Mount Wakakusa
Nara, Japan • INR 130 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Apr, Nov
0°C – 8°C, cold winter temperatures with occasional rain; snowfall is rare but possible, high crowds, peak season
0°C – 8°C, cold winter temperatures with occasional rain; snowfall is rare but possible, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Hiking up steep, grassy slopes required; not wheelchair accessible.
Hiking up steep, grassy slopes required; not wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
High
Affordable entrance fee for stunning panoramic views.
Affordable entrance fee for stunning panoramic views.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Sunset
Couples found the sunset views incredibly romantic and memorable. A perfect date spot.
Peaceful Hike
Travelers enjoyed the peaceful trails and serene atmosphere, perfect for a quiet day.
Deer Encounter
Couples loved the chance to see deer up close in a natural setting. Very charming.
Steep Climb
Some couples found the climb unexpectedly steep, especially towards the summit.
Crowded Trails
During peak season, couples noted trails could become crowded, impacting the peace.
Limited Amenities
Visitors felt that the lack of seating at the top was a drawback for longer stays.
How to book
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BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the thrill as a tourist ascends the majestic Mount Wakakusa in this captivating video.
An adventurer embarks on a thrilling hike up the picturesque Mount Wakakusa.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
1-11°C
Cold and dry, with occasional frost. Clear skies are common but temperatures are low.
Cold and dry, with occasional frost. Clear skies are common but temperatures are low.
Closed
Closed from mid-November to mid-March for the winter season. Entry to the slopes and summit is not permitted.
Closed from mid-November to mid-March for the winter season. Entry to the slopes and summit is not permitted.
Not recommended
Mount Wakakusa is closed for winter from mid-November, with no access to trails or summit. Only the base area and nearby shops may be open.
Mount Wakakusa is closed for winter from mid-November, with no access to trails or summit. Only the base area and nearby shops may be open.
January
HIGH
0-8°C
Cold winter temperatures with occasional rain; snowfall is rare but possible. Skies are often clear, especially during the annual festival.
Cold winter temperatures with occasional rain; snowfall is rare but possible. Skies are often clear, especially during the annual festival.
Open
Some trails and summit access may be temporarily closed or restricted during festival preparations and the day of Yamayaki for safety.
Some trails and summit access may be temporarily closed or restricted during festival preparations and the day of Yamayaki for safety.
Recommended
January is notable for the Yamayaki Fire Festival, when the hillside is set ablaze in a traditional event drawing large crowds, especially on the festival weekend. Outside of the festival, the area is quieter, with brisk but manageable hiking conditions.
January is notable for the Yamayaki Fire Festival, when the hillside is set ablaze in a traditional event drawing large crowds, especially on the festival weekend. Outside of the festival, the area is quieter, with brisk but manageable hiking conditions.
February
LOW
1-9°C
Cold, mostly dry with some rainy days. Snow is unlikely. Air is crisp and visibility is excellent for panoramic views.
Cold, mostly dry with some rainy days. Snow is unlikely. Air is crisp and visibility is excellent for panoramic views.
Closed
Mount Wakakusa is generally closed to climbers in winter except during the festival; check local notices for specific reopening dates.
Mount Wakakusa is generally closed to climbers in winter except during the festival; check local notices for specific reopening dates.
Recommended
February is off-peak, and access to the mountain may be restricted to protect the grass and allow recovery after the Yamayaki event. The area is tranquil and scenic but climbing is usually not permitted.
February is off-peak, and access to the mountain may be restricted to protect the grass and allow recovery after the Yamayaki event. The area is tranquil and scenic but climbing is usually not permitted.
March
MEDIUM
3-13°C
Cool and gradually warming. Occasional rain showers. Early spring flowers begin to appear.
Cool and gradually warming. Occasional rain showers. Early spring flowers begin to appear.
Open
Access resumes for climbers as the mountain reopens after the winter closure.
Access resumes for climbers as the mountain reopens after the winter closure.
Recommended
March marks the reopening of Mount Wakakusa for hiking. Scenery is fresh and hikers enjoy mild weather. The mountain is accessible by foot or via the toll road.
March marks the reopening of Mount Wakakusa for hiking. Scenery is fresh and hikers enjoy mild weather. The mountain is accessible by foot or via the toll road.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Taxi
Recommended
Walking
Recommended
Car
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required