Apply for the "Wakakusayama Direct Bus"

• Table of Contents
• What is Mount Wakakusa in Nara like?
• Access to Mount Wakakusa
• Recommended points of the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus
• Operation period and fares
• A panoramic view of over 180 degrees! We also recommend visiting Mount Wakakusa in the evening.
• Wakakusayama direct bus stop

What is Mount Wakakusa in Nara like?

Mount Wakakusa is located in the eastern part of Nara and is one of Nara's most famous landmarks. It is a grassy hill 342 meters above sea level with a gentle slope and is home to deer. From the summit of Mount Wakakusa, you can enjoy views of Nara and the city of Nara, including the Great Buddha Hall. Enjoy the magnificent views and the opportunity to interact with the lazy deer.

Access to Mount Wakakusa

[Normally] you would have to take a bus to the base of the mountain and then walk up from there. The bus routes are complicated and confusing, and the route varies depending on the day of operation and the stops, making it difficult for many tourists. The walking route can take more than 30 minutes and requires physical strength.

Starting in November 2025, the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus will begin operation. This will provide direct access to the summit of Mount Wakakusa. You can easily and comfortably get to the summit of Mount Wakakusa!

Recommended points of the Wakakusa Hilltop Bus

Recommended point 1: Everyone is seated, so you can relax. We will take you directly to Mt. Wakakusa by private bus.

Recommended point 2: Multilingual automated voice guidance, recommended for foreign visitors

Recommended point 3: If there are seats available on the day, you can board without making a reservation in advance (pay by cash or transportation IC card)

Recommended point 4: You can disband at the summit of Mt. Wakakusa and hike down the mountain

Apply for the "Wakakusayama Direct Bus"

Operation period and fares

The service will run on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from November 1, 2025 to March 29, 2026.

*Please note that the service will be suspended on December 14th, January 1st, January 3rd, January 4th, and January 24th.

It runs 4 minutes a day. For more information, please click here .

The fare is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children (round trip). You can also finish the tour at Mt. Wakakusa.

A panoramic view of over 180 degrees! We also recommend visiting Mount Wakakusa in the evening.

The evening view from the summit of Mount Wakakusa is a fantastical sight, with a sense of openness overlooking the Nara and a sky dyed crimson. The ever-changing colors of the sky and the tranquil scenery are truly moving.

Wakakusayama direct bus stop

①JR Nara Station (East Exit) Platform 4

②Kintetsu Nara Station Sightseeing Bus Stop

Related reading

See the Gozaisho Ropeway introduction page

• Table of Contents
• Where is Gozaisho in Mie Prefecture?
• The autumn foliage season in Mie Prefecture begins at Mt. Gozaisho
• Spectacular autumn foliage scenery seen from the Gozaisho Ropeway
• Enjoy curry udon and soft serve ice cream after sightseeing!
• Day trips are possible! How to get there from Osaka and Nagoya

Where is Gozaisho in Mie Prefecture?

Gozaisho is about 60 minutes by train and bus from Nagoya and about 150 minutes from Osaka. The nearest station is Kintetsu Yunoyama Onsen Station. You can also take a local bus to the Gozaisho Ropeway station. Around Yunoyama Onsen Station, you'll also find the popular Aqua Ignis , which has stylish cafes, restaurants, and hot springs.

The autumn foliage season in Mie Prefecture begins at Mt. Gozaisho

The autumn leaves on Mt. Gozaisho, which is 1,212 meters above sea level, gradually change color over the course of about a month, starting from mid-October and moving from the summit, mid-mountain, and hot spring town.

First, the trees near the top of the mountain, as seen from the ropeway, change color, and the contrast between the majestic rock formations such as Daikokuiwa and Byobuiwa and the autumn leaves is at its best. The azalea trees turn a brilliant red, too.

Spectacular autumn foliage scenery seen from the Gozaisho Ropeway

You can enjoy the autumn foliage on Mt. Gozaisho by taking the ropeway. It's a 12-minute aerial journey from the ropeway base station to the summit station. You can reach the top of the mountain in one go by ropeway, without having to use the mountain trails!

The Aka, yellow, and green colors gradually change from the summit to the hot spring town at the base of the mountain.

Enjoy curry udon and soft serve ice cream after sightseeing!

After enjoying sightseeing, we recommend the specialty "Gozaisho Curry Udon" at the mountaintop restaurant in Gozaisho! The combination of chewy "Ise Udon" noodles and curry is exquisite. For dessert, be sure to try the soft serve ice cream.

Day trips are possible! How to get there from Osaka and Nagoya

Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from "Osaka Namba" or "Kintetsu Nagoya" and get off at "Yokkaichi" (approximately 120 minutes from Osaka, approximately 30 minutes from Nagoya)

From Yokkaichi Station, take the Kintetsu Yunoyama Line and get off at Yunoyama Onsen (approximately 30 minutes)

Take the local bus from Yunoyama Onsen and get off at Gozaisho Ropeway (approximately 10 minutes)

Kintetsu Railway is recommended for sightseeing from Osaka and Nagoya to Gozaisho

Purchase a Kintetsu Rail Pass, which is convenient for sightseeing in Gozaisho from Osaka or Nagoya.

[place_master_id=11096 show_photos embed id="sw2H-zZVZF"]