Ikoma (生駒) is a city in Nara Prefecture.

Understand

Though not frequented by foreign tourists, the city is home to Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), one of the best research institutions in Japan.

Tourist information site

The city's tourism association has a multilingual guide site.

Get in

By bus

From Kansai International Airport (KIX ^IATA), take the Limousine Bus, get off at Gakuenmae Station, cost ¥2150.

By train

From Kansai International Airport (KIX ^IATA), take the Nankai train towards Osaka-Namba Station. After that, transfer to Kintetsu Line and get off at Ikoma Station. The duration of the trip from Osaka-Namba is around 40 minutes.

See

• 1 Ikoma Shrine. A shrine set beneath a forest with wooden structures and brass lanterns, this shrine was built in the 5th century and is dedicated to seven gods. It also hosts an annual fire festival, registered as one of Japan's intangible cultural assets.  
• 2 Hōzan-ji Temple. (updated Mar 2024)

Do

• 1 Ikomasanjo Amusement Park (生駒山上遊園地). Old amusement park on the hilltop. Closed in winter: December to mid March. (updated Mar 2024)

Eat

• 1 Kina Chick no Mori. Th-Su 11:00-16:00. (updated Mar 2024)
• 2 Rockontei (六根亭). 11:00-16:00. Soba restaurant inside the Okagero ryokan. Doesn't have English menus, however some of the staff speak English. (updated Mar 2024)

Sleep

• 1 Okagero (おかげ楼). (updated Mar 2024)

Go next

• Nara