Region
Kyushu
Island
Kyushu
Largest City
Nagasaki
Population
1,516,536

Mount Inasa

This is the night, such a beautiful night.

Want to know what a 10 million-dollar view looks like? Mount Inasa claims to offer one of the best nighttime panoramas in Japan right in the heart of Nagasaki city.

Nagasaki cityscape at night is one of the best views in Japan

The view from Mount Inasa is one of the top three nighttime views in Japan, along with Mount Hakodate (Hakodate) and Mount Maya (Kobe).

Rising 333 feet from the city center, Mount Inasa offers spectacular 360° views of the thriving port city extending out towards Kyushu and the Sea of Japan. On clear days, you can see as far as the remote Goto Islands to the west, the Amakusa islands to the south, and fiery Mt. Unzen to the east.

It’s the beautiful night sights though that typically draw people in (or up).

With thousands of lights from buildings and boats shimmering below, you’ll see why Mt. Inasa is said to possess a ‘10 million dollar view’.

While you can walk up to the summit in about 50 minutes, most visitors take the Nagasaki Ropeway for the views traveling up the mountain. From the Fuchi Shrine stop, you can ride one of the gondolas right to the summit in about five minutes. Single and round trip tickets are available, good for doing one leg of the journey on foot. The ropeway shuts at 10 p.m. after which you’ll have to navigate going down in the dark. Usually taxis scour the mountain to pick up anybody left behind.

At the top of the summit you’ll find the Mt. Inasa Observatory. Although the interior is only open until 10 p.m., its upper deck remains open to the public through the night.

Inside the observatory is the Restaurant of Lights (open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.), which offers great local dishes like Nagasaki champon at counter seats along the windows. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Reservations are suggested, and available online (in Japanese only).

Nagasaki Champon

Locals are split about Mount Inasa’s wooing prowess. For some it’s a great date spot, for others it’s the setting for many break-ups. At least the Nagasaki Champon is reliable.

On your way, pay a visit to Fuchi Shrine which sits a few minutes from the ropeway, and pray for blessings in marriage, academic success, and/or childbirth depending on your current priorities.

Mt. Inasa is also home to several hotels, restaurants, and even hot springs. A favorite among locals and tourists alike is the onsen spa Fuku no yu. With outdoor onsen available overlooking Nagasaki City, you can enjoy the night sights while taking a relaxing soak in the natural hot spring waters. They even offer fish pedicures, where small garra rufa fish nibble away the dead skin cells on your feet.

Things To Know

Access

Mt. Inasa is accessible by bus, ropeway, taxi, and on foot. Bus times are limited and riders should check with the schedule to make sure they don’t miss the final bus, which typically stops around 10 p.m. Taxi prices may differ due to traffic after 10 p.m. Car access is limited during peak hours. While free parking is available along the hillside going up to Mt. Inasa, summit parking is reserved for taxis.

Nagasaki Ropeway

The ropeway is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and runs every 15 to 20 minutes. Roundtrip – Adults ¥1,230 / Students (Junior and Senior High School) ¥920 / Children ¥610. One way – Adults ¥720 / Students (Junior and Senior High School) ¥510 / Children ¥410. Group discounts are available.

Events

During cherry blossom season in early spring, Mt. Inasa Park is a popular spot for holding hanami parties. In late spring, the area hosts its own Azalea Festival. Visitors can see 80,000 azaleas as well as listen to live music and watch a kite flying competition.

How To Get There

Address

Fuchimachi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture 852-8012, Japan

By bus

Leave from JR Nagasaki Station on bus numbers 3 or 4, which run about 1 to 2 buses per hour. Get off at the Ropeway-mae stop. It takes about 7 minutes. Walk about 2 minutes to the Nagasaki Ropeway’s Fuchi Shrine Station. It costs ¥150 one way.

By car

From JR Nagasaki Station to Fuchi Shrine Station it takes about 7 minutes (taxis costs about ¥850 one way.) From JR Nagasaki station to Inasayama Observatory, it takes about 15 minutes (taxis costs about ¥2,200 one way.)

By foot

It takes about 50 minutes from Fuchi Shrine. Approximately 2.5 km one way.


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