2025 Ikeda Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#Osaka Sakura Satsukiyama, located in Ikeda City, Osaka, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the suburbs of Osaka. Every year in early April when the flower season begins, the Satsukiyama Cherry Blossom Festival is held, and the cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom one after another, creating a beautiful sight. Located in the mountains, Mayuyama Park not only has a complete hiking route, but also allows you to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms while taking a walk. It is also a great place for parents and children to relax. The large children's amusement facilities, cute zoo, green botanical garden, viewing platform, etc. are all very convenient. Although May Mountain is only 315 meters high, it has a wide view. From the foot of the mountain to the top, cherry blossoms are blooming all over the mountain. You can enjoy the surrounding cherry blossoms while climbing the mountain. #Ikeda City #Satsukiyama Park

It is said that Mount Fuji rewards early risers. Compared to Lake Kawaguchiko, I prefer Lake Yamanaka. Although there was no "reverse Fuji," I was already very satisfied. There was sunrise, swans, and Mount Fuji. 🚗6:30 Hirano Lakeside (Hirano no Hama) Took a taxi to Hirano no Hama. There were swans, sunrise, and Mount Fuji. 🚴10:00 Shiratori-hama After 7:00, there's a bus. Took the bus back to the hotel and rented a bicycle with electric assist. It wasn't tiring. Cycling around the lake took 2 hours. Gave up on "the park" as it opens at 11:00 and there were already many people waiting for viewing spots at 10:00. But actually, just a little bit past "the park," the scenery was also amazing. There's no need to wait specifically. After cycling around the lake, had brunch at Denny's. In the afternoon, took a bus to Lake Kawaguchiko. A perfect day. ❗️Tips The lake bus only starts running at 7:00. To see the sunrise early, you need to take a taxi or stay near Hirano. There are swans in many places, especially at Shiratori-hama, and also at Hirano. Bicycle rentals are available from 9:00 for JPY 2,000 for two hours. Rented from an elderly gentleman near Shiratori-hama. Two hours is enough to cycle around the lake and take photos. You can choose a hotel in Hirano or near a bus stop, which is very convenient.

#JapanTravel JapanTravel Osaka ⭐️Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda⭐️ is a unique museum that exhibits the history and culture of ramen. Its special feature is that you can tour the factory and sample the food. You can also experience making and packaging the world's first cup ramen, Nissin Cup Ramen. If you make a reservation in advance, you can also see it in a special way. If you make a reservation in advance, you can experience making ramen without having to wait a long time. 🎯8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0041 Japan #Osaka #OsakaTravel #CupNoodleMuseumOsakaIkeda

After a swaying ride on the Hankyu train, the train used by celebrities, I arrived at Ishibashi-Handaimae Station. I heard that the yakiniku restaurant in front of this station is delicious, so I visited for the first time! —————————— 📍Store name: Yakiniku Uchida Ishibashi Main Branch 📍Address: 2F, 2-2-14 Ishibashi, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture 📍Business hours 17:00-1:00 (L.O. 24:00) Closed on irregular days 📍Budget: 6,000-8,000 yen ————————— ・The legendary raw skirt steak 1,780 yen You can actually eat skirt steak raw! ・Thickly cut tongue wrapped in green onions 1,880 yen Thick tongue with plenty of green onions. This wrapped tongue is becoming more and more popular these days, but the wrapped tongue here is high spec✨ - Premium grilled liver 1,380 yen - Seared Wagyu beef tataki 100g 1,580 yen ~ I ordered 200g and got a surprisingly thick block. Once you've cooked this block to your liking, the staff will cut it for you! 200g of seared meat. The meat is soft and delicious, so the never-ending meaty texture is bliss. - Stone-grilled yukke garlic rice 1,580 yen This is also made by the staff. The delicious garlic aroma is irresistible. The way to eat it here is to quickly sear the thinly sliced ​​meat that comes with it and wrap it in garlic rice. To put it mildly, it's delicious. Many of the original menu items and ways of eating can only be found here, so it's worth trying! Thank you for the meal★ #OsakaGourmet #ToyonakaGourmet #OsakaYakiniku

When you come to Osaka, how can you miss the NISSIN Cup Noodles Museum? ? In addition to learning about the history of instant noodles in Japan, you can also learn about Ando Momofuku's contribution and efforts in helping the poor Japanese at that time to solve the problem of three meals a day. It is said that there are more than 1,000 flavors of instant noodles, allowing you to experience different flavors. There are also DIY instant noodles for everyone to make on site, so that everyone can keep them as a souvenir or give them to relatives and friends. The vacuum packaging and shatterproof part on site is also amazing. They have come up with solutions for consumers, even for fear that the items may break when taken home. How can you not feel NISSIN's dedication? ? ? #Overseas Travel #Good Places for Families #Japan Travel #Japanese Attractions

#OsakaTourism #CastleRuins #CastleRuins #Park The interior of Ikeda Castle, restored in the Japanese garden of the Ikeda Castle ruins... The walls are very beautiful, and here and there, there are documents related to Ikeda Castle, as well as photos and species of wild birds that live in Ikeda Castle Ruins Park, and various other exhibits. The town of Ikeda, as seen from the wooden-framed layout, is full of greenery and has a beautiful environment. When I went up to the second floor and went outside, the town that I could see from the first floor window spread out in front of me, and as it was the castle built on the highest ground, the view was great and the air was fresh. When I went around to the walkway on the park side, I could see the large park and the pond below. There was a vending machine for carp food, so when I bought food, it was in a wafer case that split in half in the middle, and when I split it in half, there was a round food inside. Other people were feeding the carp in the center, so I decided to feed them on the right side, and when I looked into the pond, there were lots of small black carp. I was feeding them, thinking how cute they were, when suddenly a huge carp came swimming by, kicking the smaller carp aside and biting into the food. The huge carp were red and white or gold and white Nishikigoi, beautifully colored and very large, and fought over the small food. Finally, they also seemed to be feeding on wafers, so I threw some into the pond, and the huge carp army started fighting over the case. It was like the survival of the fittest, and it was really hard on the carp in the pond. Next, I took a leisurely stroll through the park. It was a very beautiful, well-maintained park, and even while I was walking around, there were many people doing work, selecting branches and weeding. I was so satisfied that I decided to take the easy way back, so I went through a large gate, locked the iron gate of the property, and when I went out, I was shocked! A very narrow, steep slope continued endlessly, winding between the houses...the path I had climbed on the way there was easier. I got off the train half crying, and my knees were shaking. I was so tired that even climbing the stairs to the station was extremely difficult.

#OsakaSightseeing #CastleRuins #Slope #HalfwayUpTheStairs #HankyuTrain Exit the ticket gates at Hankyu Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line, exit from the left exit, pass through Sakaemachi Shopping Street 1 and 2, and walk straight ahead. You'll see the castle, albeit small. It seems to be a restored castle in the Japanese garden of Ikeda Castle. I walked towards the castle, and the road gradually became hilly, but I kept walking. As I climbed the steep slope, I came across steep and uneven stone steps. I kept climbing, and just when I thought I'd run out of energy, I came across a nicely maintained staircase. The original stone steps had worn down... I wondered if they'd been repaired because they were too damaged to climb from here? I was relieved to see that the beautiful stairs were easy to climb. I finally reached the castle gate and entered, and the beautifully maintained trees were beautiful. Looking back at the castle gate, I could see the steep slope as I had expected. I feel sad that I have to go back down these stairs and slopes as well. But first, let's enjoy the castle. The stone walls at the base are beautiful, but the walls of the first floor of the restored castle have been exposed to the wind and rain and have turned black. Even so, you can see that there is not a speck of trash on the ground, and it has been cleaned up nicely and is well looked after. Without climbing up to the castle, I first looked around to see if there were any other entrances and exits...and found two gates...The gate marked Tiger's Gate was not an exit, but a space for viewing the trees and scenery. The other gate was impressive and seemed to be the main gate. Relieved that I would now have an easy way back, I felt energized to enter the restored castle.

#Goshun #brewery #sake #ikeda #oldfashioned I went to see Goshun Brewery, a sake brewery in Hankyu Ikeda City. On the way back from visiting the Cup Noodle Museum, I decided to go see Ikeda Castle. I thought I might as well do some sightseeing in Ikeda City since it was my first time there, so I first went to Goshun, a famous sake brewery. Goshun is located on the road past Sakaemachi Shopping Street 1 and 2, where an old streetscape continues with a row of quaint old houses, and on the back wall there is a Goshun sign. The two-story Japanese house in front is Goshun Co., Ltd., and when I went around to the back, I found a very large sake brewery. There is a liquor store nearby, and when I asked about Goshun, I heard that they will start selling new sake soon! Late September! Apparently they are already taking reservations. They only have 1.8L bottles, so I decided to make an online reservation. Sakaemachi Shopping Street is a historic shopping street, and the stores lined up are a little old-fashioned and have a certain charm. Ikeda City was originally a kimono town, and I was quite surprised to see a kimono store with a store as large as a department store. This was my first time at Hankyu Ikeda, but it is a town with many things to see, and there are many tourist spots I hadn't seen yet, so I want to come back again. The location is Ikuo Museum of Art, and Goshun is about halfway between Ikeda Gofukuza Theater and Ikeda Gofukuza Theater. Both are a little far from Goshun, but if you go through Shopping Street 2, you will find Ikuo Museum of Art on the right and Ikeda Gofukuza Theater on the left, and go straight ahead to find Goshun. It's surprisingly close, so if you check the map, you'll be able to get there safely.

#Holly's Cafe #Morning set #Coffee shop There was a "Holly's Cafe" near Ikeda Station, so I went in, but there was no entrance. Huh? Why? ... There was a menu stand next to the store... and a model of soft serve ice cream. Looking more closely, I saw that "Holly's Cafe" was inside a bank and a mortgage center. Entering through the automatic doors, there was a bank counter in the center and a cash card corner on the right. And on the left was the entrance to Holly's Cafe. I've seen Holly's Cafe in various places, and I've seen Holly's Cafes in tenant shops many times... but this is the first time I've seen a Holly's Cafe inside a bank and a mortgage center. I was a little surprised, like, "Eh?", but inside the store it was just a normal Holly's Cafe. Holly's Cafe is my favorite cafe chain, and they have morning sets all day long. Iced coffee, toast, and boiled egg. 410 yen for this is too cheap. Even if I'm not hungry, I always order the breakfast. The toast is delicious, and if I can't eat the boiled egg, I always take it home. I always have a small packet of salt in my wallet, so I can eat a boiled egg when I get hungry. I sometimes take it home to eat, and boiling an egg is a pain. I'm very grateful. The location information is that of Orange Kitchen at the Daiei Ikeda Ekimae branch next door, but Holly's Cafe is easy to find because it's in the Daiei rearrangement.

#ChickenRamen #CupNoodleMuseum #MomofukuAndoInventionMuseum #Experience At the Cup Noodle Museum, I made a reservation online and tried making Chicken Ramen for the first time. It was a long 1 hour and 40 minutes, so I hydrated myself before entering the venue. Of course I used the restroom and was all set. After the previous round of pumping, it was time to enter... First, I washed my hands, wrapped a chick-shaped bandana around my head (I haven't worn a bandana since elementary school) and put on an apron with a Chicken Ramen design. I watched how to make Chicken Ramen on the monitor first, received an explanation, and then proceeded to the cooking counter. On the cooking counter was a silver washbasin-like bowl and flour. Good. Put the flour in the bowl, add the liquid and mix at high speed... mix, mix, mix. It's no good if it forms lumps, so it's checked and OK. While the dough is resting in a plastic sheet bag, I'm asked to draw an illustration on the original Chicken Ramen packaging... what should I draw? Looking around, everyone else is drawing skillfully and smoothly, so I try to draw while feeling very nervous. I'm told that we're moving on to the next step while we're still in the middle of drawing, so I head to the kitchen. It seems the dough has finished resting, so the next step is to roll out the gathered wheat flour with a rolling pin, and then the dough is rolled out even thinner with a machine. To continue the work before the flour dries, the handle is turned at high speed and the noodles that come out are rolled out again. This process is repeated 10 times, and long, thin noodle dough about 1 mm thick is completed. Finally, the dough is placed in the machine once more, and the machine to cut it into thin strips is attached, and the team is divided into one person to turn the machine and one to cut it, and they cut it into lengths of about 15 cm with scissors. Once all the dough has been cut, the liquid seasonings are added to the pad and mixed evenly, then exactly 100 grams are placed into a round mesh container. After that, we enter the glass-enclosed kitchen where the professional Chicken Ramen makers fry the noodles in oil, and they take turns frying the shaped Chicken Ramen. Amazing - even though it's 160 degrees, it looks really hot with the steam. We all stuck to the glass and watched, and then it was done. At this point, they start working on the rest of the illustrations, from the freshly fried noodles to the shark. After a while, the noodles have cooled and are bagged in an original tag package... and in addition to the original, we get one free as a gift. My original... has a best-before-shave period of one month, apparently. It was a very exciting experience and I was very satisfied.

#CupNoodleMuseum #HankyuTrain #IkedaCity I made a reservation in August and went to the Cup Noodle Museum, which is 15 minutes from Hankyu Ikeda Station, for the first time. I couldn't get a reservation to make Chicken Ramen during the summer vacation, so I was really looking forward to my first Cup Noodle Museum. I had never been to Hankyu Ikeda Station before, and it took 18 minutes by express train from Hankyu Umeda Station to Ikeda Station. When you leave the ticket gate, there is a detailed illustrated map, and the station guide kindly showed you how to get to the Cup Noodle Museum with hand-drawn illustrations. After leaving the station, you pass by Daiei, pass Holly's Cafe, turn the corner, and you will see a sign with a chick on it. This sign is also at the station, and as you get closer, there are signs everywhere, 300 meters... 150 meters... so you can get there without getting lost. After walking for a while, a large building with tiled walls comes into view. In the middle of a large lawn is a bronze statue of Momofuku Ando, ​​placed on top of a large cup of noodles. Finally, I arrive at the entrance to the ``Cup Noodles Museum''...a very large, stylish glass building. Now, it's time to do my best to make Chicken Ramen.

Osaka Cup Noodle Museum Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Back in March, I had the pleasure of visiting the Osaka Cup Noodle Museum, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience that I won't soon forget. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was immersed in a world of creativity, nostalgia, and of course, noodles! The museum's interactive exhibits were a true highlight. I had the chance to design my own personalized cup noodle, selecting from various flavors, ingredients, and even creating a unique label. It was fascinating to learn about the history of instant noodles and the innovative mind behind their creation. The "My Cup Noodle Factory" activity was not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable – a perfect blend of learning and hands-on fun. The museum's attention to detail is commendable. The recreated retro-style street with its quaint shops and vibrant atmosphere took me back in time. The Noodle Bazaar offered a diverse range of noodle dishes from around the world, allowing visitors to savor different flavors in one place. It was a culinary adventure like no other. The staff's friendliness and willingness to share their knowledge added to the overall positive experience. I felt welcomed and valued as a visitor, which only enhanced the warmth of the museum. In conclusion, the Osaka Cup Noodle Museum is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region. It offers a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and creativity. Whether you're a fan of instant noodles or simply looking for a unique and memorable outing, this museum has it all. I left with a deeper appreciation for the humble cup noodle and a smile on my face. Highly recommended!#osaka #cupnoodles #japan #cupnoodlesmuseum

#Osaka Attractions In addition to Kiyomizu Temple, there is another popular attraction in Kyoto. I wanted to go to Yasaka Shrine⛩️ because I wanted to have beautiful kimono photos, but I was afraid of too many people Unexpectedly, there are some surprises, the flow of people is not much, but the view is not inferior to Kiyomizu Temple, there are also snack restaurants nearby, everything is complete Looking on the Internet, it turns out that the shrine has about 30 subsidiary shrines, there are bonding shrines, more famous for their beauty shrines, and wealth multi-faceted, quite diverse😂 The architecture of Yasaka Shrine is very delicate, every little detail is beautiful, how to take pictures how beautiful, wearing a kimono 👘 to take pictures is even better, because there are not many people, the chance of taking beautiful pictures is greater 🤣 #travel #travelgoodplaces

Osaka, In front of Itami Airport "Green Rich Hotel" When you arrive at Itami Airport, you can call them and they will come to pick you up at the airport, which is a nice service. It's within walking distance, but it's reassuring to have a shuttle. And it even comes with a hot spring! After receiving a daily passcode for women, you can go to the back of the front desk and enter a small hot spring. There is even a sauna. This is a luxurious hotel where you can relax your tired body after a flight and go to sleep. #Accommodation #Osaka Sightseeing #Hot Spring #In front of Itami Airport #Shuttle Service Included

One of the "Ganko" mansion stores. The garden is very well maintained. This splendid mansion exudes a sense of Taisho romanticism, and is very comfortable and relaxing. We booked a private room at 12 o'clock on a weekday. It was a cold day in February, so I thought it might be a little cold when I entered the room, but there was a heated carpet under the table, so my feet were warm and comfortable. The food was brought at a very good time, and the guide to the restroom was polite, and I was grateful that they watched over my elderly companion to make sure he returned to the room when he went to the restroom. ▪️The dishes in the photo are the winter special set meal "Small fish shabu-shabu pot Sazanka (4,000 yen)" and "Japanese black beef teppanyaki Sazanka (4,500 yen)". The fish was fresh and everything was delicious. There is a large free parking lot, but it is a little far from the mansion, so it is better to check the location in advance.

3-3-18 Ishibashi, Ikeda, Osaka Weekdays 11:00-15:30 (last order 15:00) 17:00-21:00 (last order 20:30) Weekends and holidays 11:00-21:00 (last order 20:30) Hankyu Takarazuka Line Ishibashi-Handaimae Station, 6 minutes walk Free (along National Route 176) #OsakaTourism #Osaka #Gourmet #Garden #Hospitality #OsakaGourmet #IkedaCity

I went to the Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda, an experiential facility in Osaka that adults can enjoy too. At this facility, you can learn about the history of Cup Noodles and the story behind their creation. You can also make your own original Cup Noodles by choosing your favorite soup flavor and ingredients, so it's a museum that adults can enjoy too ^_^ The original Cup Noodles I made were also very delicious. Thank you for visiting Trip Memory 😊 Please like and follow us. #OsakaTourism

I went to Ikeda Castle Ruins Park, a park in Osaka where you can relax and unwind. This park has a relaxed atmosphere, and I felt good sitting on the grass and relaxing at the end ^_^ It's a very beautiful park, and since there is also the Cup Noodles Museum nearby, I recommend visiting both. Thank you for visiting Trip Memory 😊 Please like and follow us. #OsakaTourism

Gofuku Shrine is associated with the legend of Orihime. Even though it is Orihime, it is not the Milky Way ✨ love romance type. A shop that sells kimonos is called a "Kimono shop 👘", and it seems that the origin of the word "gofuku" is here. Therefore, it is said to attract the faith of people related to clothing as a shrine of clothes and clothing. However, Gofuku Shrine is pronounced "Kureha" not "Gofuku", so please do not make a mistake! The front left and right walls of the worship hall are stained glass, which is very stylish, so please take your time to look at it. About 1700 years ago, that is, in the far-off Kofun period, two sisters who were skilled in weaving and sewing and were brought from China at the request of Emperor Ojin settled in this area and taught weaving and dyeing techniques to Japan. The sisters were Kurehatori (Kurehatori) and Ayahatori (Ayahatori), and this Gofuku Shrine enshrines the older sister. Ikeda Shrine, where her younger sister is enshrined, is also located nearby at Satsukiyama. Long lines form during the first shrine visit of the year, but Ebisu is also enshrined in the grounds of Gofuku Shrine, and the shrine becomes even more lively from January 9th to January 11th for the "Ebessan" festival. *The photo was taken on New Year's Day 2023 (first shrine visit of the year).

7-4 Muromachi, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture Free (shrine office is open from 9:00 to 17:00) Ikeda Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line (about 3 minutes walk) None (there is a coin parking lot nearby) #tripmemory2022 #Osaka #OsakaTourism #IkedaCity #GofukuShrine #Gofuku #LegendOfOrihime #Shrine #ShrineTour #ShrinesAndTemples #Kimono #SupportTourism

Normally it is a very quiet, solemn, and soothing temple, but every year on January 18th and 19th, the "Yakujin Festival" is held to pray for protection from misfortune and good fortune, and the temple becomes very lively with many visitors. There are many stalls lined up from the front gate to the temple grounds, so if your date fits, be sure to come. Don't worry, even if you miss this day, you can still pray at the Yakujin Shrine by making a reservation.

3-4-6 Hachizuka, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture Normally / 9:00 to 17:00 On the day of the festival (1/18, 19) / 9:00 to 21:00 About a 20-minute walk from Ikeda Station or Ishibashi-Handaimae Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line If you take the Hankyu bus from any station, get off at the "Sonhachi" bus stop and walk 200m *On the day of the festival, a special Hankyu bus will run from the Ikeda Station Bus Terminal. For details, please check the official website. Available. However, it cannot be used during the Great Festival. #tripmemory2022 #Osaka #IkedaCity #TourismSupport #Shakain #Temple #TempleTour #EvilAvoidance #EvilAvoidancePrayer #Festival #FirstVisitOfTheYear #ShrinesAndTemples #ShrinesAndTemplesTour

I went to the Cup Noodles Museum in Osaka! There, you can draw on Nissin Cup Noodles and create your own one-of-a-kind original cup noodle! It's a lot of fun because you can choose your favorite ingredients, so please go and check it out! #CupNoodles #CupNoodlesMuseum #Nissin #OsakaSightseeing

Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Kyoto ⛩️ Various charms are on sale at the shrine office ⛩️ Among them, the rarest is the "Shinrin" ⛩️ The initial offering is ¥1500 ✨ It is a sacred item for health and safety of the household, protection from misfortune, and warding off evil spirits ✨ I was so busy taking photos that I forgot to buy it, and I still regret it 😅 I'll definitely buy it next time ✨ #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign

The main hall of Yasaka Shrine was designated a national treasure in 2020⛩️🌸 Yasaka Shrine has one national treasure and 29 important cultural properties✨✨⛩️ In front of the main hall is a dance hall decorated with numerous lanterns✨ The main hall and worship hall are covered by a single large roof and constructed as one building. This is a unique architectural style unique to Yasaka Shrine⛩️This type of construction method was established in the Heian period, and it is said that in the Kamakura period the structure was almost the same as the current main hall😉 #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign

Many gods are enshrined at Yasaka Shrine in Gion, Kyoto⛩️ Enter through the Nishi-romon Gate and purify your hands at the temizuya (purification fountain)✨ First, there is Eki Shrine and Taiko Shrine⛩️Go through the large gate⛩️Then, you will see a cute rabbit stone monument🐰This is Okuninushi Shrine, the god of matchmaking🐇⛩️The main deity of Okuninushi Shrine is Okuninushi-no-mikoto, known as the mythical "White Rabbit of Inaba," and is affectionately known as "Okuni-san" and as the god of matchmaking🐇🌸⛩️ Please visit us for a good relationship🐰⛩️ #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign

Yasaka Shrine in Gion, Kyoto ⛩️ is a famous tourist spot ⛩️✨ It is an ancient shrine that has been in existence since before the capital was moved to Heian-kyo (794), and is affectionately called "Gion-san" ⛩️ The main deity, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is worshiped as a god who exorcises all disasters, and many other gods are enshrined within the grounds ⛩️ It is the head shrine of the approximately 200 Yasaka Shrines and Gion faith shrines enshrined throughout the country ⛩️ Feel the traditional culture of Japan in the beautiful decorations and vermilion paint ⛩️⛩️⛩️✨✨ #SummerWeekendTrip #KeihanGroupCampaign

What fun!! At the My CupNoodles factory and museum you learn all about how they make CupNoodles and then you can design your own cup and have a personal package of CupNoodles made just for you! Admission to the museum is free, small charge for CupNoodles, go online to make reservations. What a neat thing to do! Halarious fun. #happynewyear #happynewyear

**【 Ikeda Satsukiyama, hidden in the suburbs of Osaka, is a rare green secret in the bustling city. This hill, only 300 meters above sea level, turns into a sea of pink and white cherry blossoms every spring. The long mountain trail is like a pink tunnel, and the petals fall in the breeze, just like being in an anime scene. Tea fields and old houses from the Edo period are preserved on the mountainside. Strolling among them, you can taste the elegant and mellow "Ikeda Tea" and feel the precipitation of a century of tea culture. After climbing to the top, you can overlook the Osaka Plain and the distant mountains. It is even more romantic when the sunset dyes the sky red. This is not only a paradise for photography enthusiasts, but also a healing place to escape from the pressure of the city. Whether it is cherry blossom viewing, tea tasting or pure relaxation, Satsukiyama can let you discover another poetic side of Osaka!

Amanohashidate sightseeing boat + Sanmatsu cable car (lift), great value. The seagulls are very arrogant and the lift is very shaky when going down the mountain 😵💫. Good places to escape the summer heat: Nissin Ramen Museum, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, both have air conditioning, so cool.

#summervacay ### **Why Kyuanji?** Tucked away in **Ikeda City** (just 30 mins from Osaka), this **14th-century Rinzai Zen temple** offers: ✔ **A real "locals-only" vibe** – Zero tourist crowds ✔ **Stunning autumn foliage** (secret momiji spot!) ✔ **Meditative rock gardens** rivaling Kyoto’s best ✔ **Free entry** – Unlike famous Kyoto temples --- ### **Must-Do Solo Experiences** #### **1. The "Three Wonders" of Kyuanji** - **Blood-Stained Ceiling** – From Fushimi Castle’s fallen warriors (spooky history) - **Giant Camphor Tree** – 500+ years old, with a hollow trunk you can enter - **Zen Garden** – Raked gravel & boulders that change with the light #### **2. Hidden Rituals** - **Morning Zazen** (6AM, weekdays) – Sit with monks (no reservation needed) - **Stamp Your Own Goshuin** – Unique DIY temple stamp (¥300) #### **3. Seasonal Magic** - **November**: Crimson maples frame the main hall - **June**: Hydrangea blooms in the rear garden --- ### **Solo Traveler Tips** 🚆 **Getting There**: - From Osaka: Take the **Fukuchiyama Line** to Ikeda Station (25 min), then **8-min walk** 📍 **Address**: 5-1 Kyuanji, Ikeda, Osaka (look for the tiny alley sign) ⏰ **Best Time**: - **Sunrise** for misty atmosphere - **Weekdays** to have the temple to yourself 📸 **Photo Spots**: - The **moss-covered stone path** behind the main hall - **Reflection pond** with upside-down temple views --- ### **Local Flavors Nearby** 🍜 **Ikeda Ramen** – Birthplace of **instant ramen** (visit the Momofuku Ando Museum) 🍡 **Kibi Dango** – Sweet millet dumplings from street vendors 🍵 **Matcha at Housen** – 300-year-old tea house en route --- ### **Why It’s Perfect for Solo Travelers** ✅ **Serene & safe** – Ideal for quiet reflection ✅ **No pressure to rush** – Stay as long as you like ✅ **Easy combo trip** with the **Osaka International Peace Center** (5-min walk) **"Kyuanji feels like discovering a forgotten page from a samurai diary—whispering secrets only solo travelers hear."** --- ### **#HiddenOsaka #KyuanjiTemple #SoloTravelJapan #ZenVibes #OffTheBeatenPath #Ikeda #AutumnInJapan** **Ever visited a ‘secret’ temple? Share your find below!** 🙏✨