Driving the Scenic Shigi-Ikoma Skyline through Mount Ikoma

The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is a very scenic toll road in Japan, running along the ridge of Mount Ikoma and Mount Shigi. The route is popular for its breathtaking views of Osaka and Nara, especially at night.

Mount Ikoma

Where is the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline?

The road is located within the Kongo-Ikoma-Kisen Quasi-National Park, straddling the border between Nara and Osaka prefectures, high in the Ikoma Mountains.

How long is the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline?

The road is fully paved. It’s 20.9 km (12.98 miles) long. The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is known for its steep gradients, hitting a 24% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. It tops out at Mount Ikoma, a mountain pass at an elevation of 642m (2,106ft) above sea level.

Is the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline open?

The Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is open from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM from November to February, and from 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM from March to October. The road may close due to poor weather, and it is closed after business hours. Motorcycles are prohibited.

Is the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline worth the drive?

The road is known as "Mecca of Night View” due to its stunning nighttime vistas. Observation points and parking spots along the road provide views of the Osaka area and the city of Ikoma. The Yuhi (“Sunset”) Parking Lot near the Shotenguchi Toll Booth is an excellent spot for watching sunsets. On clear days, the views from the Skyline extend as far as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kansai International Airport. Skyland Ikoma, an amusement park at the top of Mount Ikoma, offers spectacular views, especially at night when the lights resemble a jewelry box.

 

 

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