IKEDA

Ikeda is one of the popular suburbs in Osaka. Ikeda has many things to offer from its beautiful Satsukiyama (Mt Satsuki), many significant temples and shrines in Japanese history to the birthplace of instant noodle!

Ikeda is located to the north of central Osaka. To get to Ikeda, take the Hankyu Takarazuka line from Hankyu Umeda Station and get off at Ikeda Station (20 min train trip).

Satsukiyama Park

Mt Satsuki (315.3m in height) situated at the back of Ikeda, makes this city such a lovely part of Osaka to visit. 'Satsuki' is the name of flower Satsuki azalea as well as one of the traditional expressions of May in Japanese. There you can see not only Satsuki azalea but many various flowers throughout the year. Especially it shows a breath-taking view during its cherry blossom season. There are many walking courses. From many viewing points you can see Osaka Prefecture and the Seto Inland Sea, and on a very clear day, you can see Awajishima Island.

Satsukiyama Zoo

Opened in 1957, Satsukiyama Zoo is a unique zoo in Japan as it has a collection of Australian animals including wombats, wallabies and sheep, from Ikeda's sister city Launceston, Tasmania, on top of Japanese native animals such as monkeys and deer. They have successfully bred a wombat, which is very rare outside of Australia.

2-5-33 Ayaha, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 15 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
Opening hours:

9am - 4:45pm, close on Tuesdays (Satsukiyama Zoo)
Admission: free

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

On August 25, 1958, Momofuku Ando invented the world's first instant noodle product, 'Chicken Ramen' after hours of research using common tools in a small shack which he had constructed in the backyard of his house in Ikeda. 'The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum conveys the importance of invention and discovery through the history of instant noodles, which have become a new food culture. There are many exhibitions to see including replica of the hat where the world' first instant needle was invented, 'Space Ram,' the instant noodles that travelled on the space shuttle Discovery, Cup Noodle Drama Theatre and Instant Noodle Tunnel. 'Handmade Chicken Ramen Hands-On Workshop' is the world's one and only workshop where you can reproduce the world's first instant noodle product, Chicken Ramen, yourself.

You can experience the manufacturing process of Chicken Ramen, from mixing wheat flour, stretching the dough, steaming the noodles, flavouring the steamed noodles, up to the process of drying the noodles by 'The Flash-Flying Method.' Booking required. At the 'My Cup Noodle Factory,' you can design the cup, choose the soup flavour and add the ingredients you prefer without booking. Visitors can take home their original, one and only 'Cup Noodle' in the world.

Address: 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 5 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
Opening hours:

9:30am - 4pm, close on Tuesdays
Admission: free
http://www.nissin-noodles.com/pamphlet_e.pdf

Ikeda Castle Remains Park (Shiroato Koen)

Ikeda Castle was built in 1334 and destroyed around 1568 after a lost of a battle. In 2000, this area was recreated into a beautiful Japanese garden with the castle keep rebuilt in one corner. From the lookout, you can enjoy the view of Ikeda town, Shin-Inagawa Bridge and more. Jazz concert, tea ceremony, Noh and other special events are held in this park throughout the year.

Address: 3-45 Shiroyama-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 15 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
Opening hours:

9:00am - 5:00pm, close on Tuesdays
Admission: free

Itsuo Art Museum

Itsuo Art Museum has a collection by Ichizo Kobayashi (1873-1957), founder of Hankyu Toho Group (Hankyu Railway, Hankyu Department Store and Toho). At the age of 34, he founded Hankyu Railway, Takarazuka All Girl's Revue and many other business companies. He was appointed to a minister post twice. He was very interested in art since his early age and he started his collection of arts in his twenties. He is also very talented in novel, Haiku, drama script, calligraphy etc. His collection is about 5,000 pieces in total, among them 15 pieces are designated as Important Cultural Properties and 19 pieces as Cultural Properties by the Country. 'Itsuo' is his alternative name as artist.

Address: 7-17 Tateishi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 15 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)
Opening hours:

10am - 5pm, close on Mondays
http://www.itsuo-museum.com/

Taikoji Temple

Located in Mt Satsuki, Taikoji Temple was built in 1395 by the order of Mitsumasa Ikeda, the lord of Ikeda Castle at the time. Since then, it has a strong relationship with Ikeda Castle and has been a family temple for Ikeda family. All ancestral of Ikeda Castle lords' graves are kept in this temple and the board where Sadamasa Ikeda, the last lord of Ikeda Castle, committed seppuku is displayed.

Address: 2-5-16 Ayaha, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 15 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)

Kureha Shrine

Kureha Shrine has a long history. It was originally built in 77 then rebuilt in 1969. It enshrines Emperor Nintoku and Kurehatorinohime, who brought weaving skill from China.

Address: 7-4 Muromachi, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 3 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine was originally built in 978 and rebuilt in 1610. It is designated as Important Cultural Properties by Country.

Address: 4-7-1 Kanda, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: 15 min walk from Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line)

Kyuanji Temple

Situated between steep hills, Kyuanji Temple was first established by Gyoki priests who came from Nara in 725. This temple is famous for its legacy of buildings from its long history and the beautiful garden where people can enjoy various flower and trees throughout the year. Especially, autumn is the most spectacular with its Momiji (Japanese maple). Momiji Matsuri is held in Kyuanji Temple on the 3rd of November every year.

Address: 697 Fushio-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access: From Ikeda station (Hankyu Takarazuka Line), get a bus to Kyuanji