Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car

The Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car was born in 1918 as Japan's first cable car. The vehicles come in four designs: Bull (dog), Miki (cat), Sweet (cake), and Doremi (organ), and are very popular with children! The music "Picnic" plays in the Bull car, while "Neko Funjatta" plays in the Miki car. In addition, the oldest vehicles running on the Hozanji Line, "Suzuran" and "Shirakaba," have a retro atmosphere that is second to none! From locals to leisure guests, it is still loved by many people today.

Mount Ikoma, which towers over the border between Osaka Prefecture and Nara Prefecture, is home to the Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park and the famous Hozanji Temple, known for its power to bring prosperity to businesses. The Ikoma Cable Car departs from the "Torii-mae Station" in front of "Ikoma Station" on the Kintetsu Nara Line, passes through "Hozanji Station," and heads to "Ikoma-sanjo Station." It's the only public transportation that can take you up to the top of Mount Ikoma. When you leave Torii-mae Station and climb the steep slope, you can enjoy a breathtaking view as the ground gradually recedes. Especially in autumn, the autumn leaves along the cable car route are beautiful! The nostalgic atmosphere of the stations and the inside of the cars is also charming.

Do you know how a cable car moves? The cable car consists of two cars connected by a single wire rope. The Hoshanji Line climbs at a maximum gradient of 13 degrees at a speed of 10.8 km/h, while the Sanjo Line climbs at a maximum gradient of 18 degrees. The direction of the cable car is determined by the shape of the wheels, which are on display at the Hoshanji Station. What's even more surprising is that the conductor sits in the front of the car, while the driver operates the cable car from the control room at the upper station. When you arrive at the upper station, try to find the driver!

Take the Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car to access Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park! The park offers over 20 different attractions, including a Ferris wheel and roller coasters, making it popular among families. Additionally, from the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Nara Basin and Osaka Plain. If you want to create memories with your family, Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park is highly recommended!

At Ikoma Cable, you can use the "Nara-Ikaruga 1 Day Ticket," which allows you to ride the designated section of Kintetsu and the entire Kyoto Municipal Subway, as well as the Nara Kotsu Bus in the Nara-Ikaruga area, all day if certain conditions are met. Additionally, by presenting the 1 Day Ticket, you can receive an omikuji (fortune-telling paper) at Hozanji Temple and get a 100 yen discount on the admission fee for "PLAY PEAK ITADAKI" at Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park. Make use of these great tickets and discount systems to sightsee on a budget!