Mount Wakakusa
Mount Wakakusa in the east of Nara is a 342m-high grass-covered hill which is set alight in January during the Wakakusa Yamayaki ceremony.
Mount Wakakusa 若草山
Mount Wakakusa (Wakakusayama) rises 342 meters in on the eastern edge of Nara Park in Nara between Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Mount Wakakusa is open to the public from March-December (to protect the grass) and affords excellent views of Nara city below from the observation deck halfway up. You can, of course, continue up the steep slope to the peak. Nara's famous deer are, of course, present on the slopes.
Mount Wakakusa, Nara
Mount Wakakusa, Nara
Mount Wakakusa somewhat resembles a hill in the English countryside, as it is grass-covered and largely devoid of trees, except for a number of cherry trees lining the path at the bottom of the mountain.
On the fourth Saturday in January the whole mountain is set alight in the Wakakusa Yamayaki festival. The origins of the festival are obscure. Some believe it was the result of a boundary dispute between Todaiji and Kofukuji temples; others say it was simply a measure to drive off wild boar.
Mount Wakakusa, Nara
Mount Wakakusa, Nara
A torch is lit from sacred fire at Kasuga Taisha and the hill ignited by monks from Todaiji and Kofukuji along with Shinto priests from Kasuga Taisha. The hill burns for about 30 minutes after which a fireworks display is held. The spectacular fire can be seen from all over Nara.
Mount Wakakusa, Nara
Access - how to get to Mount Wakakusa, Nara
Mount Wakakusa (www.pref.nara.jp/6553.htm in Japanese)
Hours: 9 am-5 pm; open from the third Saturday of March to the second Sunday of December
Admission: 150 yen
Mount Wakakusa is a 30-35 minute walk east from Kintetsu Nara Station.
By bus from JR Nara Station take bus #70 or #97 to Kasuga Taisha Honden bus stop.
Wakakusayama is about 15 minutes on foot from the Nigatsudo and Sangatsudo, sub-temples of Todaiji.
Tourist Information Center
Nara City Tourist Information Office
Tel: 0742 24 4858
Kintetsu Nara Station
