Mount Ikoma
生駒山
A famous 642-meter mountain on the border of Nara and Osaka. Ride a vintage cable car to the top, where you'll find a century-old mountain amusement park and night views over the Osaka plain.
Mount Ikoma rises 642 meters above sea level on the border between Ikoma City in Nara Prefecture and Higashiosaka City in Osaka Prefecture. From the summit you can look east over the Nara Basin and west over the Osaka Plain, and the night view toward Osaka is considered one of the great night views of the Kansai region. Most visitors take the Ikoma Cable Car: from Ikoma Station on the Kintetsu line, ride Japan's oldest operating cable car to Hozanji, then transfer to the upper section. Along the way, Hozanji is an old temple enshrining Ikoma Shoten, and its approach steps and cliffside rock caves are full of atmosphere. At the summit, Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park has retro attractions, including a century-old flying tower. Entry to the park is free, but rides are charged separately. It is closed in winter. Access: about 20 minutes by Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba in Osaka to Ikoma Station, and about 15 minutes from Kintetsu-Nara Station.
Opening hours
Amusement park open approx. mid-March–November; check official website for hours
Nearby sights
- Horyu-ji
- Hokki-ji Temple
- Chugu-ji
- Saidai-ji Temple
- Yakushi-ji
- Toshodai-ji
- Heijo Palace Site
- Higashimuki & Sanjo-dori Shopping Streets