Location & Access
Hōzanji Station (ほうざんじえき) is situated in Monzen-cho, Ikoma, Nara Prefecture. It serves as a crucial intermediate station on the Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Line, connecting the lower Toriimae Station to the summit of Mount Ikoma at Ikomasanjo Station. Travelers looking to journey the entire length of the Ikoma Cable Line must transfer at Hōzanji Station, making it a central hub for this scenic route.
Railway Lines
The station is part of the Ikoma Cable Line, operated by Kintetsu Railway, a major private railway company in Japan. This cable railway, also known as Ikoma Cable, is divided into two sections: the Hōzanji Line and the Sanjō Line, both converging at Hōzanji Station. The line boasts an impressive history, having opened on August 29, 1918, and features a narrow track gauge of 1,067 mm with 200 V DC electrification. The Hōzanji Line has a maximum incline of 22.7%, while the Sanjō Line is even steeper at 33.3%, offering a thrilling ascent.
Travel Tips
A unique aspect of Hōzanji Station is that it is the only station on the Kintetsu network where passengers can still make a stopover with an ordinary ticket. This offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the surrounding area, including the historic Hōzan-ji Temple, before continuing your journey up Mount Ikoma. The station's distinctive color on the map, a warm (#B1865B), hints at the traditional and scenic experience awaiting visitors.
