Nara Prefecture, located in the central inland area of the Kii Peninsula in the Kinki region, is a nature-rich prefecture surrounded by mountains except for its northwestern part. It is home to many famous tourist attractions, such as Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and Horyu-ji Temple, which many people have likely visited at least once.
Additionally, Nara Prefecture boasts natural spots like the Kii Mountain Range, Ikoma Mountain Range, and Kongō Mountain Range, offering breathtaking scenic views from the mountains. There are also many beautiful night view spots seen from high elevations, including one of Japan's New Three Great Night Views. We will introduce night view spots unique to Nara Prefecture, so be sure to stop by for a nighttime drive!
1. Mount Wakakusa
Mount Wakakusa in Nara Prefecture is one of Japan's New Three Great Night Views, alongside Fuefukigawa Fruit Park in Yamanashi Prefecture and Mount Sarakura in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. From the observatory on Mount Wakakusa, you can enjoy the night views of the historic cities of Nara and Kyoto. The breathtaking panorama stretches from Heijō-kyō and Mount Ikoma to the northern part of Nara and the southern part of Kyoto. On certain days, you may even be able to see Kyoto Tower.
Mount Wakakusa is connected via the Wakakusa Driveway, and during its operating hours, the pathway from the parking lot to the observatory is illuminated, enhancing the beauty of the night view. Nara Prefecture actively promotes night view tourism, so if you visit Nara, why not stop by Mount Wakakusa for a stunning nighttime experience?
Name: Mount Wakakusa
Address: Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Official/Related Website: http://www.pref.nara.jp/6553.htm
2. Ikoma Sanroku Park & Observatory
Ikoma Sanroku Park (Ikoma Sanroku Kōen) in Ikoma City can be accessed via the Hanshin Road, entering the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline about 2 km in. This section of the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline (from Hanshin Road to Ikoma Sanroku Park) is free to pass through, making it convenient for car travel. However, if you enter from the Ikoma Station side, a toll fee is required, so be sure to check beforehand.
The park has a parking lot, and the observatory is just about a one-minute walk from there. Keep in mind that the parking lot is not open 24 hours and has limited spaces, so plan accordingly.
From the observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic night view of Ikoma City. If you’re not driving, you can also take a local bus, which operates until around 6:30 PM—especially convenient in winter.
Name: Ikoma Sanroku Park
Address: 2088 Tawarakuchi-cho, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture
Official/Related Website: http://ikoma36-park.jp/
3. Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway
To reach the Katsuragi Mountain (Katsuragi-san) Ropeway, take a bus from Kintetsu "Gose Station" for about 20 minutes, or drive for about 15 minutes from the Katsuragi IC on the Minami-Hanna Road. If traveling by car, parking is conveniently available at the ropeway boarding area, where you can also enjoy a night view of Gose City in Nara Prefecture. You can admire the night scenery through the car window or step outside for a better view.
During the azalea season, summer, and New Year's holidays, the area tends to get crowded, causing traffic congestion and full parking lots. Around the Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway, there are various night view spots to explore, so finding the perfect viewing location is recommended. The route to the ropeway is well-marked with signboards, making it easy for first-time visitors to navigate.
Name: Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway
Address: 2503-1 Kushira, Gose City, Nara Prefecture
4. Takamadoyama Yamato Sanzan Observatory
A popular night view spot with a wide field of vision is the Takamadoyama Yamato Sanzan Observatory. This observatory, located along the Nara Okuyama Driveway, offers a panoramic view from Nara City to Yamato-Koriyama City. It is also a place where you can enjoy the night scenery while staying inside your car.
However, there is no designated parking lot, so be cautious when stopping. Along the Nara Okuyama Driveway, there are several other night view spots worth visiting. Since there are fewer visitors at Takamadoyama Yamato Sanzan Observatory during nighttime, it’s best to visit earlier in the evening.
Name: Takamadoyama Yamato Sanzan Observatory
Address: Byakugōjicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
◎ Summary
We have introduced some of the best night view spots in Nara Prefecture. With its many mountains, Nara offers numerous scenic night view locations from high vantage points. The cityscape seen from above presents a different and romantic atmosphere at night. Some spots allow you to enjoy the view while driving, while others let you admire the scenery from inside your car. If you visit Nara, taking a night drive to explore these beautiful viewpoints is highly recommended!