About
Mount Ikoma Observatory, also known as Bokurano Hiroba, is a hidden gem for sunset watchers, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Osaka cityscape. In addition to the scenic hike, visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese culture at the nearby Hozanji Temple, a historic spiritual site nestled in the mountains.
Rating
*Learn more about my rating system here.
Cost
Free! Enjoy stunning views and peaceful surroundings without spending a single yen.
Accessibility
Unlike many hikes in Japan, reaching the Mount Ikoma Observatory is relatively easy, as the starting point is close to the city. The recommended station to get off at is Hozanji Station, which provides access to the hiking trails leading to Mount Ikoma Observatory.
Uniqueness
Mount Ikoma offers a distinctive experience that goes beyond just a hike. At the base of the mountain lies Hozanji Temple, a historic site that adds a rich cultural dimension to the visit. The temple serves not only as a place of worship but also as a starting point for many hikers, allowing visitors to engage with Japanese traditions.
My Experience
I was fortunate to spend New Year's in Japan, but I soon discovered that fireworks are not part of the celebration here. Instead, my local friends told me that many people welcome the first day of the year by watching the sunrise. Unfortunately, I was no longer in the mountains and rather in the heart of Osaka, so I began searching for nearby spots to catch the sunrise and found Mount Ikoma. The photos looked stunning, and I was eager to experience this tradition, so I decided to go.
On New Year's Day, I set out at 4:00 AM for Mount Ikoma. While technically located in Nara, it’s easily accessible from Osaka via the Kintetsu Nara Line, taking about 30 minutes from Namba Station. To my surprise, I wasn’t alone; the train was filled with drunks returning home from New Year's Eve celebrations, as well as hikers and students like me heading out to greet the New Year sunrise.
In addition to watching the sunrise, I discovered that visiting a temple is another common tradition on the first day of the year. I realized this when my hike began at Hozanji Temple, where I was pleasantly surprised to find many people gathered, not for hiking, but to visit the temple and make their offerings.
The trek to the observatory was challenging. Be aware that the route on Google Maps isn’t the correct one! Fortunately, I found myself up with a group of japanese students, and after some trial and error, we finally reached the summit. My advice is to ask others for directions along the way, you’ll know you’ve arrived when you reach the top. While there are intermediate viewpoints, none compare to the breathtaking views waiting at the observatory.
Also, I came to realise on my way to the top, that I wouldn't be able to see the sunrise! The observatory actually faces west, and hence, you can actually only see the sunset. Maybe next time I visit i'll check out the sunset!
One line Summary: Headed out early in the morning to watch the new years sunrise, realised it was facing the wrong direction; worth the visit however due to the beautiful view of Osaka!
