Mount Ikoma Bokura-no-Hiroba Observatory — Attraction in Higashiosaka

The view from here is completely worth the climb. I took the Kamitsudake (神津嶽) hiking course up. Starting at Hiraoka Jinja, it took about 3 hours to get to the top and I was able to catch the sunset. Besides the beautiful landscape, there are pink Azalea flower bushes leading up to the peak. The space is really open and gives you a whole view of Osaka, especially on non-foggy days. I went near the end of May/ start of June.

NOTE: Since the descent is quite long, a good headlamp or phone flashlight would be useful for when it gets dark, phone service / data in case of emergencies, and bug spray or long clothing...

If you go throw the forest, the most interesting paths are not displayed on Google Map. But with the compas it is easy to see where we go and also, you can follow where most people go. It is easily 3 hours of climbing . Don't believe Google which tells you 1h! The view is amazing and it is worth it. The paths are very steep. Think...

Nice place to hike to. About 1.5 hours on foot from Hiraoka station. The hiking trail is in good shape, even with toilets, benches, etc. at multiple points. The trail is kind of steep at some of the early parts, but not...