Our 192nd entry in this blog is our first time trip to Mount Wakakusayama in Nara, Japan. We feel like we are in The Sound of Music’s ‘the hills are alive’ song in here 🙂 It also looks like the famous wallpaper of Windows XP. hehehe

Mount Wakakusayama is the grass covered mountain behind Nara Park, located between Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine. The mountain is about 350 meters tall and offers unobstructed views over Nara City. Tourists are allowed to climb Mount Wakakusayama all year round except during winter. A small entrance fee is charged.

The grassy slope of the mountain is lined by cherry trees that are usually in full bloom around early April. A steep trail leads along the leftmost edge of the slope to a plateau halfway up the mountain with great views over the city. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the plateau and many people turn back here. An additional 20-30 minutes get you to the mountain’s peak.

Every winter on the fourth Saturday of January, Mount Wakakusayama’s slopes are burned during the spectacular Wakakusa Yamayaki. The origins of the event are unclear. One theory claims that it resulted from a boundary dispute, while another claims the fires were used to drive away wild boars. The burning of the mountain is preceded by a short fireworks display.

We are so thankful with this perfect sunny-but-not-hot day. We really are so excited going in and Sai wants to roll from the top-most part until he reaches the bottom area. But nope, it was kind of scary when you are reach the top. hehe 🙂