Mount Inasa Observation Deck Nagasaki
Ascend Mount Inasa for Nagasaki's legendary '10 million dollar' night view, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch the magical day-to-night transition
Mount Inasa Observation Deck Nagasaki
Best Time
Catch the magical day-to-night transition
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Mount Inasa for Nagasaki's legendary '10 million dollar' night view, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
"The view was stunning. City lights stretching across Nagasaki Bay, mountains in the background, and a peaceful stillness."
🎯 Book Round-Trip Ropeway Tickets
Save money and hassle by purchasing round-trip tickets for the ropeway.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a short walk from the bus stop and stairs to the top deck.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The '10 Million Dollar' Night View
Witness a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Nagasaki's glittering city lights, bay, and surrounding mountains.
Sunset Over Nagasaki Bay
Arrive before dusk to see the sky paint a stunning backdrop to the city as day transitions to night.
Scenic Ropeway Ride
Enjoy a smooth and quick cable car journey up the mountain, offering glimpses of the landscape below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the '10 Million Dollar View'
Getting to the Summit: Ropeway vs. Bus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Round-Trip Ropeway Tickets
Save money and hassle by purchasing round-trip tickets for the ropeway.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a short walk from the bus stop and stairs to the top deck.
📸 Capture the Panorama
The 360-degree observation deck offers incredible photo opportunities day and night.
☕ Grab a Warm Drink
Vending machines offer warm drinks and sweets, perfect for cooler evenings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Round-Trip Ropeway Tickets
Save money and hassle by purchasing round-trip tickets for the ropeway.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
There's a short walk from the bus stop and stairs to the top deck.
📸 Capture the Panorama
The 360-degree observation deck offers incredible photo opportunities day and night.
☕ Grab a Warm Drink
Vending machines offer warm drinks and sweets, perfect for cooler evenings.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 20 minutes at the top, more if you want to savor the view.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Inasa Observation Deck for its breathtaking '10 million dollar' night view, calling it one of Japan's best. The scenic ropeway ride and the stunning 360-degree panorama of Nagasaki are major highlights. Some note the decline in food and drink services at the observatory, but the overall experience remains highly recommended for its romantic and magical atmosphere.
"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."
BearusAurelius
"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."
Tae Yoo
"¥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"
Jonathan Maloney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Nagasaki Station, you can take a bus directly to the Inasayama bus stop (approx. 15 minutes, ¥190 one way), which runs every 30 minutes. From there, it's a 15-minute walk up a path and stairs to the summit. Alternatively, the ropeway offers a scenic and quicker ascent.
Visiting Mount Inasa as a day trip from Fukuoka is ambitious due to travel time. You'd need to leave Fukuoka very early and return late, potentially missing the best evening views. It's more feasible to stay overnight in Nagasaki.
You can reach the summit via the Mount Inasa Ropeway, which runs frequently, or by taking a bus to the Inasayama bus stop followed by a walk.
The ropeway ride to the summit is very smooth and takes about 3-4 minutes.
Yes, near the Inasayama bus stop, there's a small zoo with deer and monkeys that you can feed for ¥100.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The round-trip fare for the Mount Inasa Ropeway is ¥1250 per person. A one-way ticket is ¥730.
While the ropeway has a fee, you can access the lower levels inside the observatory for free. However, the top platform with the best views requires a separate ticket or is included with the ropeway fare.
The Mount Inasa Ropeway typically operates from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with departures every 15-20 minutes.
Advance booking is generally not required for the ropeway, but it's advisable to check for any special events or peak seasons that might affect availability.
You can sit on the lower levels inside the observatory for free. To access the top platform for the panoramic views, there's a fee of ¥730, or it's included with the round-trip ropeway ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
The most spectacular time for photography is during the 'blue hour' and after dark, when the city lights create the famous '10 million dollar view.' Arriving an hour before sunset allows you to capture the transition.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash in a way that might disturb others.
You can capture sweeping panoramic shots of Nagasaki city, Nagasaki Bay, and the surrounding mountains. The night view is particularly iconic. +1
Night photography can be challenging due to low light. Using a tripod or stabilizing your camera on a ledge can help achieve sharper images.
The 360-degree outdoor roof deck offers the most unobstructed and comprehensive views for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Previously, there was a rest area serving food and drinks, but it no longer operates. You can find vending machines for warm drinks and sweets, and a shop outside for desserts.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy at the observation deck, especially if dining options are limited.
For a wider selection of dining options, it's best to head back down to Nagasaki city center, where you'll find various restaurants offering local specialties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day for clearer views or in the early evening to see the city lights begin to twinkle. The nearby small zoo at the Inasayama bus stop offers a fun interlude with deer and monkeys, and the option to feed them adds an interactive element.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once at the summit, you can enjoy the free lower levels of the observatory. While the top platform has a fee, the views from the lower levels are still impressive. Utilize the vending machines for affordable drinks and snacks instead of purchasing from more expensive cafes.
💖 Couples and Romantic Getaways
The smooth ropeway ride adds to the experience, and the panoramic views from the top deck create a sense of shared wonder. It's an ideal location for quiet conversation and creating lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic '10 Million Dollar View'
To truly appreciate this view, timing is crucial. Arriving about an hour before sunset allows you to witness the magical transition from daylight to twilight, and finally to the full splendor of the night. This also gives you a chance to find a good vantage point before the crowds arrive, especially on weekends or during peak seasons.
The observation deck offers a full 360-degree view, ensuring you can take in the entire expanse of the city from various angles. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply seeking a moment of awe, the night view from Mount Inasa is an experience that lives up to its legendary reputation.
Navigating to the Summit: Ropeway vs. Bus
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a bus from Nagasaki Station to the Inasayama bus stop is a viable alternative. This journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs ¥190 one way. From the bus stop, it's a 15-minute walk uphill, involving a concrete path and stairs, to reach the summit. While it requires more physical effort, it's a cost-effective way to experience the view.
It's important to note that buses run less frequently than the ropeway, typically every 30 minutes. Therefore, checking the bus schedule in advance is recommended to plan your trip efficiently and avoid long waits.
Beyond the View: Amenities and Nearby Attractions
For those who opt for the bus route, a small zoo is located near the Inasayama bus stop. Here, you can see deer and monkeys and even feed them for a small fee of ¥100 from designated vending machines. This can be a fun diversion, especially for families.
While dining options at the summit are limited, the city of Nagasaki itself offers a rich culinary scene. It's recommended to explore the city center for a wider variety of restaurants and local specialties after your visit to Mount Inasa.
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