🏔️ Nature

Mount Wakakusa

Nara, Japan

About Mount Wakakusa

A 342m grassy hill at the eastern edge of Nara Park, open from the third Saturday of March to the second Sunday of December for a small fee. A short but steep climb leads to wide views over the city and Todai-ji's roof, lovely at sunset. In January the whole hillside is set alight during the Yamayaki grass-burning festival.

hikehillsunsetviews

📍Kasugano-cho, Nara, Nara, Japan

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Why it works for solo travelers

✓ Comfortable to visit on your own.
✓ Budget-friendly ($).

More solo-friendly nature in Nara →Nara solo travel guide →

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More Nature in Nara

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Nara Park & Deer

A large park at the foot of Mount Wakakusa where more than 1,000 wild sika deer roam freely among the temples, regarded as sacred messengers of the gods. Deer crackers (shika-senbei) are sold around the park; bow and the deer often bow back. They can nip or butt, though, so hold the crackers out of reach and don't tease them.

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Isuien Garden

A strolling garden beside Todai-ji, laid out in two parts from the 17th and 19th centuries, that 'borrows' the roof of Todai-ji's Nandaimon gate and the Wakakusa and Kasuga hills as its backdrop. Ponds, stepping stones and teahouses make it one of Nara's calmest spots, and the ticket includes the small Neiraku Museum of Chinese and Korean ceramics.

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Mount Kasuga Primeval Forest

A protected forest of old-growth trees on the slopes behind Kasuga Taisha, left largely untouched for over a thousand years as sacred shrine land and part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara UNESCO site. Quiet trails wind through it, and the Kasugayama promenade takes a few hours to walk. Stay on the paths and carry water.

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