Operating Hours and Ticket Prices 2026

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A round-trip ticket for adults costs approximately 1,250 yen for a full journey. Junior high and high school students pay a discounted rate of 940 yen. Elementary school children can ride for about 620 yen per person. You can purchase these tickets directly at the Fuchi Shrine Station lower terminal.

Groups of 15 or more people can apply for additional discounts at the counter. Credit cards and major IC cards like Suica are accepted for payment. Keep your ticket safe as you must show it for the return trip. The gondolas depart every 15 to 20 minutes during the evening hours.

2026 Ticket Price Summary:

• Adult Round Trip: 1,250 Yen
• Student Round Trip: 940 Yen
• Child Round Trip: 620 Yen
• One-way Adult Ticket: 730 Yen

Mt Inasa Ropeway Winter Guide: Best Viewing Times

Timing is everything when you want to see the famous 10 million dollar view. In winter, the sun sets much earlier in Nagasaki than in the summer months. You should aim to arrive at the summit by 5:00 PM in January. This allows you to watch the sky transition from orange to deep blue.

The "blue hour" is the best time for Mt Inasa night views and photography. This period occurs about 20 to 30 minutes after the official sunset time. The city lights begin to glow while the sky still holds a deep color. This creates a stunning contrast that looks amazing in person and in photos.

Weekends are much busier at the observatory than quiet Tuesday or Wednesday nights. If you visit on a Saturday, expect longer wait times for the gondola. Arriving early helps you secure a prime spot along the observatory railing. Clear winter nights offer the sharpest views of the harbor and city below.

Winter air is often much clearer than the humid air found in the summer. This clarity makes the distant lights of the ships look very bright and crisp. You can see all the way to the outer islands on a very clear night. Check the local weather forecast for low cloud cover before you start your journey.

How to Reach the Ropeway Station

Getting to the ropeway base is easy if you use the local transportation options. The most convenient method is taking the free shuttle bus from major hotels and Nagasaki Station. This service runs specifically in the evenings to help tourists reach the mountain. You must often book a seat on this shuttle through your hotel desk.

You can also take a local Nagasaki bus from the main train station. Look for buses numbered 3 or 4 that stop at the Ropeway-mae bus stop. The bus ride takes about 7 minutes and costs around 160 yen. From the bus stop, it is a short two-minute walk to the station.

Taxis are readily available throughout the city and offer a direct route to the entrance. A taxi ride from Nagasaki Station will cost roughly 1,200 to 1,500 yen. This is a great choice if you are traveling with a small group. It saves time and protects you from the cold winter wind outside.

Some visitors choose to use the slope car or the ropeway depending on their starting point. The slope car connects the mid-mountain parking lot to the summit observatory. It offers a different perspective of the forest as you climb the steep slope. Both options provide comfortable seating and large windows for viewing the scenery.

Winter Weather and Safety at the Summit

The summit of Mount Inasa sits at 333 meters above the sea level. This elevation means the temperature is always colder than in the city center. You should prepare for winter weather in Nagasaki by wearing several warm layers. The wind can be quite strong at the top of the observatory deck.

A heavy coat, gloves, and a warm hat are essential for a winter visit. The wind chill factor can make the air feel like it is below freezing. Even if the city feels mild, the mountain top will feel much colder. Thermal undergarments are highly recommended for those who plan to stay for an hour.

The observatory floor can become slippery if there is frost or light snow. Wear shoes with good grip to prevent any accidents while walking on the deck. Handrails are provided around the entire circular viewing area for your safety. Stay within the marked zones and do not climb on any structures.

If the cold becomes too much, you can head inside the glass-enclosed building. The interior areas are heated and offer a great view through the windows. This allows you to enjoy the scenery without facing the biting winter wind. Many visitors cycle between the outdoor deck and the indoor warmth to stay comfortable.

Dining Options at the Mount Inasa Observatory

You can enjoy a romantic meal while looking out over the glowing city. The Hikari no Restaurant is located right at the top of the observatory. It features floor-to-ceiling glass walls for an uninterrupted view of the Nagasaki harbor. You should check the winter dinner menu for seasonal Japanese and Western dishes.

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner, especially during the 2026 winter holidays. The window-side tables are very popular and usually book up several days in advance. You can enjoy local specialties like Nagasaki Wagyu beef or fresh seafood. The atmosphere is sophisticated but welcoming to tourists from all over the world.

For a quicker option, there are small snack bars near the ropeway exit. These stalls sell hot drinks, ice cream, and light snacks like steamed buns. A hot cup of tea or coffee is perfect for warming your hands. Vending machines are also located inside the building for your convenience at any time.

Dining Tips for Mount Inasa:

• Book window tables at least 3 days in advance
• Try the Turkish Rice, a famous Nagasaki local dish
• Last orders are usually taken 30 minutes before closing
• Vegetarian options are limited but available upon request

Photography Tips for the 10 Million Dollar View

Capturing the perfect photo of Nagasaki requires a few simple technical tricks. Use these night photography tips to improve your results on Mount Inasa. A tripod is very helpful for long exposures, but the deck can be crowded. If you use a tripod, ensure it does not block the walking path.

Turn off your camera flash to avoid reflecting light off the glass or railings. Flash will only illuminate the dust in the air and ruin the dark sky. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire span of the harbor. This lens helps you include the mountains and the city lights in one frame.

Set your camera to a low ISO to keep the images looking clean. A slow shutter speed will make the city lights look like glowing jewels. If you are using a smartphone, use the dedicated "Night Mode" for better light balance. Hold your phone very still or lean against a railing for stability.

The observatory features LED lights on the floor that can cause lens flare. Try to position your camera away from these bright floor lights for better clarity. If shooting through glass, place your lens directly against the window. This technique eliminates reflections from the interior lights of the building behind you.