 30 to 40 minutes to the summit. Stay on the path, wear shoes with a good grip and bring water. Plan the climb inside the opening hours of 09:00 to 17:00.
Hilltop Bus
The Hilltop Bus of Nara Kotsu costs JPY 2,000 for adults and JPY 1,000 for children for the round trip, with 45 minutes at the summit. You can also get off at the top and walk down on your own. Announcements are automatic in Japanese, English and Chinese. There is no personal guide on board.
Booking the bus
The operator offers reservations online. Without one, you can ride when seats are free on the day, and pay with an IC card, a credit card or cash. The bus runs daily from 1 April to 12 December 2026. That season is shorter than the hiking season, so the bus is not a sign that the mountain is open.
The night view
The night view is reached by a different route from the daytime hike. You go by the Nara Okuyama Driveway to the summit car park, which is separate from the gates at the foot of the hill. From the car park it is about 5 minutes on foot to the viewpoint.
The day gates for hikers are not a permit for walking up at night. If you plan an evening visit, check the current access arrangements first and have a way back down that works after dark.
Wakakusa Yamayaki on 23 January 2027
The Yamayaki, the burning of the mountain, is announced for Saturday 23 January 2027. The fireworks start at 18:15, and the burning begins at 18:30. If bad weather cancels it, there is no replacement date.
Free viewing areas include Kasugano and Ukigumo. The foot of the mountain and the roof of the bus terminal are separate areas that need a ticket. The organizers publish the single-ticket information separately, so check it before you plan to stand in one of those places.
Plan the rest of your day
The hill pairs well with the Great Buddha Hall, which has its own guide at todai-ji.com.
Mount Wakakusa: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Mount Wakakusa?
About 30 to 40 minutes to the summit. The hill is 342 m high. Plan the climb between 09:00 and 17:00 during the hiking season.
When is Mount Wakakusa open for hiking?
From the third Saturday in March to the second Sunday in December, 09:00 to 17:00. In 2026 the dates are 21 March to 13 December. Winter and night access do not follow from the general opening of the park.
How much does it cost?
Entry is JPY 150 for adults and students from middle school up, and JPY 80 for elementary school children, as of 2026. Groups of 30 or more pay JPY 120 and JPY 60. Holders of a recognized disability card and one companion enter free.
Is there a bus to the top?
Yes. The Hilltop Bus runs daily from 1 April to 12 December 2026. The round trip is JPY 2,000 for adults and JPY 1,000 for children, with 45 minutes at the summit. You can reserve online or ride when seats are free.
When is the Yamayaki?
Saturday 23 January 2027. Fireworks at 18:15, burning of the mountain at 18:30. There is no replacement date if the weather forces a cancellation.
Can I see the Yamayaki for free?
Yes, from free viewing areas such as Kasugano and Ukigumo. The foot of the mountain and the roof of the bus terminal are ticketed areas.