What other travelers are saying about Inasayama Summit Observatory
Mt. Inasa Overlook offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Nagasaki. From the summit, visitors can enjoy stunning scenery of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains, especially during sunset and at night when the city lights create a spectacular view. The observation area is spacious, clean, and well maintained, making it comfortable to relax and take photos. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience Nagasaki’s famous night view.
Inasayama Observatory is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). Round-trip ropeway tickets cost 1,250 yen for adults and 620 yen for children. The observatory deck itself has free admission once you reach the summit via ropeway or car.
Take the Nagasaki Ropeway from Fuchi Shrine station, which is accessible by bus from Nagasaki Station (15 minutes). The ropeway ride to Inasayama Summit Observatory takes 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive up the winding mountain road, though parking is limited at the summit.
Inasayama Observatory offers panoramic 360-degree views of Nagasaki city, Nagasaki Bay, and surrounding mountains. It's famous for spectacular sunset views and night scenes ranked among Japan's top 3 night views. On clear days, you can see Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) and the Shimabara Peninsula.
The best times for photography at Inasayama Observatory are during sunset (golden hour) and blue hour for night photography. Visit 1-2 hours before sunset to capture daylight views, sunset, and the transition to Nagasaki's famous night illumination. Avoid foggy or rainy days for optimal visibility.
Inasayama Observatory features a restaurant with panoramic windows serving Western and Japanese cuisine, perfect for dining with views. The facility also includes a gift shop, observation decks, indoor viewing areas, and restrooms. There's also a small museum about Nagasaki's history and the mountain's significance.
We enjoyed the rope car ride up and down the mountain, which allowed us to capture the views alongside the mountain. The weather was cool and the cafe had lovely cakes.. but the most amazing view was to be had at the top of the observatory. Arriving just before sunset means you get a better collection of the riot of colours as the sun set
READ BEFORE GOING: Go two hours before sunset and bring drinks and food from 7/11 or Lawson. You can eat while waiting for sunset. Take the bus to the base of Nagasaki Inasa Slope Station it was Bus #5 pay with IC or cash 190 yen from Nagasaki Station. Unless you’re a fan of Ropeway or slope cars you can save yourself 1,000 yen and walk up stairs 650m or less than .25 miles. As long as you’re young or reasonable healthy it’s fine. The free shuttle someone else mention only runs at night so you miss sunset. Bring layers because it get cold up top when sunsets and night view is worth staying for too. Buses are frequent.
They do have a drink vending machine, bathroom, and indoor seating. Going up to top floor was free maybe because off season less tourist. They have anoodle shop on peak season. I’d definitely recommend.
We went here by ropeway (where at the ground station, you can buy a coin for it and observatory) just before the sun set (around 15 minutes, sun was already just above the horizon), so some of the best spots were taken. Though most people were interested in the other side which is the Nagasaki city by night, which at first we didn't understand. The views from both sides are quite remarkable and different. On one side you have an ocean and wild nature, green hills etc. on the other there is a bustling city. Since it's a tower on a mountain top it can be quite chilly and windy, though since it's also quite popular you have a natural wind shield most of the time. Some people wrote that you should be here and hour earlier, so maybe we were lucky but we got the photos from the first line without problems.
If you come by car there is a free parking next to the cable car station, though you can also drive up, however the parking next to the observatory on the mountain top was closed when we were there. If you come by ropeway or slope car there is an additional attraction of the blue bridge in the tree tops. The observatory is free, so only parking/ropeway cost 1250 round way ( and offers additional views of the city)
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.
