Ikoma (mountain)
| Ikoma | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
||
| height | 642 m TP | |
| location | Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park , Kinki , Honshu , Japan | |
| Mountains | Ikoma Mountains | |
| Coordinates | 34 ° 40 ′ 42 " N , 135 ° 40 ′ 44" E | |
|
||
Mount Ikoma ( Japanese 生 駒 山 Ikoma-yama ) is a mountain on the border between Nara Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture in Japan . It is the highest peak in the Ikoma Mountains with a height of 642 meters. Mount Ikoma is part of the Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park . It is one of the most famous picnic spots in the Kansai region.
history
The mountain Ikoma was an important cult object in ancient Japan. At the eastern foot of the mountain, Ikoma Jinja (literally “Shrine for Mount Ikoma”) has been preserved since the 5th century . The mountain and Hozan-ji Temple near the summit have traditionally been celebrated as a national backdrop and included in well-known wooden block series such as the "Sixty-Eight National Views".
After World War II , religious institutions were established at the western foot of the mountain to serve the spiritual needs of Korean immigrants and residents of Korean descent, mainly women.
The city itself was changed by the Kintetsu Railway Tunnel. As the number of pilgrims and visitors to the temple increased, so did the number of tourist inns and eateries. After the Pacific War , the area below the temple developed into an active red light and entertainment district.
Today, Ikoma has retained something of the old atmosphere with its winding, narrow streets. Ikoma practiced vivid Japanese traditional arts such as dance and various styles of Japanese music. The path from the mountain temple to the city is a well-known area for cherry blossoms , as is the mountain itself with its Ikoma Skyline Drive developed by the Kintetsu Corporation .