Gozaisho Ropeway: A Hidden Scenic Spot in Mie, Easily Accessible from Nagoya!
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Gozaisho Ropeway is easy to access from Nagoya and is perfect for a day trip. From Mt. Gozaisho, you can enjoy magnificent views and hiking. In this article, we’ll provide details about the ropeway, nearby attractions, food, and hot springs.
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Tokyo, Japan
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1 Hour by Bus from Nagoya! Where is Gozaisho Ropeway?
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
Gozaisho Ropeway is located on Mt. Gozaisho in the Suzuka Mountains, Mie Prefecture.
The ropeway, which opened in 1959, is two kilometers long and connects Mt. Gozaisho (1,212 meters in elevation) to Yunoyama Onsen. It takes about 15 minutes one way, allowing you to leisurely enjoy your walk in the sky.
At the time of its opening, it was considered one of the world’s largest ropeways. It boasts Japan’s tallest white iron tower, which serves as a support for the Gozaisho Ropeway.
It’s also easily accessible from Nagoya Station, and you can arrive in about an hour by taking a direct bus. Detailed access information is summarized at the end of this article, so be sure to check it out.
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
Gozaisho Ropeway is known for its steep slope. It ascends to roughly 800 meters in elevation, allowing you to enjoy the changing scenery and majestic natural views while experiencing the beauty of each season.
If you’re lucky, you might encounter a Japanese serow, which is a special natural monument.
Sightseeing spots near the ropeway include observation decks, ski slopes, and hot springs, adding to its appeal. By visiting Mt. Gozaisho, you can enjoy not only the magnificent scenery but also a variety of activities.
In 2018, the Gozaisho Ropeway and Maokong Gondola in Taiwan established a friendship agreement. When purchasing a ticket on-site, bring a promotional DM from the Maokong Gondola to receive a discount.
Additionally, MATCHA readers can exclusively receive a 30% discount on roundtrip tickets. Click the button below and present the coupon page at the ticket window when purchasing your tickets.
Gozaisho Ropeway Highlights and Seasonal Scenery
Enjoy Breathtaking Views from Observation Decks
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
The scenery from the observation decks is the ultimate attraction that can only be experienced by taking the ropeway. There are five observation decks within Summit Park, each offering different breathtaking views.
You can see the streets of Nagoya from above, along with a panoramic view of Chubu International Airport and Ise Bay in the distance. If the weather is clear, you can also see the Northern Japanese Alps in Nagano Prefecture and Mt. Fuji.
A Swing-Like Lift in the Sky
This lift connects the ropeway’s Summit Park Station to the summit of Mt. Gozaisho. It’ll feel as if you’re swinging through the forest and meadows.
The lift moves slowly, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery while feeling the cool mountain breeze.
Strange and Unusual Rock Formations
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
Mt. Gozaisho is home to numerous unique and unusual rock formations scattered throughout.
Among them, Jizo Rock consists of three rocks and is most famous for its square rock, which is trapped in the middle and never falls. Because of this, Jizo Rock products, such as postcards and phone straps, are popular among exam takers.
Takami Rock, Ebisu Rock, and Daikoku Rock are formations with prominent heights. Their presence is so impressive that you can’t help but do a double take as you pass by.
Beautiful Scenery Throughout the Seasons
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
Spring in Mt. Gozaisho arrives a little later than usual. Once the snow melts, the trees begin to bud from the foothills to the summit, ushering in a season of beautiful fresh greenery and flowers.
Azaleas are the most representative spring flowers on Mt. Gozaisho, thanks to the mountain’s primarily granite composition. Many of these wildflowers grow naturally in Summit Park, with the first to bloom being red azaleas, known for their adorable pink petals. Following that, cork azaleas, drooping red enkianthus, and redvein enkianthus bloom one after another.
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
Summer at the summit of Mt. Gozaisho is about 10°C (50°F) cooler than in urban areas, and red dragonflies, typically known as autumn insects, come to the mountains to escape the heat.
During summer vacation, a marking survey event is held to study the range of red dragonfly activity, with many children participating each year.
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
The autumn leaves on Mt. Gozaisho doesn’t change color all at once across the mountain; instead, they shift in stages due to elevation differences. Each year, the summit area begins to turn color around mid-October, with the leaves gradually changing as they move down to the hot spring town at the foot of the mountain, continuing through late November.
From the ropeway, you can enjoy the gradation of autumn leaves, gradually changing from green to shades of red, yellow, and orange as you ascend in elevation.
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
Mt. Gozaisho is home to Mie Prefecture’s only ski area during the winter, offering various snow mountain activities, including skiing, snow walking, and more.
Additionally, another winter attraction is the frost-covered trees that can be admired at elevations over 1,000 meters when weather conditions are favorable. Winter at Mt. Gozaisho is brimming with beauty that rivals that of other seasons.
Enjoy Hiking at Your Leisure
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
The walkways and trails in Summit Park are well maintained. As a result, everyone, including visitors, can feel at ease and enjoy hiking as long as they wear comfortable walking shoes.
There are many spots along the trails with great views. If you have the extra time and energy, be sure to stop by!
On calm, cloudless, sunny days, first head to Fujimiiwa Observatory. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji. Afterwards, either walk or take a lift to Bokodai Lookout. Climbing up the large rock there will give you a panoramic view of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan.
The view from the high ground is breathtaking and so stunning that it will leave you in awe.
Great Food and Shopping Spots Near Gozaisho Ropeway
Panoramic Restaurant Nature
Gozaisho Curry Udon 1,200 yen with tax
Panoramic Restaurant Nature is located at Summit Park Station, where the ropeway operates. From this restaurant, situated at the highest elevation in Mie Prefecture, you can enjoy stunning views, along with food and café options.
The most popular item on their extensive menu is the Gozaisho Curry Udon.
The noodles used are Ise Udon, a specialty of Mie Prefecture, known for their simple yet chewy texture. It has a moderate bite that pairs splendidly with the rich curry. Additionally, it also pairs exceptionally well with kakuni, braised pork belly, which is packed with collagen. You’ll be able to fully replenish the energy you depleted during your mountain hike.
Picture Courtesy of Gozaisho Ropeway
They not only offer a selection of main dishes, but also a variety of desserts. The White Tower Soft Serve Ice Cream, inspired by the symbol of the Gozaisho Ropeway, is especially popular.
You can also enjoy special pancakes stamped with images of Blanc and Lumiel, the mascots of the Gozaisho Ropeway.
Belleforet
Belleforet, a souvenir shop, is adjacent to Yunoyamaonsen Station, the starting point of the ropeway.
They offer a wide selection, including original products from Gozaisho Ropeway, local sake, and renowned confections. Many of the product packages feature the Japanese serow, creating a cute design that catches the eye.
Montbell Room Gozaisho
This is a Montbell shop, a world-famous outdoor equipment brand.
In addition to the products sold at regular stores, the original T-shirt design sold exclusively at Montbell Room Gozaisho is a popular choice as a souvenir.
Onsen Facilities Near Gozaisho Ropeway
Hotel Yunomoto
Picture courtesy of Yunomoto
Hotel Yunomoto is situated right next to the ropeway station, making it the perfect place to soak in the hot springs and relieve your fatigue from hiking.
From the open-air bath, you can gaze at the magnificent views of the Suzuka Mountain Range and overlook the streets of Nagoya in another direction. By adding a ropeway trip to your plans, you can enjoy a fulfilling experience.
Hotel Yunomoto
Address: 8497 Komono, Mie District, Mie Prefecture Google Maps
AQUAIGNIS
Picture courtesy of AQUAIGNIS
AQUAIGNIS is a vast onsen complex located at the foot of Mt. Gozaisho. Here, you can not only enjoy the hot springs but also indulge in delicious dishes, including desserts and pastries made by a renowned chef.
Next to the complex is a strawberry greenhouse, where reservations for strawberry picking can be made from mid-December to mid-June of the following year.
AQUAIGNIS is a relatively large complex, so consider staying for a night if you have the time.
AQUAIGNIS
Address: 4800-1 Komono, Mie District, Mie Prefecture Google Maps
Gozaisho Ropeway is Ideal for a Day Trip from Nagoya!
There are several ways to access the Gozaisho Ropeway from Nagoya.
Traveling by bus is the most recommended method. By taking the Mie Kotsu Highway Bus from Nagoya Station (Meitetsu Bus Center), you can arrive in about an hour without transfers, making it perfect for a short day trip.
If you’re taking the train, start by boarding the Kintetsu-Nagoya Line from Nagoya Station and travel to Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station. From here, transfer to the Kintetsu Yunoyama Line and head to the final stop at Kintetsu Yunoyamaonsen Station. After that, switch to a Mie Kotsu bus and get off at the Yunoyama Onsen-Gozaisho Ropeway bus stop to reach your destination. The total travel time is approximately one and a half hours.
If you are traveling by rental car, you can reach the ropeway in approximately one hour from central Nagoya.
The scenery at Gozaisho Ropeway is ever-changing. It showcases completely different sights in each season, so you’ll find yourself wanting to visit over and over again at various times to delve deeper into its charms.
Gozaisho Ropeway’s hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (However, from December 1 to March 31, the hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM). The cost for a roundtrip ticket is 2,600 yen with tax (as of October 2024).
There are high expectations for future collaborative projects and exchanges with Taiwan’s Maokong Gondola, Gozaisho Ropeway’s friendship ropeway.
Sponsored by Mie Kotsu Group Holdings
Author: Kenko
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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