Mount Ponpon (ポンポン山) is a 678.7-meter peak straddling the border between Nishi-kyo Ward, Kyoto City (Kyoto Pref.) and Takatsuki City (Osaka Pref.). From the grassy summit, hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Osaka Plain, Kyoto cityscape, and as far as Mt. Hiei. The name “Ponpon” is said to come from the way the ground reverberates when stepped on. Listed among the Kansai 100 Famous Mountains, the trail is well-maintained with frequent bus access, making it a year-round favorite for hikers.
The two main trailheads are Kabusan-ji Temple (Osaka side, near Kabusan-guchi bus stop) and Yoshimine-dera Temple (Kyoto side, walking from Haigata bus stop). This page summarizes both routes.
June 1, 2025: Hankyu Bus Route 66 “Yoshimine-dera direct” discontinued
The long-running Hankyu Bus Route 66 (Higashi-Mukoh Sta. – Haigata – Yoshimine-dera) was discontinued on June 1, 2025. There is now no direct bus to Yoshimine-dera. On the Kyoto side, hikers must get off at “Haigata” bus stop and walk approximately 3.4 km / 45 minutes uphill on Prefectural Route 733 to reach Yoshimine-dera. Plan for the increased walking distance and time. Details: Hankyu Bus official.
*Timetable last checked: May 22, 2026
Access Methods
- Outbound: JR Takatsuki Sta. to Kabusan-guchi (Osaka side / Kabusan-ji Temple route)
- Outbound: Hankyu Higashi-Mukoh Sta. / JR Mukomachi Sta. to Haigata (Kyoto side / Yoshimine-dera route)
- Return: Kabusan-guchi to JR Takatsuki Sta.
- Return: Haigata to Hankyu Higashi-Mukoh Sta. / JR Mukomachi Sta.
Hiking Course Details — Mt. Ponpon (ポンポン山)
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Map & Recommended Route — Mt. Ponpon (ポンポン山)
1. Outbound: JR Takatsuki Sta. to Kabusan-guchi (Osaka side / Kabusan-ji Temple route)
From the north exit of JR Takatsuki Station (walking access from Hankyu Takatsuki-shi Station), take Takatsuki City Bus Route 53 (bound for Harahashi), Route 54 (bound for Uenokuchi), or Route 58 (bound for Midorigaoka), and get off at Kabusan-guchi bus stop. The trailhead at Kabusan-ji Temple is approximately a 15-minute walk from the bus stop.
Operating period: Year-round (every 10-20 minutes during daytime)
Travel time: approx. 20 minutes
Fare: 220 yen
Note: The previous stop Uenokuchi (terminus of Route 54) can also be used; service frequency is similar, adding only +5-10 minutes (about 15 minutes total) of walking.
Reference: Takatsuki City Bus Official
2. Outbound: Hankyu Higashi-Mukoh Sta. / JR Mukomachi Sta. to Haigata (Kyoto side / Yoshimine-dera route)
From Higashi-Mukoh Station (Hankyu Kyoto Line) or Mukomachi Station (JR Kyoto Line), board Hankyu Bus Route 63 “Oharano Line” (bound for Oharano) and get off at Haigata bus stop. Since Hankyu Bus Route 66 (Haigata to Yoshimine-dera) was discontinued on June 1, 2025, you must walk approximately 3.4 km / 45 minutes uphill along Prefectural Route 733 to reach Yoshimine-dera.
Operating period: Year-round
Travel time: approx. 24 minutes
Fare: 220-310 yen (varies by stop)
Bus TimetableHigashi-Mukoh Sta. / Mukomachi Sta. to Haigata (Hankyu Bus Route 63)
Hankyu Bus Route 63 runs multiple times on both weekdays and weekends. Verify the latest accurate times at Hankyu Bus official.
Reference: Hankyu Bus Higashi-Mukoh stop info
3. Return: Kabusan-guchi to JR Takatsuki Sta.
After descending, board Takatsuki City Bus Route 53/54/58 (bound for JR Takatsuki North) at Kabusan-guchi and ride to the terminus. Service runs every 10-20 minutes during daytime.
Operating period: Year-round
Travel time: approx. 20 minutes
Fare: 220 yen
4. Return: Haigata to Hankyu Higashi-Mukoh Sta. / JR Mukomachi Sta.
When descending on the Kyoto side, walk approximately 3.4 km / 45 minutes from Yoshimine-dera back to Haigata bus stop. From Haigata, take Hankyu Bus Route 63 back to Higashi-Mukoh Station or Mukomachi Station.
Operating period: Year-round
Travel time: approx. 24 minutes
Fare: 220-310 yen
Bus TimetableHaigata to Higashi-Mukoh Sta. / Mukomachi Sta. (reference values)
| Haigata Dep. | Higashi-Mukoh Arr. | Mukomachi Arr. |
|---|---|---|
| 06:22 | 06:37 | 06:43 |
| 07:10 | 07:27 | 07:33 |
| 08:01 | 08:18 | 08:24 |
| 09:17 | 09:36 | 09:42 |
| 11:17 | 11:36 | 11:42 |
| 13:17 | 13:36 | 13:42 |
| 15:17 | 15:36 | 15:42 |
| 17:20 | 17:39 | 17:45 |
| 18:20 | 18:39 | 18:45 |
| Haigata Dep. | Higashi-Mukoh Arr. | Mukomachi Arr. |
|---|---|---|
| 06:31 | 06:46 | 06:52 |
| 07:31 | 07:48 | 07:54 |
| 08:31 | 08:48 | 08:54 |
| 09:17 | 09:36 | 09:42 |
| 11:17 | 11:36 | 11:42 |
| 13:17 | 13:36 | 13:42 |
| 15:17 | 15:36 | 15:42 |
| 17:20 | 17:39 | 17:45 |
| 18:20 | 18:39 | 18:45 |
Reference: Hankyu Bus Haigata stop info
Hiking Course Overview
- Osaka side (Kabusan-ji route): Kabusan-guchi to Kabusan-ji Temple to Hozan-ji Temple to Mt. Ponpon summit (approx. 2 hr 30 min, ~6 km one-way). Historic pilgrimage path, well-maintained trail with water sources. Recommended for beginners.
- Kyoto side (Yoshimine-dera route): Haigata to (45 min walk) to Yoshimine-dera to Mt. Shaka to Mt. Ponpon (approx. 3 hr, ~7 km one-way). Yoshimine-dera is the 20th temple of the Saigoku Sanjusan-sho pilgrimage and a famous autumn-foliage spot.
- Traverse: A loop ascending from one side and descending the other is possible, ~5.5 hours.
Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, autumn foliage in fall, and cool forest hiking in summer. Winter hiking is possible, but watch for frost and ice on north faces. Bear and hornet sightings have increased recently; carry a bear bell and avoid solo hiking when possible.
References: Takatsuki City Hiking Course Guide / Yoshimine-dera Official / Kabusan-ji Official
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