I finally visited Ikoma Amusement Park, a place I’d been curious about for years. The sunset and night view were so breathtaking that just thinking back on it brings back the emotions I felt at that moment! It’s a highly recommended spot with stunning views that exceed expectations!
This time, I went with my friend Y, who lives in Kobe. Not only was it new to her, but even her colleague from Nara didn’t know that this place had recently become popular as a scenic spot. It seems to be trending among international travelers, as I noticed there were far more visitors from abroad in line than Japanese visitors! Since reaching the park requires Cable car transfers, it’s best to plan your route carefully to avoid long travel times, but I was amazed by how many people from abroad knew about this place!
What is Ikoma Amusement Park?
This amusement park offers expansive panoramic views at the summit of Mount Ikoma (642 meters above sea level) on the border between Nara and Osaka Prefectures. Opened in 1929, it is a historic park with retro attractions like the ‘Cycle Monorail,’ an aerial cycling ride. The park is filled with rides that allow you to enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to a mountaintop location.
Access
The amusement park is located in Nara Prefecture, and the nearest station is Ikoma Station.
Access to Ikoma Station
To reach Ikoma Station:
- From Nara Station, take the Kintetsu Nara Line (about 20 minutes).
- From Osaka Namba Station, also take the Kintetsu Nara Line (about 20 minutes).
- From Kyoto Station, take the Nara Line, transferring to the Kintetsu Nara Line (about 1 hour).
- From the Kobe area, it’s about 1 to 1.5 hours via Osaka Namba Station.
If you’re coming from further away, stopping by during a trip to Osaka or Kyoto is also recommended! For my visit, I traveled from Kyoto Station, while a friend joined from Kobe, and we met at the Ikoma Cable Car boarding area.
Taking the Ikoma Cable Car to the Amusement Park
You’ll ride Japan’s oldest operating cable car to get to the amusement park from Ikoma Station. The route is divided into two sections: the “Hozanji Line” from Torii-mae Station to Hozanji Station (about 5 minutes), and the “Sanjo Line” from Hozanji Station to Ikoma-Sanjo Station (about 10 minutes). The journey takes about 15 minutes, and the amusement park is right before you, making access very convenient! Since the cable car runs infrequently, be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Our Main Attraction: The Cycle Monorail!
Admission to the amusement park is free. To enjoy the attractions, you can purchase an unlimited ride pass or a convenient ‘Tokutoku Ticket.’ The ‘Tokutoku Ticket’ allows you to use one ticket per ride, making it very cost-effective. This time, we shared it among three people, making it an affordable and enjoyable experience for all of us.
After entering, we checked the map to locate the Cycle Monorail and saw no line yet. We planned to come back before it got crowded and headed to other attractions first. Since it was a scorching day, we cooled off on the Gold Rush Rapids ride and enjoyed an aerial tour on the ‘Pukapuka Panda.’ The ‘Pukapuka Panda’ makes a full circle, offering a nice view of the entire park. It was also a plus that there was no wait to get on.
Later, when we checked on the Cycle Monorail, only a few people were in line, with virtually no waiting time. Surprised by how empty it was, we decided to take a break nearby at the Ikoma View Restaurant. The panoramic view from the balcony seats was fantastic, but since it was so hot, we opted to sit inside where there was air conditioning and enjoyed a light meal.
Enjoying the Stunning Evening Scenery!
Around 5:30 p.m., we noticed that the restaurant, which had been nearly empty, was now completely full! I hurried over to the Cycle Monorail, only to find a long line had already formed! It was hard to believe there had only been two or three people waiting earlier. The line kept growing as an amusement park staff member held up a sign indicating the end of the queue.
While waiting in line, I noticed people around me buying single-ride tickets (600 yen) from the staff. Although it’s more expensive than the Tokutoku ticket, having the option to buy a single-ride ticket is convenient for those who are only interested in the Cycle Monorail or suddenly decide they want to ride. I found it very considerate.
Since we were standing right under the Cycle Monorail tracks, I couldn’t help but get excited thinking about how beautiful the view must be from above. The track runs along the edge of the park, so just imagining the stunning scenery made my heart race.
Around the Cycle Monorail, there are several vantage points offering sweeping views of the Osaka Plain and Nara Basin—definitely spots worth stopping by! While waiting in line, it’s also a great idea to take turns taking photos of the view.
At one point, we heard an announcement saying, ‘This is the end for tonight!’ indicating that no more people would be allowed to join the line. Depending on the crowd and line length, it seems they stop accepting new riders about two hours before closing time, so be mindful of this.
As the day turned to evening and then night, the stunning landscape continued to change, making the waiting time feel worthwhile! After about two hours of waiting, it was finally our turn! The ride is designed for two people, but we decided to ride separately. By this time, it was completely dark, and a jewel-studded nightscape stretched out before us!
The Cycle Monorail is pedal-powered, but to be honest, I didn’t want to pedal at all! I had the urge to stay put and soak it all in!
From this high vantage point, riding along the very edge of the mountain, it felt like I was diving right into the night view! The people ahead and those in front of them were all moving slowly (haha). It was like an unspoken rule—everyone took their time, savoring the beautiful night scenery.
The ride lasts about 5-10 minutes, depending on the pace. I was completely captivated by the night view spreading out before me—truly a blissful moment! Gazing at the sea of lights from the hilltop, I felt like time had stopped. Considering the time of day and waiting times, you might only get one chance to experience this view per visit. That made it all the more special, creating an unforgettable memory. It’s a place I’d love to visit again! I’m truly grateful to my friend Y, who came all the way from Kobe to join me. Sharing such a wonderful time and breathtaking scenery together made me so happy. Thank you, Y!
If you ever find yourself near Nara or Osaka, I highly recommend a visit!
Ikoma Sanjou Amusement Park Homepage & Map
＊I highly recommend checking the park’s closing days and hours before planning your visit! I originally planned to go on a day that turned out to be a closure day, and I had to adjust my travel schedule to make it happen.
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