Enjoy the spectacular view of Gokasho Bay in Minamiise! Climb “Gokasho Mt. Asama” & “Mt. Masan”

▼Table of contents

• What is Gokasho Mt. Asama & Mt. Masa?
• About parking and access
• First, go to the five places, Mt. Asama.
• Gokasho Mt. Asama summit
• Next, go to Masan
• Masan mountain peak
• Surrounding scenic spots
• UguraPark
• Nankai Observatory
• Village Station Naizeshizen Village
• There's more! Spectacular scenic spots in MinamiiseTown

[Things to keep in mind when climbing]

Climbing involves dealing with nature, so there is a good chance that uncertainties and unexpected situations will occur. Be prepared, plan well, and have fun.

① When climbing, give yourself plenty of time and choose a mountain that suits your experience and physical strength.
② Make a climbing plan in advance and submit a climbing report to the nearest police station or mountain climbing post by the day of the hike. Don't forget your map and compass on the day.
③ There is a possibility of encountering dangerous wild animals such as bears and hornets. Bring along equipment to deal with them, such as a bear bell.
④ Check the weather information beforehand. The climate in the mountains is subject to rapid changes. Be sure to prepare clothing that can handle sudden changes in temperature, including rain gear.
⑤ Bring water and portable food, take precautions against heat stroke, and take adequate breaks.
⑥ When climbing the mountain in winter, be sure to bring snowy mountain climbing equipment such as crampons. Even if there is no snow at the foot of the mountain, there may still be snow and ice near the top of the mountain.

Ticks occur in the mountains of Ise-Shima from spring to autumn. Avoid exposing your skin by wearing hats with brims, long sleeves, long pants, and long boots.

What is Gokasho Mt. Asama & Mt. Masa?

・Climbing level: ★★☆☆☆

・Altitude: Gokasho Mt. Asama (178m), Mt. Masa (199m)

・Climbing time: Approximately 3 hours round trip (including Gokasho Mt. Asama and Mt. Masa)

This time, we will introduce ``Gokasho Sengensan'' and ``Mayama,'' which tower over Minamiise. These mountains are located in MinamiiseTown and are little known mountains. The view of Gokasho Bay from the top of both mountains is spectacular. Please refer to the article and go to some hidden spots!

About parking and access

You can use the parking lot of "Aisu no Yakata" for climbing Gokasho Mt. Asama and Mt. Masan.

Aisu no Yakata

First, go to the five places, Mt. Asama.

■9:10

First, we will head to Gokasho Mt. Asama. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the summit and is suitable for beginners. You will arrive at the trailhead in about 5 minutes on foot from the starting point, Aisu no Yakata. Just a short climb will reveal this spectacular view!

Gokasho Mt. Asama summit

■9:30

We arrived at the top of the mountain in no time. There is also a bench at the top of the mountain where you can take a break while admiring the scenery.

When you look back, a large white torii gate and a spectacular view await you.

From the top of the mountain, you can see Gokasho Bay and the cityscape of Minamiise. As the name suggests, Gokasho Bay was named because there were five good natural ports within the bay. It also has the nickname "Kaede River" because its topography resembles a maple leaf.

Next, go to Masan

■9:45 “Ushioni Statue”

Return to Aizu no Yakata and aim for the Masan trailhead. There is a statue of ``Ushioni'' along the way. There is a legend that the Aisu clan, who once lived in Gokasho Castle, which was located on the mountain behind Aisu no Yakata, fell into ruin after killing an ushi-oni.

■9:55

Continue along the river past the Ushioni statue.

■10:20 Masan trailhead

After a while, you will arrive at the Masan trailhead. The slope gets steeper from here.

■10:40

The trail is surrounded by trees and provides shade, making it a relatively easy mountain to walk.

Masan mountain peak

■11:15

We arrived at the summit of Masan. A spectacular view spreads out in front of you.

You can see a panoramic view of Gokasho Bay from the top of Mt. Masan. Gokasho Mt. Asama and Mt. Masa have relatively few climbers, so it is recommended that you can enjoy the spectacular views at your leisure.

Surrounding scenic spots

From here, we will introduce all the scenic spots in Minamiise. Why not stop by on your way to and from mountain climbing?

UguraPark

Miejima Observation Deck in UguraPark is a very popular spot where you can see the heart-shaped bay. In 2015, it was also certified as a "lover's sacred place". It is also a spot where you can see a starry sky at night.

Starting in December 2022, a large swing will be installed at Tachibana Observation Deck that even adults can enjoy. You can take in the spectacular views while riding on the swings. This is also a recommended spot for families.

UguraPark

Nankai Observatory

Nankai Observatory is a 360-degree panoramic observation deck that overlooks Gokasho Bay and the Pacific Ocean. If the weather is nice, you can even see Mt. Fuji on the horizon. The statue installed on the observation deck looking out at the horizon is distinctive.

This is a large swing that was completed on March 20, 2023 and allows you to enjoy the spectacular view. It is located a 5-minute walk from the Nankai Observatory. When you visit Nankai Observatory, be sure to stop by the swings.

Nankai Observatory

Village Station Naizeshizen Village

Naizeshizenmura is located at the foot of a mandarin orange field, and is a shop that carries a variety of seasonal mandarin oranges and juices. Seasonally, you can enjoy tangerine picking, tangerine juice making experience, and rice planting/harvesting experience.

You can enjoy the beautiful scenery from the green bench in front of Naizeshizen Village. During the winter, you can see how sea lettuce is cultivated, and you can enjoy a different scenery depending on the season.

Village Station Naizeshizen Village

There's more! Spectacular scenic spots in MinamiiseTown

In addition to this, there are many other scenic spots in MinamiiseTown! From art spots to skydiving to delicious tuna bowls...🌟

Check out the button below for the report article “4 Scenic Spots in MinamiiseTown” created by Mie Travel Ambassador mei!

[Ise Shima] 4 scenic spots in Minami Ise!

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Minamiise is a region full of nature that provides visitors with a variety of fun and surprises. Please refer to this article and experience the charm of Minamiise!

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ASOBISIA

UMA teacher

Takuma