Ride the adorable cable car shaped like a dog "Bull" and cat "Mike." The perfect start to a trip that delights children
About this spot
The starting station of Japan's first cable car, the Ikoma Cable, which opened in 1918 (Taisho 7). It's about a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Ikoma Station. Running on the Hozan-ji Line are "Bull" the dog and "Mike" the cat. Children become absolutely thrilled the moment they see these adorable cars with their big faces and tails entering the platform. The Hozan-ji Line is unusual for a cable car in that it's double-tracked, with a crossing in the middle, serving as both a charming tourist attraction and a vital commuter line for local residents. As the car climbs the steep slope, views of Ikoma's townscape unfold through the windows, and the approximately 5-minute journey is packed with sights. For vehicle-loving children, their day starts in the best possible way here.
Tips
About 3 minutes on foot from Ikoma Station on the Kintetsu Nara, Ikoma, and Keihanna Lines. Operating at roughly 20-minute intervals with "Bull" and "Mike" arriving alternately, if you have a preference for which car to ride, you can wait for the next one. The interior has stairs, so it's safe to fold up your stroller for the ride.
Best time to visit
About 15 minutes. Early morning is less crowded, and you can have the forward-facing window view of the ascending tracks all to yourself
Access & map
〒630-0257 Motomachi 1-chome, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, 10-1
Model course featuring this spot
Ikoma: Cable Car to the Mountain-Top Amusement Park
Nara
Explore features & model courses
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