Inasayama

Mount Inasa is a 333-meter-high mountain rising west of central Nagasaki. It is one of Nagasaki’s most iconic landmarks and is known as an observation spot offering panoramic views of Nagasaki Port and the city.

Mount Inasa is particularly famous for its beautiful nighttime scenery, but visitors can enjoy it in many ways, including daytime views, sunsets, the ropeway, playground equipment, animal facilities, azaleas, and outdoor events. It is also a beloved place for relaxation and recreation among Nagasaki residents, as well as tourists.

## A Grand Panorama from 333 Meters Above Sea Level

From the observatory at the summit of Mount Inasa, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city, centered on Nagasaki Port, known as the “Crane Port.”

From the observatory, visitors can see ships traveling through the harbor, shipyards, buildings in the city, the urban landscape toward Urakami, and the Megami Ohashi Bridge spanning the entrance to Nagasaki Port.

Nagasaki is characterized by its limited flat land, with homes and roads spreading across the slopes of the mountains surrounding the harbor. Looking down on the city from Mount Inasa, visitors can experience Nagasaki’s distinctive three-dimensional urban landscape, in which the sea, harbor, city, hillside residential areas, and surrounding mountains overlap in layers.

On clear days with good weather, it may be possible to see not only central Nagasaki but also as far as Mount Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands. However, the visibility of distant islands and mountains varies depending on clouds, haze, the season, and the time of day.

## The “Ten-Million-Dollar Night View”

The nighttime view of Nagasaki seen from Mount Inasa is known as the “Ten-Million-Dollar Night View.”

Nagasaki extends across a basin-like landscape surrounded by mountains. The lights from homes, buildings, and roads form three-dimensional lines from around the harbor up along the mountain slopes, creating a deep and expansive night view unlike that of cities centered on flat land.

The lights around Nagasaki Port, the illumination near Nagasaki Station and the downtown area, the scattered lights of homes on the slopes, and the illuminated Megami Ohashi Bridge overlap to create a scene that looks as if a starry sky has spread across the ground.

Even when visiting specifically to see the night view, it is recommended to arrive at the summit before sunset. Visitors can enjoy the cityscape in daylight, the sunset, the blue-tinted sky just after sunset, the gradual increase in city lights, and the fully illuminated night view in sequence.

## One of the World’s New Three Great Night View Cities

At the “Night View Summit 2012,” held in 2012, Nagasaki was recognized as one of the “World’s New Three Great Night View Cities,” together with Monaco and Hong Kong.

Later, at the “World Night View Summit in Nagasaki,” held in 2021, Monaco, Shanghai, and Nagasaki were once again recognized as the “World’s New Three Great Night View Cities.”

This recognition was not awarded solely to a single observation point such as Mount Inasa. It was given in recognition of the beauty of Nagasaki’s nighttime scenery as a whole and the city’s efforts to enhance night-view tourism.

Mount Inasa is one of the most representative places among Nagasaki’s many night-view locations and is a central spot for experiencing Nagasaki’s internationally acclaimed nighttime scenery.

## One of Japan’s New Three Great Night View Cities

Nagasaki was first recognized as one of the “New Three Great Night View Cities of Japan” in 2015 and has continued to receive renewed recognition.

At the “Night View Summit 2024 in Kitakyushu,” held on December 17, 2024, Nagasaki was selected together with Kitakyushu and Yokohama. Since its first recognition in 2015, Nagasaki has been recognized for the fourth time and for four consecutive terms.

As with the World’s New Three Great Night View Cities designation, this recognition applies not to Mount Inasa alone but to the nighttime scenery of Nagasaki as a whole and the city’s efforts to make effective use of its night views as a tourism resource.

## Mount Inasa Summit Observatory

The Mount Inasa Summit Observatory is the main facility for viewing Nagasaki’s city center and harbor. In addition to indoor viewing areas, the rooftop features an open-air observation space.

From the rooftop observation area, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city centered on Nagasaki Port. Tiered viewing areas are also provided, allowing visitors to sit down and take their time enjoying the scenery and night views.

The summit is windier than the city center, and temperatures may feel lower. It can feel chilly at night or on windy days, so bringing an extra layer appropriate for the season and weather is recommended.

Visibility can also decrease significantly when the summit is covered by fog, rain, or low clouds. When visiting to see the night view, it is advisable to check not only the weather but also the cloud cover, visibility, and wind conditions.

## An Observation Space Illuminated by Light

The Mount Inasa Summit Observatory reopened after renovation in April 2011.

Small lights are scattered across the floor of the observation area, creating a fantastical space in which stars appear to shine beneath visitors’ feet. Illuminations that change according to the time and season are also featured, allowing visitors to enjoy a landscape of light integrated with the nighttime cityscape.

Some of the floor lights are shaped like hearts. Searching for these heart-shaped lights while admiring Nagasaki’s panoramic night view is one of the popular activities at Mount Inasa.

## Nagasaki Star Stories

From the Mount Inasa Observatory, visitors can also enjoy “Nagasaki Star Stories,” an illumination display in which constellations and heart-shaped lights appear within the nighttime cityscape.

Night-view lights installed throughout the city depict constellations connected with Nagasaki’s history and culture. By looking toward the city from the Mount Inasa Observatory, visitors can search for light patterns that differ from the city’s ordinary lights.

Watching the night view while searching for constellations and heart-shaped lights is especially popular with families with children and couples. The content and operating status of the display may change, so checking the latest information before visiting is recommended.

## Nagasaki Ropeway

The Nagasaki Ropeway is one of the main ways to reach Mount Inasa. It connects Fuchi Shrine Station at the foot of the mountain with Inasatake Station near the summit in approximately five minutes.

The gondolas feature large glass panels, offering expansive views of Nagasaki’s city center, harbor, and mountain slopes during the ride. As the gondola approaches the summit from the city, the view gradually opens up and the city spreads out below. This aerial perspective has a different appeal from the scenery seen from the observatory.

The gondolas were designed by KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN, led by industrial designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama. Designed to provide excellent views, they offer an aerial stroll during which visitors can admire Nagasaki’s terrain during the day and the city lights at night.

The ropeway may be suspended due to strong winds, lightning, severe weather, regular inspections, or maintenance work. When planning to use it, be sure to check the official website for operating conditions on the day of your visit.

## Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car

The Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car connects the mid-mountain parking area in Inasayama Park with the summit. It began operating in 2020 and takes approximately eight minutes to travel from the middle of the mountain to the summit.

The cars have large windows, allowing passengers to enjoy the natural surroundings of Mount Inasa and views of Nagasaki as they move slowly up the slope. Unlike the ropeway, which travels through the air, the slope car offers a different perspective, bringing passengers close to the mountain slopes and surrounding trees.

The slope car vehicles were also designed by KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN. Their design was created with an emphasis on harmony with Mount Inasa’s natural environment, making the vehicles themselves one of the attractions.

The slope car may be suspended for construction or inspections. As of August 2026, it has been announced that service is suspended indefinitely due to construction work for safe operation. If you plan to use it, check the latest operating information on the official website on the day of your visit.

## Differences Between the Ropeway and Slope Car

The ropeway and slope car have different boarding points and operating routes.

When traveling from Fuchi Shrine Station to the summit, use the ropeway. When traveling from the park or parking area in the middle of the mountain to the summit, use the slope car.

Both offer scenic views during the ride, but they provide different experiences. The ropeway is an aerial journey in which visitors look down over the city while gaining altitude, whereas the slope car travels along the mountainside while bringing visitors close to nature.

Even when the slope car is not operating, it is possible to walk from the middle of the mountain to the summit along a walking path. Temporary shuttle buses may also operate, so check the official announcements available at the time of your visit.

## The Mount Inasa Summit Area

The summit area of Mount Inasa has been developed as a space where visitors can enjoy views and relaxation.

There are areas around the rooftop of the observatory where visitors can take their time admiring the scenery. During the day, visitors can enjoy a grand panorama of the harbor and city; in the evening, the changing colors of the sky at sunset; and at night, the city of Nagasaki enveloped in light.

A passageway connecting Inasatake Station and the observatory features a “Tunnel of Light,” with LED lighting decorating the ceiling. Visitors can enjoy the fantastical light display while walking from the ropeway station to the observatory.

## Dining Facilities at the Summit Observatory

The second floor of the Mount Inasa Observatory once housed Inasayama Restaurant ITADAKI, where guests could enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Nagasaki while taking in the view. However, the restaurant ended operations at the end of January 2025.

A Western-style confectionery shop called Kasiya Mutai currently operates inside the observatory. Visitors can enjoy cakes, baked sweets, coffee, and other offerings together with views of Mount Inasa.

However, the shop’s operating days, hours, and available products may change. If you plan to eat at the observatory, check the latest information from the shop or the official Inasayama Park website before visiting.

## Inasayama Park

Spread across the middle of Mount Inasa, Inasayama Park is an observation park beloved by Nagasaki residents as a place for relaxation.

In addition to the famous summit night view, the park features a playground, a monkey and deer enclosure, a dog run, an outdoor stage, a smaller stage, and the Hachimakiyama Observatory. It offers attractions for a wide range of visitors, from families with children to tourists.

Visitors can spend half a day here by playing in the park during the daytime and then heading to the summit in the evening to enjoy the sunset and night view. The plants and appearance of the mountain change with the seasons, offering different attractions throughout the year, including spring flowers, summer greenery, autumn scenery, and clear winter views.

## A Famous Azalea Viewing Spot

Inasayama Park is known as one of Nagasaki’s leading azalea-viewing spots. Every spring, large numbers of azaleas bloom, covering the park in vivid shades of red, pink, and white.

During the flowering season, the Inasayama Park Azalea Festival may be held. Events vary from year to year and may include food stalls, stamp rallies, and photo contests.

The peak viewing period is generally from late April to early May, although the flowering season varies depending on temperatures and weather conditions each year. Before visiting, it is recommended to check the latest flowering information and event schedule on the official Inasayama Park website and other sources.

## Outdoor Stage and Events

In the middle of Inasayama Park, there is an outdoor stage with a capacity of approximately 15,000 people. It has hosted concerts by leading Japanese artists, music events, and local community events.

Surrounded by nature, this outdoor venue has helped establish Mount Inasa not only as a destination for night views but also as a place for music and events.

In addition to the main outdoor stage, a smaller stage is also located in the middle of the mountain. When events are held, restrictions on park use, traffic controls, and parking congestion may occur. If you plan to visit on an event day, check transportation options and facility availability in advance.

## Playground

The park’s playground features large equipment, including slides. Some equipment incorporates universal design so that children with a wide range of abilities can enjoy it.

Unlike night-view sightseeing centered on the summit observatory, the playground is one of Inasayama Park’s attractions where visitors can play and be physically active during the day.

Use the playground equipment safely, and be careful in slippery areas during or after rain. Some equipment may be unavailable due to inspections or construction work.

## Monkey and Deer Enclosure

In the middle of Inasayama Park, there is a small animal facility called the Monkey and Deer Enclosure, where monkeys and deer are kept. Admission is free, and the facility is popular with families with children.

Visitors can observe the animals and enjoy the facility together with the summit views and the park’s other attractions. Check the on-site information regarding whether and how feeding is permitted. To protect the animals’ health, do not feed them food brought from outside without permission.

## Dog Run

Inasayama Park also has a dog run where visitors can let their dogs play and exercise.

Conditions regarding eligible dogs, required registrations or certificates, and hours of use may apply. If you plan to visit with your dog, check the usage procedures in advance on the official Inasayama Park website.

## Hachimakiyama Observatory

In the middle of Inasayama Park, there is another observation point called the Hachimakiyama Observatory, separate from the summit observatory. It is located at the top of a flight of stairs in the park and offers views of central Nagasaki and the surrounding scenery from the middle of the mountain.

Because its elevation and direction differ from those of the summit, it offers a different perspective on Nagasaki’s landscape. It is one of the places worth visiting while exploring the park.

## Walking Path from the Middle of the Mountain to the Summit

Visitors can also walk from the middle of Inasayama Park to the summit. A route has been developed from the mid-mountain parking area or the Inasayama Park bus stop, passing near the animal facilities and continuing along a walking path to the observatory.

The walk generally takes about 15 minutes, although the actual time varies depending on walking speed and fitness because the route includes uphill sections and stairs.

At night, it is more difficult to see the ground than during the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light if necessary. If the weather is poor or you have concerns about your physical fitness, do not push yourself; instead, check the available transportation options.

## Access to Mount Inasa

Ways to reach the summit of Mount Inasa include the ropeway, local buses, private vehicles, taxis, and sightseeing tours.

When using the ropeway, take a local bus or another form of transportation from the Nagasaki Station area to the Ropeway-mae bus stop. Fuchi Shrine Station is approximately a three-minute walk from the bus stop, and the ropeway takes about five minutes from Fuchi Shrine Station to Inasatake Station near the summit.

To reach the middle of Inasayama Park, take a local bus bound for Inasayama Park from the Nagasaki Station area. From the terminal stop, Inasayama Park, visitors can walk to the park facilities in the middle of the mountain.

The usual ways to travel from the middle of the mountain to the summit are the slope car or the walking path. However, the slope car may be suspended for inspections or construction, so be sure to check the latest operating information.

## Parking

Mount Inasa has a mid-mountain parking area and the Inasayama Observatory Parking Area near the summit.

The mid-mountain parking area has space for approximately 400 vehicles and is free of charge. The parking area near the summit, on the other hand, charges a fee and has limited capacity.

On Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, consecutive holidays, and busy nights during peak seasons, restrictions may be placed on private vehicles traveling to the summit parking area. Parking fees, operating hours, and traffic-control measures may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

The area is particularly likely to be crowded during night-view hours and on event days. Consider using the mid-mountain parking area or public transportation.

## Free Circulating Bus

A free circulating bus may operate between hotels and other locations in central Nagasaki and Fuchi Shrine Station for the Nagasaki Ropeway.

Combined with the ropeway, the bus makes it easier to travel from central Nagasaki to Mount Inasa. However, reservations may be required, and passengers may not be able to board when the bus is full. If the ropeway is suspended, the free circulating bus may also be suspended.

Operating days, stops, departure times, and reservation procedures may change, so check the latest information on the official website if you plan to use the service.

## Important Notes for Visitors

The scenery at Mount Inasa can change significantly depending on the weather and time of day. When the summit is covered by clouds or fog, it may be impossible to see the city even if the weather in the city center is clear.

The ropeway and slope car may be suspended due to severe weather, strong winds, lightning, inspections, or maintenance and construction work. Operating hours and fees for the observatory and parking areas, as well as traffic restrictions, may also change. Check the latest official information before visiting.

The area is likely to be crowded during night-view hours and on event days, and there may be waiting times for the ropeway or buses on the return journey. Be sure to check the time of the final service and allow plenty of time for your visit.

## The Appeal of Mount Inasa

The greatest appeal of Mount Inasa is the opportunity to view Nagasaki’s distinctive terrain and history as a single, expansive landscape.

Below, visitors can see the city that developed around the harbor, residential areas spreading across the mountain slopes, facilities that convey Nagasaki’s shipbuilding history, the cityscape toward Urakami, and the Megami Ohashi Bridge spanning the entrance to Nagasaki Port. During the day, the terrain of Nagasaki is easy to understand; in the evening, the sea and sky gradually change color; and at night, the entire city is enveloped in light.

In addition to the nighttime scenery recognized as one of the World’s New Three Great Night Views and one of Japan’s New Three Great Night Views, Mount Inasa offers a wide variety of experiences, including an aerial journey on the ropeway, azaleas in the park, playground equipment, animal facilities, a dog run, and outdoor stages.

With completely different appearances during the day, at sunset, and at night, Mount Inasa is one of Nagasaki’s representative scenic destinations and is highly recommended for both first-time visitors and those who have visited Nagasaki many times.