Mt. Inasayama Observatory

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Mt. Inasayama Observatory

Enjoy the panorama which was re-registered as one of the new top three nightscapes in the world.

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Supervised by :  Inasa-yama Park

At 333m above sea level, this observatory stands at the top of Mt. Inasayama at the center of Nagasaki City. The observatory with a cafe and restaurant offers a view over Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa and Goto Islands.

Not only during the day, but the beauty at night is also worth a look. The so-called “10 Million Dollar Night View” was re-selected into “the new top three nightscapes in the world” during “the Nightscape Summit 2021 in Nagasaki” along with Monaco and Shanghai. The night view and the illumination set up on the observatory’s floor work together to create a romantic atmosphere.

Multiple trails go up to the top for hikers, but it is convenient to get on the Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car or the ropeway at the mountain’s midway to get to the top. The gondola was planned by a world-renowned industrial designer. It has a unique form covered with glass all the way around, offering a clear view during the ride which is a different view from that of the observatory.

Highlights

  • The observatoryat the top of Nagasaki City’s landmark, Mt. Inasa.
  • Not only the panorama during the day, but the nightscape is also gorgeous.
  • Along with Monaco and Shanghai, it was re-selected into “the new top three nightscapes in the world.”
  • The Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car or the ropeway will give you an easy ride to the mountaintop.

Photos

  • Standing at the top of Mt. Inasa

    Standing at the top of Mt. Inasa

  • The sea and the townscape spread before your eyes

    The sea and the townscape spread before your eyes

  • The gorgeous “10 Million Dollar Night View”

    The gorgeous “10 Million Dollar Night View”

  • Convenient for evening tour around Nagasaki

    Convenient for evening tour around Nagasaki

  • The ropeway covered with glass all the way around

    The ropeway covered with glass all the way around

  • Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car for enjoying scenery

    Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car for enjoying scenery

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Not available

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Yes (Available inside the Nagasaki Ropeway Fuchi Jinja Station).

Q

Is it possible to visit via wheelchair?

A

Yes, wheelchair access is available.

Q

Can I bring a pet?

A

Sorry, not allowed.

Q

Is it ok to use credit card?

A

You can use credit cards.

Reviews

8

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • See More

    As the ropeway climbs to the summit, the city of Nagasaki and its harbor gradually come into view. The most anticipated part is the scenery after nightfall, when the city lights stretch along the valleys and bay, sparkling in the darkness and creating a very romantic atmosphere. Looking out over all of Nagasaki from the observatory, you can take in the mountains, sea, and city all at once, highlighting Nagasaki's unique terrain and charm.

  • See More

    Once hailed as one of the “World’s Three Great Night Views,” the night view from Nagasaki’s Mt. Inasayama was definitely the most breathtaking visual feast of the entire trip.

    Getting to the summit isn’t very straightforward. You first need to take a bus to the area near the shrine, then transfer to the ropeway up the mountain. It can feel a little nerve-racking to find your way in the dim light when everything around you is pitch-black, but there are actually plenty of other visitors along the way, so it’s quite safe as long as you follow the crowd. As the ropeway slowly rises, the view opens up as well.

    The moment you finally step onto the Mt. Inasayama Observatory, the scenery before you instantly makes it clear that its world-class reputation is well deserved. The brilliant lights from countless homes blend perfectly with the bay’s distinctive landscape, making the entire city look as though it has been covered with a sparkling carpet of jewels. The stunning, mesmerizing night view goes straight to the heart and is definitely a grand finale not to be missed on a trip to Nagasaki.

  • See More

    Mt. Inasayama, one of the world's top three night views.

    Just for that reputation, even after finally making the long journey and spending the whole day on the road, I still really wanted to come at night.

    It was around 8 p.m. We were clearly still downtown when I suddenly told my friend I really wanted to go to Mt. Inasayama. And then we actually went. Totally crazy. I love being a crazy person who just goes whenever I feel like it.

    Even though we probably stayed up there for less than 20 minutes, I was still glad we came. Otherwise, after going home, I probably would've cried about not coming, haha.

    But rather than taking the ropeway up the mountain, what I actually long for more is riding motorcycles with a group of people to see the night view together.

    (Too bad I don't have any friends 😢

    Look, there's a heart in the distance. For these few photos, all the hardship along the way started turning into excitement once we got on the ropeway?

    In the end, we just barely caught the last ropeway down. It was so nerve-racking and thrilling because we almost got stranded on the mountain, hahaha.

    There were actually a lot of taxi drivers up there, though. It seems like there must be good money in it.

    But sorry, I only had enough money for the ropeway, haha, and I get carsick easily.

    Night views...

    I've never really understood what's so great about them.

    They're just bright lights. Wouldn't looking at the stars be better?

    But I still really liked this impulsive trip.

    But that's okay. This trip was meant for checking places off my list and being a crazy person anyway? If I'm worried I'll regret something, I'll do it first and regret it afterward.

    That's how I see it.

  • See More

    If you come to Nagasaki, you definitely shouldn’t miss Mt. Inasayama Observatory! Take the ropeway up to the 333-meter summit, and you’ll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree view.

    During the day, you can see Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands in the distance. At night, it becomes truly breathtaking, with countless lights spread across the mountains and sea like jewels scattered over the earth.

    No wonder Nagasaki’s night view was once chosen as one of the “New Three Great Night Views of the World.” Sitting at the observatory with a gentle breeze, watching the whole city slowly light up, I honestly couldn’t help thinking, “This trip was absolutely worth it!”

  • See More

    You can see the night view of Nagasaki City from the mountaintop observatory. Nagasaki is built on hills, so you can watch the lights stretch up the slopes. The lights reflecting on the bay make the whole scene so romantic!

Details

Name in Japanese
稲佐山展望台
Postal Code
852-8011
Address
364 Inasamachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Telephone
095-861-7742 (Inasa-yama Park Office)
Closed
Open every day
Hours
8:00am - 10:00pm
Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car or the ropeway: 9am -10pm
The rooftop of Inasayama Observatory is always open
Admission
The Observatory: Free
Nagasaki Inasayama Slope Car, Round Trip: Adults (12 and over) 1,000 yen, Children (ages 6-11) 500 yen
Ropeway, Round Trip: Adult 1,900 yen, Elementary schooler 950 yen
Directions
From the Nagasaki Bus’ Route 3 or 4 ”Ropeway-mae” Stop ride the ropeway for 5 min.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website(Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa