For those going to Kansai International Airport or other destinations in the Osaka area. How about a trip to Ikoma in Nara Prefecture?
My friend said, “That was so much fun!” and sent me a picture of her trip to Ikoma.It is only a 20-minute train ride from Osaka, so it is possible to take a day trip.
Located about 20 minutes from Osaka on the Kintetsu Nara Line, Ikoma City in Nara Prefecture is a popular tourist area where visitors can enjoy rich nature and nostalgic retro scenery.
The area is full of retro spots, such as stone-paved approach roads laid out in nature, old-fashioned streets, temples and cultural assets full of emotion, and an amusement park that has been in operation since the Showa Period (1926-1989). For this issue, my friend gave me 5 points of interest.
Retro cute Ikoma cable car
Ikoma has the oldest cable car in Japan, the “Kintetsu Ikoma Cable,” which has a history of more than 100 years. The cable line runs about 2 km from Torii-mae Station to Ikoma-Sanjo Station.
The most distinctive feature of this product is its cute appearance.
You will have to wait until you arrive to see which car you can ride!
The approach to Hozanji Temple, where streetscapes from the Taisho Era still remain
Ride the cable car for about 6 minutes. Get off at Hozanji Station and go straight ahead to the entrance of the second retro spot, “Hozanji Approach”.
The “Hozanji Approach” is a historic stone-paved pathway built by Hozanji temple followers and local residents in the Taisho Period (1912-1926), more than 100 years ago.
The 1.5-km approach connecting the station to Hozanji Temple is lined with cafes, restaurants, and general stores.
According to my friend, there was an American-style general store at the end of the cobblestone stairs. I had no idea there was such a stylish store!
Japanese modern retro coffee shop
There is a retro coffee shop in the middle of the approach to Hozanji Temple.
The Japanese-modern exterior blends in with the scenery of the approach.
My friend ordered a cheeseburger. She was surprised to see a burger that was much bigger than she expected!
My friend said. “It had a salty, juicy chicken patty with lots of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, fresh veggies, and a crispy bun!”
In addition to burgers, they also offer pizza, sandwiches, sweets, smoothies, craft beer, and coffee, making it a great place for a quick stop on the road.
Hozanji Temple, a temple for business prosperity and marriage
After passing through the approach to Hozanji Temple, a long stone-paved staircase appears. At the top of the stairs is Hozanji Temple, which is considered one of the three most holy temples in Japan.
Hozanji Temple is a mountain temple located halfway up Mt. Ikoma and is dedicated to the Buddhist patron deity “Seiten” (heavenly deities of joy), whose origin is Ganesha of Hinduism.
The temple is famous for its blessings for prosperous business, marital bliss, and good marriages.
There is a purse-shaped money box here, which is considered a power spot for money. It is said that if you rub your wallet on the top, the contents of your wallet will increase…!
The scenery is also very beautiful! I love it.
Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park
Next, take the cable car to Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park.
Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019, this retro amusement park is full of nostalgic rides from the past.
What a surprise, it is an amusement park with no entrance fee, and many people visit for a picnic and to enjoy the spectacular view!
There are 27 rides in the park, all of which can be ridden for about 300 to 500 yen.
Glides include a flying tower that has been in operation since the beginning of the park, a cute merry-go-round, and retro panda rides, allowing visitors to enjoy nostalgic rides from the Showa Era (1926-1989).
The ride that my friend said was the most fun was the “Cycle Monorail” (400 yen)! You ride on the animal-motif fuselage and pedal the petals like a bicycle to move forward.
My friend says, “The best thing about the Cycle Monorail is that you can see the whole city of Osaka from a place higher than the top of the mountain. Especially at the end of the turn, you can enjoy the thrill of seeing the spectacular view and the thrill of riding the monorail at the same time”.
Ikoma is full of activities from retro streets to activities. It is easy to get to from Osaka, so be sure to visit.
