About
Mount Ikoma Observatory, also known as Bokurano Hiroba, is a hidden secret, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Osaka cityscape. Apart from the scenic hike that is popular amongst locals, visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese culture at the nearby Hozanji Temple, a historic spiritual site nestled in the mountains.
Key Info
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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. As mentioned, at the top of Mount Ikoma is a view unlike any other, a clear and unobstructed view of the beautiful city of Osaka.
My Experience
During my New Year's stay in Japan, I discovered that the Japanese celebrate this holiday in a unique way. One of these differences was the tradition of watching the sunrise on the first day of the year. Eager to take part in this tradition, I began searching for nearby spots to catch the sunrise and came across Mount Ikoma. A quick look through the photos on Google Maps was enough to convince me that it was the place 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 around 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.
Overall, if your up for a challenging but rewarding hike, Mount Ikoma is the place for you!
