Driving the Scenic Shigi-Ikoma Skyline through Mount Ikoma
Japan, asia
20.9 km
642 m
moderate
Year-round
Cruising the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline in Japan is like riding a roller coaster through pure scenic bliss! This toll road hugs the ridges of Mount Ikoma and Mount Shigi, right in the heart of the Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park straddling Nara and Osaka prefectures.
Clocking in at about 21 km (13 miles), this fully paved road is not for the faint of heart; some sections boast a wild 24% gradient. You'll climb to a peak elevation of 642 meters (2,106 feet) on Mount Ikoma.
Keep in mind, this route is usually open from 6:30 AM to either 11:00 PM (Nov-Feb) or midnight (Mar-Oct), but double-check because bad weather can shut things down. And sorry, no motorcycles allowed!
But the views? Absolutely worth it. The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is famous as the "Mecca of Night View" for a reason. Pull over at the observation points to soak in panoramic vistas of Osaka and Nara. Don't miss the Yuhi (“Sunset”) Parking Lot near the Shotenguchi Toll Booth for incredible sunsets. On a clear day, you might even glimpse the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kansai International Airport way off in the distance. For the ultimate view, head to Skyland Ikoma, the amusement park at the summit of Mount Ikoma. When the lights twinkle at night, it's like looking down into a giant jewelry box!
Where is it?
Driving the Scenic Shigi-Ikoma Skyline through Mount Ikoma is located in Japan (asia). Coordinates: 36.1464, 137.9239
Road Details
- Country
- Japan
- Continent
- asia
- Length
- 20.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 642 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.1464, 137.9239
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