Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, Japan

Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the scenic Osaka region of Japan, the Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil ambiance, this national park offers a unique experience that will leave visitors in awe.

The park is located in Gose, a charming town known for its historical significance and natural beauty. As you venture into Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, you will be greeted by sprawling greenery, majestic mountains, and crystal-clear rivers. The park is especially renowned for its two prominent peaks, Mount Kongō and Mount Ikoma, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse flora and fauna found within the park. The lush forests are home to an array of species, including the iconic Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys. These playful creatures can often be spotted as they frolic in their natural habitat, providing an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

For those seeking adventure, Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can embark on exhilarating trails that wind through the mountains, offering a chance to commune with nature and enjoy the stunning vistas. The park also boasts numerous cycling paths, where visitors can pedal through picturesque valleys and charming villages, immersing themselves in the local culture along the way.

History buffs will find Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park equally captivating. The park encompasses several ancient temples and shrines that showcase Japan's rich cultural heritage. One such notable site is the Kongōbu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Its exquisite architecture and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and history enthusiasts.

As the day draws to a close, visitors can unwind in the soothing hot springs that dot the park. These natural hot springs, known as onsens, offer a rejuvenating experience, allowing guests to relax and soak in the therapeutic waters while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.

Local name: 金剛生駒紀泉国定公園 Established: 10 April 1958 (66 years ago)Elevation: 2123 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°24'30"N, 135°38'56"E

Location

OsakaJapan

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Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park Top Attractions

Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mount Yamato Katsuragi, Mount Kongo Ropeway, Kongō Range, Mount Naka Katsuragi. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Yamato Katsuragi
Mount Yamato Katsuragi or simply Mount Katsuragi is a mountain in the Kongō Range straddling the prefectural border between Chihayaakasaka, Osaka and Gose, Nara in Japan. The peak elevation is 959.2 metres. The mountain is located along the Gose Line of the Kintetsu Railway.
Aerial tramway
Mount Kongo Ropeway
The Mt. Kongō Ropeway is Japanese aerial lift line in Chihayaakasaka, Ōsaka. The line is unique as it is owned by the village government. The line operation is entrusted to Gourmet Kineya, a private company that mainly operates restaurants. Opened in 1966, the line climbs Mount Kongō, the highest point of Ōsaka.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Kongō Range
The Kongō Range is a mountain range on the borders of Nara and Osaka Prefectures on the island of Honshū in the southwest of central Japan. The range separates the Osaka Plain and the Nara Basin, and forms a natural place for the boundary between the prefectures.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Naka Katsuragi
Mount Naka Katsuragi is a mountain in the Kongō Range to the south of Mount Kongō, rising to an elevation of 937.7 metres. The mountain is situated between Chihayaakasaka, Osaka and Gojō, Nara in Japan. It is known for its trails being generally easy for most hikers, and for its stands of Japanese cedar and large fields of bamboo grass.
Aerial tramway
Katsuragisan Ropeway
The Katsuragisan Ropeway, legally referred to as Katsuragi Ropeway Line, is an aerial tramway line in Gose, Nara, Japan. The line is the only aerial tramway line in Japan that is directly owned and operated by a major private railway company, the Kintetsu Railway.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Minami Katsuragi
Mount Minami Katsuragi is the tallest mountain in the Izumi Mountains within the Kongō Range, straddling the border between Osaka and Wakayama Prefectures in Japan. Its peak elevation is 922 metres.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Kongō
Mount Kongō is a 1,125-metre-high mountain in the Kawachi region of Osaka Prefecture, Kansai, Japan. It is near Mount Yamato Katsuragi.
34°30'58"N • 135°41'49"E
Gu min jiagyararira shii
Museum • Art gallery
Temple
Enpuku-ji
Enpuku-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon Risshu school, in Ikoma, Nara, Japan. The main object of worship is Amida Nyorai.
Temple
Chikurin-ji
East of central Kochi and situated on Mt. Godai, visit Chikurinji Temple, an important stop on Shikikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage, to stroll its spacious and verdant grounds, pay your respects, and admire the surrounding views. The temple is particularly picturesque in spring and fall.
Temple
Eizanji
Eizanji Temple is a temple of the Toyozan School of Shingon Buddhism located in Gojo, Nara Prefecture. It was founded by Fujiwara Takechimaro. The name of the temple is Gakushozan. The main deity is Yakushi Nyorai.

Day trips

Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tōdai-ji (Nara), Osaka Castle (Osaka), Universal Studios Japan (Osaka).

22 milesNE
Iconic temple with a giant Buddha statue
Tōdai-ji, Nara
Tōdai-ji, a revered temple located in the historic city of Nara, Japan, stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural and religious history. This significant religious site, which was founded in the year 738 CE and reconstructed after being damaged by fire in...
21 milesN
Renowned, historic castle with a museum
Osaka Castle, Osaka
Osaka Castle, a historic fortress nestled in the heart of Osaka, Japan, stands as a testament to the country's rich feudal history. Constructed in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent daimyo and warrior, this iconic structure symbolizes power and fortitude.
22 milesNW
Movie-themed amusement park with rides
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Universal Studios Japan, located in the vibrant city of Osaka, is a world-class amusement park that brings the magic of movies, animations, and thrilling experiences to life. Since its grand opening in March 2001, it has become a must-visit destination for tourists...
22 milesNE
Temple
Kasuga-taisha, Nara
Nestled within the verdant environs of Nara, Japan, Kasuga-taisha stands as an emblematic Shinto shrine, deeply woven into the spiritual fabric of the region. Established in 768 CE, this grand sanctuary is renowned for its profound historical significance and its...
21 milesNW
Huge landmark for marine-life exhibits
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Osaka
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan stands as a testament to the marvels of aquatic life, nestled in the vibrant city of Osaka, Japan. This impressive facility, known as one of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in the world, offers visitors an immersive journey through...