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Leisure/Gourmet
Tourist guide for Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture
- Ikoma City is not only a university town, but also an ideal residential area with a population of nearly 120,000.
With well-developed roads and railways, and its proximity to Osaka's Namba and Nara City, traveling from Ikoma to the city center is extremely convenient for both work and leisure.
With its cool summer breezes and well-preserved natural environment, Ikoma offers fresher air than the urban areas of Osaka and Nara, and is an average of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius cooler. It has been a popular summer vacation destination since Edo Period.
Whether it's a family trip to an amusement park, solo or group hiking on one of the many hiking course, or a relaxing dinner with friends, Ikoma has a unique charm that will ensure you have a memorable trip.
Easy travel ~Visiting tourist spots without baggage~
- Japan is a mountainous country, and slopes and stairs are commonplace.
Moving heavy luggage from hotel to hotel is not recommended in your travel plan.
For travelers visiting Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, staying in Ikoma saves the hassle of traveling between hotels, as most of the tourist attractions in these Ikoma are less than an hour away.
Kannabi Ikomayama Hotel is located in Temple Town, a beautiful mountain resort town in the heart of Ikoma City.
From Ikoma Station, you can access the area by taxi, public bus, cable car, or on foot.
Additionally, within a 5-minute walk, you'll find "Monzen Okagero, " a restaurant and inn operated by the same group, and "Maharajaya," a Balinese restaurant.
Leisure/Gourmet List
【Recommended sightseeing spots】
- ・Hiking, temple visits, and a historical tour Mount Ikoma.
・You can take on Japan's most rugged roads by bicycle or on foot.
・Train your mind and body at Field Athletic Park.
・Enjoy an amusement park with your family.
・Participate in seasonal local events.
・Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine made with fresh local ingredients.
・Experience Chasen manufacturing process and taste the finest Japanese tea.
・Sake tasting and cherry blossom viewing.
・You can enjoy golfing at various golf course located within an hour's drive.
【Mount Ikoma Hiking course】
- For nature lovers who want to explore the beauty of Mount Ikoma on foot, there will be no shortage of options.
■Hiking course list
| course 1 Kuragaritogue, or the Dark Pass(Kuragaritogue) | Passing through the time tunnel from modern society, You can have the experience of walking through an ancient road preserved in time and finally returning to the present day. |
|---|---|
| course 2 Chasen(Chasen) | A journey through Takayama Town, a place that has long been a production center for Chasen, an important tool for Japanese tea. You can also experience making Chasen. Enjoy the taste of authentic Japanese tea. |
| course ③ Ikoma Taisha Shrine(Ikoma Taisha) | This route includes a visit to Ikoma Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines. You can also experience the journey of envoys to China. |
| course 4: Hozan-ji Temple(Hozan-ji) | Hozan-ji Temple and the surrounding nature have long been a sacred training ground for Shugendo practitioners and Buddhist monks. You can spend quality time with your family at "Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park, " an amusement park located at Mount Ikoma. It will be a day full of spiritual healing and fun activities. |
【List of Ikoma and gourmet options in Ikoma】
- Ikoma Cable Line
Opened on August 29, 1918.
This is Japan's first cable line, built during the Taisho era. 
Opened in 1929.
It is the oldest existing flying tower in Japan and the only playground equipment to have survived World War II.
An ancient road that is the shortest route connecting Nara and Osaka.
It is said to be the steepest road in Japan.
The most difficult part of the route is a 37 degree bend.
Kuragaritogue, or the Dark Pass is now part of National Route 308.
It is the only highway in modern Japan that has some stone-paved roads.
Located on the slopes of Mount Mount Ikoma, Ikoma Mountain Foot Park is situated approximately 2 km from the city center, yet is surrounded by the lush natural environment of Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen -National Park.
The park has a campsite and a wide variety of facilities and programs, so people of all ages can have fun all day long.
The field athletics course in the park is the only full-fledged athletics course Kansai.
The approximately 800-meter course features 30 authentic playground structures inspired by the legends and history of Ikoma.
course is challenging with many ups and downs that make use of the mountain's undulating terrain.
Recommended for upper elementary school students and adults.
You can enjoy demonstrations of Takayama Chasen making and participate in a matcha tea ceremony.
You can also see Takayama Bamboo Lanterns.
This hot spring is open all year round.
Business hours are from 9:00 to 21:00. (Last admission 20:00)
The hot spring has its source in the deep sea at a depth of 1,850m, and features the largest open-air bath in Nara Prefecture, as well as a cypress bath in the women's bath.
It is very popular with locals, from the elderly to children, and tourists alike.
It is a relaxing and healing space.
Founded in 1558, Ueda Brewery has won numerous awards.
This is a sake brewery that continues to preserve its traditions.
For over 400 years, we have been producing only the highest quality sake.
You can also take part in factory tours and sake tastings.
Monzen Okagero is located along the atmospheric stone steps leading to Hozan-ji Temple, which is situated on the slopes of Mount Ikoma in Nara Prefecture.
This facility was originally built in 1916 and was used as a ryokan inn for many years. It was renovated in 2014 and used as a venue for the Nara Prefectural Art Festival. In 2015, it was reopened as a complex that can be used for lodging, the Rockontei restaurant, gallery space, rental space, and more.
From the windows of this facility, you can see a panoramic view of Yata Hills and the Yamato Plain, and the scenery changes daily - the morning sun rising over the mountain ridges, the illuminated cityscape and sea of clouds, and the mountains changing color with each season - making for a breathtaking view.Please stop by when you visit Mount Ikoma and Hozan-ji Temple.
At the video cafe Theatre Ajito in Mount Ikoma area of Nara Prefecture,
This is a cafe where you can enjoy not only beautiful nature and views, but also videos.
We hold a variety of exhibitions in our store.
We look forward to your visit when you have time.
Enjoy fragrant, colorful pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven in a traditional Japanese house with a panoramic view overlooking Nara Basin.
High-sugar fruit tomatoes from Hidaka Village, Kochi Prefecture, and Italian mini tomatoes with a strong balance of acidity and umami.
This pizza restaurant mainly serves "Margherita" pizza, which is made with a mix of three types of tomatoes from Nara.- Golf courses near Ikoma
From prestigious country clubs to public golf courses,
There are a wide variety of golf courses,
You can enjoy playing golf in Ikoma.
Nearby golf courses are located within an hour's drive.
