Mount Ikoma 2.67

Mount Ikoma is a mountain on the border of Nara Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture in Japan. This mountain is the highest peak in the Ikoma Mountains and the height is 642 meters.OutlineMount Ikoma is a part of Kongō-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park. The mountain is one of the most famous picnic spots in the Kansai region. On the top of the mountain, there are many TV towers for broadcasting to the Kansai region and Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park.HistoryMount Ikoma was an important object of worship for ancient Japanese people. On the east foot of the mountain, Ikoma Jinja, literally 'Shrine for Mount Ikoma,' has been extant since the 5th century. The mountain and the Hozan-ji Temple near the summit were traditionally celebrated as national scenery and included in well-known woodblock series such as the "Sixty-eight National Views." After the Second World War, the west foot of the mountain started to host Korean religious institutions serving the spiritual needs of Korean immigrants and residents of Korean descent, mostly women.The city itself was transformed by the Kintetsu train tunnel. Pilgrims and visitors to the temple grew, as well as tourist-related inns and eating establishments. After the Pacific War, the area below the temple developed into an active red-light and entertainment district. The local geisha prospered.