NaraLeisure

Toriimaeguchi Station

Flow of the course

About 15 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Walk up the stone-step approach to "Ikoma Shotendo." Pay your respects while gazing up at the dramatic Hannya Cave cliff

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.