Written by Jane Pipkin
Mt. Inasa is a 333-meter high mountain in the heart of Nagasaki. Its overlook was voted as one of the “World’s New Three Great Night Views” in 2021. It is quoted as having a “10 million dollar view”.
From the top of the 360-degree observation deck, you see panoramic views of the entire city and witness it transform from day to night (if you visit at the right time). On clear days, you can even see as far as the Goto Islands and Unzen. Given its reputation as one of the best night views, it’s recommended to visit in the evening when the city is lit up.
How to get there
There are a few different ways you can get up to Mt. Inasa Overlook. The most popular and easiest, is via the Nagasaki Ropeway, which you can board from Fuchi Shrine Station. To get to Fuchi Shrine Station from Nagasaki Station, take Bus 3 or 4, which stops at the Ropeway Station (¥160). From Ropeway Station, it is a 2-minute walk to the boarding area. Prices for the cable car range from ¥410 to ¥1,250.
You can also get close to the top by car, taxi, or bus. If you’re driving, there is a free large parking area near the summit. From there, you’ll need to take an 8-minute Slope Car to the observation deck, which costs ¥500 for a round trip. Note that although there is a small parking space near the base of the observation deck, it is often unavailable to regular cars.
A direct bus from Nagasaki Station takes you to Inasyama Park for ¥190. However, this bus is pretty infrequent and still requires you to walk 13 minutes to get to the overlook.
