Full-scale Launch of "Ikoma Kori" to Promote Multi-Visit Tourism in the Ikoma Mountain Area

The "Ikoma Kori" project, organized by the Ikoma Mountain Brand Promotion Council, will officially start this summer in the Ikoma Mountain (Ikoma-yama) area as a new initiative for multi-visit tourism.

Leveraging its location, which allows visitors to enjoy nature and scenic views while being only about 20 minutes by train from Osaka city, the project aims to create tourism experiences that span from the mountaintop to the foothills and the towns along the railway line.

## The Charm of Ikoma Mountain

Ikoma Mountain, located on the border of Osaka Prefecture and Nara Prefecture, is known as a scenic spot offering panoramic views of the Osaka Plain. It is popular among many people as a place where they can easily enjoy nature close to the city, with expansive views and nightscapes from the summit, and hiking trails easily accessible from Higashiosaka City and Ikoma City.

The summit, which can also be reached by cable car, is home to the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park, popular for its retro atmosphere, making it one of Kansai's leading tourist attractions visited by families and tourists.

In recent years, as the touring areas for foreign visitors to Kansai have expanded, interest in Ikoma Mountain has also begun to grow. A survey published in March this year by Navitime Japan Co., Ltd. ranked the Ikoma Mountain area 6th nationally and 1st in the Kinki area among "areas with increasing popularity for foreign visitors in 2025," indicating rising attention from both domestic and international sources.

Main visual depicting the charm of the Ikoma Mountain area to be "savored" with "Ikoma Kori."

## "Savoring" the Charms of Ikoma Mountain - "Ikoma Kori"

"Ikoma Kori" is an initiative aimed at conveying the charm of Ikoma Mountain through taste, while also creating experiential and multi-visit tourism, which has garnered attention in recent years.

"Ikoma Kori" is the collective name for original shaved ice creations conceived by participating stores around the Ikoma Mountain area, inspired by Ikoma Mountain. There is no fixed common form; instead, each store offers unique creations utilizing its individuality, such as matcha-based green flavors, toppings expressing the silhouette of Ikoma Mountain, and the use of local ingredients.

Its characteristic feature is that it can be enjoyed while touring Ikoma Mountain in various situations: a refreshing treat during a hike, a delightful break during a stroll or walk in the foothill towns, or a special experience during an outing with family and friends. By savoring and comparing the individuality of each store, the enjoyment of three-dimensionally exploring the Ikoma Mountain area expands.

## "Ikoma Kori" Conceived by Restaurants in the Ikoma Mountain Area, Imagining Ikoma Mountain (Photos are examples)

Shaved ice specialty store's dedication and sensibility shine, bearing the name "Ikoma Mountain" and expressing its greenery with matcha. A cup from "Suehiro," long loved at "Kuragari Pass," on the border of Ikoma City and Higashiosaka City. Syrup made from roses produced at the foot of Ikoma Mountain, expressing Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park with colorful arare (rice crackers).

## Collaborative Initiatives: From the First Phase to Continuation and Deepening

In August 2025, Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd. and Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd. newly joined the "Ikoma Mountain Brand Promotion Council," which consists of Higashiosaka City, Ikoma City, and tourism organizations from both cities.

"Ikoma Kori" is the first concrete initiative following this strengthened collaboration system. This year, building on past efforts, the project aims to improve the circulation of the entire Ikoma Mountain area by enhancing participating stores and information dissemination. While promoting the construction of a wide-area tourism model through broad collaboration, the project will continue to disseminate information combining the natural beauty, scenic views of Ikoma Mountain, and the charm of the towns along the railway line.

## Project Overview

Name: Ikoma Mountain Shaved Ice Project "Ikoma Kori"

Content: Offering original shaved ice inspired by Ikoma Mountain

Area: Ikoma Mountain surroundings (mountaintop, hillside, foothills, and along the railway line)

Organizer: Ikoma Mountain Brand Promotion Council (constituent organizations: Ikoma City, Higashiosaka City, Ikoma City Tourism Association, Higashiosaka City Tourism Association, Kintetsu Group Holdings Co., Ltd., Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd.)

## Limited Gift Campaign

Customers who order eligible products at participating project stores will receive an original sticker.

A limited design featuring characters "Takemaru-kun" (Ikoma City) and "Try-kun" (Higashiosaka City) (photo on right) will be distributed to the first 200 customers (at each store).

*Scheduled to begin distribution sequentially from June (while supplies last).

*Distribution start times vary by store.

## Official Information

Ikoma Kori Official Website

Higashiosaka Tourism Information [Official] Instagram

Ikoma City Tourism Association X

Inquiries from the press regarding this matter:

*Ikoma City, Regional Vitality Creation Department, Commerce and Tourism Division (Contact: Kishimoto) 0743-74-1111 (Ext. 2250)

*Higashiosaka City, Urban Charm Industry and Sports Department, International Tourism Office (Contact: Asakura) 06-4309-3230 (Direct)