Mt. Hiraoka Observation Deck | Low mountain hike and surprising views

Enjoy the feeling of hiking

The first recommended point is that you can enjoy forest bathing and light hiking. Hiraokayama Observatory is located at an altitude of 268 meters. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Hiraoka Station to Hiraoka Park, so even elementary school children can climb the mountain. It's also reassuring to know that if something happens, you can return immediately. Walking while listening to the chirping of wild birds will refresh your mind.

Good view

Hiraokayama Observation Deck in Hiraoka Park is located at an altitude of 268 meters. Although the location is lower than Mt. Ikoma, which is 642 meters above sea level, the observation deck is located on high ground, so there are few trees blocking the view, and the distance from the observation deck to the city area in front is short, so the view from the top of the mountain is better. It's impressive.

The main feature of this observation deck is that there are no fences. There are no obstructions, so the view of the forest of Mt. Ikoma in the foreground and the Osaka Plain spreads out from your feet. If you let your guard down, you'll feel like you'll be sucked in. (Please be careful not to fall.)

What you can see from this observation deck is Higashiosaka City Hanazono Rugby Stadium, which is a landmark of Higashiosaka and is called the holy ground of rugby, right in the center of the scenery. You can see Abeno Harukas on the left, the buildings of Umeda on the right, and on clear days you can even see Mt. Rokko and Awaji Island in the distance. The sight of small-looking houses, factories, parks, highways, etc. spread out all over the place makes you feel like you're looking at a large diorama.

If you bring your children with you, they will surely be impressed by this view! It might be a good idea to keep your visit to this observatory a secret as a surprise.

If you climb further...

After enjoying Mt. Hiraoka Observation Deck, it's nice to descend the mountain, but if you go further up from this observatory, you'll reach Narukawa Park in Osaka Prefectural Forest, which is famous for its azalea garden. Nukata Park is famous for its hydrangeas. There is also the Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park and the Kintetsu Ikoma Cable Car stop on the mountain. It's also a good idea to add more destinations depending on the season and your physical strength.

summary

Above, we introduced Mt. Hiraoka Observation Deck, which you should visit at least once when you come to Higashiosaka. If you want to refresh yourself in nature, please come to Mt. Ikoma and Hiraoka Park in Higashiosaka.

access

From Hiraoka Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line, pass through the north side of Hiraoka Shrine and enter the course inside Hiraoka Park, with Ubagaike on your right. Then, follow the signs and head for the Hiraokayama Observation Deck. About 40 minutes walk.

From the Hiraoka Park Management Office From the Hiraoka Park Management Office, head south along the promenade that runs north and south, cross the Kuragane Bridge, and head for the Mt. Hiraoka Observation Deck. About 50 minutes walk.

Click here for a map of Hiraoka Park.

please note

Wear sneakers instead of sandals. Some people come to watch the sunset, but by the time the sun goes down, the roads are completely dark, making it very scary and dangerous. Let's go home while it's still light. Take measures to repel insects from spring to autumn. There are individual differences in physical condition and physical strength, so don't push yourself too hard.