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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Natural Wonders of Mt. Gozaisho
Ride the ropeway up to the summit to enjoy stunning views and frost-covered trees
Mie Prefecture
Situated in the middle of the Suzuka Mountain Range in Mie Prefecture, just a 40-minute drive from Nagoya, Mt. Gozaisho is a magnet for vacationers, hikers, and photographers. Easily accessible by ropeway, the summit area offers stunning views of Ise Bay, and, if the weather is good, even Mt. Fuji. On Mt. Gozaisho, every season offers its special beauty, making it a great destination all year round. The foliage in autumn and the “Juhyo” (frost-covered trees) in winter, in particular, are sights not to be missed.
The frost-covered trees are a natural phenomenon that occurs only when three weather conditions are met: humidity, strong winds, and temperatures at or below 0ºC. With the help of strong winds, water vapor attaches to the tree, where it freezes. As this process is repeated, the grains of ice become larger and larger and extend in the wind direction. In the summit area of Mt. Gozaisho, there are several walking paths where you can admire this natural spectacle up close.
To explore the wonders of Mt. Gozaisho, take the Gozaisho Ropeway from the foot of the mountain, at 400m high, to the Summit Park Station at 1,180m high. The changing views from the gondola will take your breath away. After enjoying the great outdoors, how about spending a relaxing time in a hot spring bath?
Yunoyama Onsen, at the base of the mountain, is a renowned hot spring area with 1300 years of history. Stay at one of its several ryokan (Japanese-style inns) and enjoy an authentic hot spring experience surrounded by lush nature.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line to Kintetsu-Yokkaichi Station (about 30 minutes), then change trains to reach Yunoyama-Onsen Station(about 30 mimutes). Gozaisho Ropeway is about 10 minutes by bus from Yunoyama-Onsen Station.
Yunoyama Onsen, Komono-cho, Mie-gun, Mie-ken
