What other travelers are saying about Mount Inasa (Inasayama)
We enjoyed a beautiful sunset here. The ride and the views were truly wonderful. Although the viewing deck was crowded, it was still easy to find a spot to sit and take in the sun and breeze. There are also cafés nearby where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Of all the places we visited in Nagasaki during my day tour, the Observatory was definitely the highlight. It’s a stunning spot, and the long night walk from Tram Station 26 to the cable car entrance was totally worth it—though I’m sure there’s an easier route I didn’t know about then.
The entrance and round-trip cable car ticket cost ¥1,250, and it was well worth it for the view.
There was an ojisan who offered to take photos with the city’s night skyline for an extra fee. We took 2 photos as a souvenir.
We visited Nagasaki in the last week of September 2025.
An absolutely incredible view of Nagasaki. Come an hour or so before sundown for one of the best sunsets you will see anywhere.
This is my 2nd trip and sadly the rest area in the observatory no longer serves food or drink, which was fantastic in 2024. Still, it is a great place to unwind and relax as the night sets in.
Mt. Inasa Overlook offers one of the best night views in Japan — or so they say, and honestly, I believe it. The view was stunning. City lights stretching across Nagasaki Bay, mountains in the background, and a peaceful stillness in the air that made it feel almost surreal. It’s one of those places that makes you pause and just take it all in.
The gondola ride up was smooth, easy, and not overly crowded. I was lucky — my car wasn’t sardined at all, though I heard from friends theirs got a little packed. Still, the ride is short and scenic, so either way, it’s part of the experience.
At the top, there’s a round building where you can either walk or take the elevator up. Inside, you get a panoramic view through glass, but the real magic is outside — go up a short flight of stairs and you’ll reach the roof deck, where the full 360-degree view hits different. Breezy, calm, and absolutely worth it.
If you’re in Nagasaki, do this at night. It’s peaceful, romantic, and just a little magical. A perfect ending to the day, or a highlight all on its own.
I wonder how it looks in the day time, I was one of the last gondola to go up.
¥1250 per person for the round trip (recommended). Very smooth cable car ride took about 3-4mins and a member of the staff travelled in the car with us. The cars take about 20 people at a time and travel every 20minutes. You can basically do what you need to do up on the observatory deck in 20mins and get back to catch the tram down or if you want to take longer, you can. We just wanted to make the most of the day in port and see the other attractions.
Tip: get there as early as possible. I expect this view would be spectacular at night
Mount Inasa stands at 333 meters above sea level, providing visitors with a stunning vantage point over Nagasaki.
Yes, at the summit, there is a glass-enclosed observatory that offers remarkable 360-degree views of Nagasaki and beyond. The observatory is accessible by ropeway from Fuchi Shrine.
In addition to the observatory, Inasayama Park features playgrounds, making it a family-friendly destination. The park itself provides scenic views and a peaceful setting.
Visitors can take buses to the area if the ropeway service is unavailable. There are also roads leading up to the mountain for those who prefer to drive or take a taxi.
For the optimal night view experience, visiting after sunset and before midnight is recommended when the city lights are fully illuminated. Clear nights offer the most spectacular views.