Did you know there is an amusement park located right on top of a mountain in the Kansai region? Offering stunning views of both Nara and Osaka, it allows you to enjoy a variety of thrilling rides all at once!
Today, let’s introduce Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park in Nara. Combining mountain scenery with amusement facilities, it is a place where you can have endless fun, whether you are visiting with family, friends, or even by yourself!
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Introduction to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park is located at the summit of Mt. Ikoma, right on the border between Osaka and Nara. It is a historic and prestigious mountain-top amusement park in Japan. Standing at an altitude of 642 meters, Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park features 27 types of attractions suitable for both adults and children. With a 360-degree panoramic restaurant and seasonal events, you can spend a rich and interesting day here.
Not only is admission to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park free, but you can also take Japan’s oldest cable car up the mountain, enjoying beautiful scenery along the way. Furthermore, “PLAY PEAK ITADAKI,” located within the park, is one of Japan’s largest outdoor playgrounds and will definitely let children play until they forget the time.
Transport to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park
Access #1 | Kintetsu Nara Line
If departing from downtown Osaka, take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka-Namba Station (A01) to Ikoma Station (A17). From there, walk to Toriimae Station (Y17) and take the cable car to Ikoma Sanjo Station (Y21) to reach the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park.
The cable car here is about 2 kilometers long. Although it is the oldest cable car in Japan, the ride is very stable. The cars are shaped like cute dogs (Bull) and cats (Mike), which drives both adults and children crazy with excitement. Cable car tickets can be purchased on-site; adults cost 500 JPY (approx. $3.30 USD) and children 250 JPY (approx. $1.65 USD). The route is divided into two sections, so you need to transfer once at Hozanji Station (Y18). The entire one-way trip takes about 12-15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy the mountain scenery leisurely.
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Access #2 | Taxi
You can take a taxi from Ikoma Station to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park. The one-way trip takes about 15 minutes, and the fare is approximately 1,500~2,000 JPY (approx. $10~$13.30 USD). This is suitable for travelers with a lot of luggage, children, or elderly companions, offering a simpler way up the mountain.
Access #3 | Chartered Car
If you are departing from downtown Osaka and want to save time on public transport, you can book a private chartered car for a day trip. You can combine it with visits to Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, and other attractions. This is convenient for large groups or family trips, allowing you to arrange your itinerary and time freely.
📌 Private Chartered Day Trip: KKday｜Klook
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park Tickets
Admission to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park itself is free, so you can directly enjoy the mountain views and overlook the entire Nara and Osaka city areas. However, if you want to enter the outdoor “PLAY PEAK ITADAKI” area, an additional admission fee is required: 1,500 JPY (approx. $10 USD) for adults and 600 JPY (approx. $4 USD) for children.
For the remaining rides, you can simply pay as you go. If you are unsure, you can walk around the park first and buy tickets at the coin machines next to the rides that interest you. If you are determined to play as much as possible, purchasing a “Free Pass” (unlimited ride pass) that covers multiple attractions is more cost effective.
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park Unlimited Ride Pass:
- Adults (Junior High School and above): 4,000 JPY (approx. $26.50 USD)
- Children (Elementary School): 3,800 JPY (approx. $25.30 USD)
- Toddlers (2 years old ~ Kindergarten): 2,800 JPY (approx. $18.60 USD)
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park Map
Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park Review
Since Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park is Japan’s oldest mountaintop amusement park, it certainly has many unmissable attractions. The area is spacious with wide horizons, making the rides feel even more thrilling and satisfying. It is definitely worth a try! Here are the must-play rides at Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park:
Must-Play Ride #1 | Cycle Monorail
When you come to Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park, you must not miss the Cycle Monorail! Not only can you move forward along the aerial track just like riding a bicycle, but you can also overlook the cityscapes of Osaka and Nara simultaneously, making you feel instantly relaxed.
Riding during the day offers city views, but riding in the evening allows you to enjoy the sunset while cycling in the air. It’s not tiring, and feeling the breeze while admiring the Japanese sunset is an experience you must try at this park.
Must-Play Ride #2 | Flight Tower
The Flight Tower can be considered the symbol of Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park. Standing firm on the mountain since the park’s opening, it has four flying units that you can ride. You can experience the thrill of high altitude while admiring the scenery of Osaka and Nara. Those who are not afraid of heights must give it a try!
The Flight Tower is also the highest facility in the park. It rises slowly into the high air and rotates 360 degrees. Whether day or night, it’s perfect for families and couples to ride together, enjoy the breeze, and take in the view.
Must-Play Ride #3 | Puka Puka Panda (Panda Lift)
If you are too lazy to pedal the cycle monorail, you can choose to take the Panda Lift. The super cute panda-shaped gondolas are suspended in the air, carrying you forward slowly, allowing you to leisurely admire the high-altitude scenery and relieve the fatigue of travel.
This is a must-play attraction for families with children at Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park. The pandas holding balloons are loved by children, and since the lift rises to a certain height, it also gives kids a bit of a thrilling experience.
Must-Play Ride #4 | Gold Rush (Log Flume)
What should you play when visiting Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park in summer? You can’t miss Gold Rush (Rapid Shoot)! As the name suggests, it is a water ride and the best choice for cooling off in the hot summer!
This attraction combines the concept of gold panning. You ride a small boat to “pan for gold,” go all the way up, and then slide down from a height. The splashing water will definitely let you feel a combination of thrill and refreshment. It is very suitable for couples and friends to scream together and release stress.
Must-Play Ride #5 | Hell Gate (Haunted House)
Speaking of amusement parks, a haunted house is indispensable! Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park is no exception. “Hell Gate” is a great choice for a horror experience. The exterior looks like a dark temple, giving people a chilling feeling.
If you are not easily scared, you can try it. If you come to the park with friends and family, you can group up to build courage together. It will surely leave unforgettable memories.
That concludes this review of Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park. Not only can you overlook the scenery of Kansai here, but you can also enjoy exciting amusement facilities. It is a very special experience, so if you come to Nara, don’t miss it!
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