Mount Inasa Observation Deck

Standing at an elevation of 333 meters, the Mount Inasa Observation Deck (稲佐山山頂展望台) offers what is famously known as the “Ten Million Dollar View.” This panoramic vista is officially recognized as one of the “World’s New Three Major Night Views” alongside Hong Kong and Monaco. Because Nagasaki is built into a steep, bowl-shaped valley, the city lights don’t just sit on a flat plane; they climb the surrounding mountainsides, creating a glittering 360-degree tapestry that reflects beautifully in the dark waters of the harbor.

The observation deck itself is a sleek, glass-enclosed cylindrical structure that provides a sheltered vantage point, making it a viable destination even on windier nights. For the most dramatic experience, it is best to arrive just before dusk to witness the “Blue Hour,” when the sky turns a deep indigo and the urban grid begins to ignite. While the Nagasaki Ropeway remains the most popular way to reach the summit, a scenic slope car also operates from the mid-point of the mountain, offering a quiet glide through the forest with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the small, heart-shaped LED lights embedded in the floor of the observation deck. Finding them is a local tradition said to bring good fortune to couples.

Visitor Information
Address	364-1 Inasamachi, Nagasaki, 852-8011 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	Observation Deck: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Ropeway: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price	Observation Deck: Free Ropeway (Round Trip): Adults ¥1,250 / Students ¥940
Website	Visit Website

Access
Station / Stop	Line / Bus	Access Details
Ropeway-mae	Nagasaki Bus (Line 3 or 4)	Take the bus from Nagasaki Station (7 mins), then walk to Fuchi Shrine for the Ropeway.
Inasayama	Nagasaki Bus (Line 5)	Direct bus from Nagasaki Station to the Inasayama bus stop near the summit.
Free Shuttle	Nagasaki Ropeway Shuttle	A free evening shuttle bus runs between major hotels and the Ropeway station (reservation required).