The autumn leaves season on Mt.Gozaisho is almost here! Introducing recommended mountain climbing routes and "Ichinotani Sanso" which was renewed this year!

▼Table of contents

• What is Mt.Gozaisho?
• About parking and access
• First, let's introduce the Takehira Pass route!
  • Tensashiiwa
  • Daikokuiwa
  • Ropeway Sanjo Koen Station
  • Mt.Gozaisho summit
• Next, we will introduce the Nakamichi course!
  • Obare Rock
  • Jizo rock
• Click here for the climbing video!
• Rental sauna too! What is the renovated facility “Ichinotani Sanso”?
  • Overview/Access of Ichinotani Sanso
  • Ichinotani “Mountain Store”
  • Gozaisho mountain house “Ichinotani Sanso”
  • Rental tent sauna unit 1
  • Rental tent sauna units 2 and 3
  • Experience “Tono” in the midst of nature

[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.

What is Mt.Gozaisho?

・Climbing level: ★★☆☆☆

・Altitude: 1212m

・Round-trip climbing time

Takehira Pass Course: Approximately 3 hours

Nakamichi course: about 5 and a half hours

Mt.Gozaisho stands on the border between KomonoTown and Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture. It is the most popular mountain among the Suzuka Seven Mountains. The Takehira Pass course has little difference in elevation and is recommended for those who are not confident in their physical strength. The Nakamichi route is the most popular climbing route as it is highly athletic and has many Instagrammable spots. Both routes offer spectacular views of the fall foliage. The autumn leaves of Mt.Gozaisho are one of the best autumn foliage spots in the Tokai region. Be sure to visit during the autumn foliage season and enjoy the spectacular views!

About parking and access

・Takehira Pass Course: Get off at the Shin-Meishin Expressway Komono IC, follow Prefectural Route 577 for about 40 minutes, and you will see a parking lot just before the Takehira Tunnel. Approximately 20 parking spaces available

・Nakamichi Course: Get off at Shin-Meishin Expressway Komono IC, follow Prefectural Route 577 for about 30 minutes, and you will see a parking lot on your left. Approximately 50 parking spaces available

*During the autumn leaves season, the parking lot is often full by 8 o'clock.

First, let's introduce the Takehira Pass route!

9:00

The distance from Takehira Pass to the summit is approximately 4.3km, and the elevation difference is approximately 480m, making it a relatively easy course to climb even for beginners. Another recommended point is that you can climb the mountain while looking at the neighboring Mt. Kamagatake.

9:45 Tensashiiwa Rock

It is called ``Tensashi Rock'' because it looks like a finger pointing from the top of a mountain. You will pass by it on the Takehira Pass course, so be sure to take a commemorative photo.

10:15

This is a spectacular view as you approach the top of the mountain. You can see the autumn leaves with Mt. Kamagatake and Ise Bay in the background.

10:25

Near the summit, there is a well-maintained concrete road.

10:45 Daikokuiwa

Before going to the summit, we recommend taking a detour to a huge rock called Daikokuiwa. It is said that it came to be called ``Daikoku-iwa'' because it looks like Daikoku-sama is sitting on a rock.

The view from Daikokuiwa is spectacular. You can see the ropeway and KomonoTown. You can also shake hands with people riding the ropeway.

*It looks like a cliff, but there is scaffolding right below, so we checked to make sure it was safe before taking the photo.

It's also great to eat lunch while looking at the spectacular view! The peak of the mountain is crowded with many climbers during the autumn leaves season, so we recommend taking a break at a scenic spot along the way.

11:00 Ropeway Sanjo Koen Station

There is a ropeway station near the top of the mountain. We also sell souvenirs, so please stop by. There is also a restaurant, so it would be nice to have lunch here. The famous curry udon is exquisite!

11:10

Head to the top of the mountain from Ropeway Sanjo Koen Station. On the way, we will climb the slope of the ski resort. Although you are close to the top of the mountain, please be careful as it will consume a lot of your physical strength.

11:30 Mt.Gozaisho summit

We have arrived at the summit of Mt.Gozaisho! You can see this spectacular view from the top of the mountain. The beauty of the autumn leaves will wash your soul. You can fully enjoy the splendor of mountain nature.

Cheers to celebrate the summit!

Next, we will introduce the Nakamichi course!

9:00

The Nakamichi course is the most popular course for climbing Mt.Gozaisho. A popular point is that there are many sights to see along the way, such as strangely shaped rocks and spectacular views. There is also a place to walk right near the ropeway!

9:45 Obare Rock

Obare Rock is located at the 4th station of the Nakamichi Route. It got its name because it looks like a large square rock resting on another square rock.

10:15

There are many spots on the Nakamichi route where you can see Mt. Kamagatake!

10:40 Jizo Rock

Jizo Rock is a miraculous rock that cannot be found on any other mountain. When I saw this rock for the first time, I was shocked. I wonder how it came to be like this. This photo can be taken a short walk from Jizo Rock. You can use perspective to take photos that look like you're picking sugar cubes.

11:00

This is a great photo spot near the 6th station. You can see the neighboring Mt. Kamagatake and the ropeway from the valley.

11:50

This photo was taken near the 9th station of the Nakamichi route. The view from the 9th station is so amazing that it will wash away the fatigue of the climb. On a clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji. The large rock you can see in the center is Daikokuiwa, which I introduced earlier.

Click here for the climbing video!

What did you think? There are many other climbing courses and beautiful spots on Mt.Gozaisho. Please visit once and enjoy the splendor of the autumn leaves Mt.Gozaisho!

I have posted videos of Mt.Gozaisho during the autumn foliage season on YouTube, so please take a look.

Rental sauna too! What is the renovated facility “Ichinotani Sanso”?

Overview/Access of Ichinotani Sanso

Ichinodani Sanso is a mountain hut located near the trailhead of the Nakamichi trail to Mt.Gozaisho, and has been in operation for over 70 years. Also, the facility will be renewed in May 2023! You can enjoy lodging, rental tent sauna, and BBQ in the newly renovated facility.

Ichinotani “Mountain Store”

First, let me introduce the store. This is a thoughtfully designed shop that will satisfy climbers' stomachs and hearts, including drinks, snacks, and instant foods that are essential for mountain climbing, as well as ice cream and Ichinodani Sanso limited T-shirts! They also sell shaved ice during the hot months. Cool down your hot body by eating shaved ice!

Gozaisho mountain house “Ichinotani Sanso”

Next, let's take a look inside the mountain hut! As soon as you enter, you will see a large dining table and a spacious tatami room. Accommodation is limited to one group per day, and up to 7 people can stay, so you can have fun together! It's also great for relieving the fatigue of mountain climbing! This is a mountain villa where you can enjoy nature to your heart's content in a wooden space.

The facilities are also extensive. There is a large projector so you can enjoy games on the big screen, and the kitchen, toilet, and bathroom are spacious and very comfortable! We have a Nagashi Somen machine, rice cooker, and even a large clay pot, so you can enjoy your favorite dishes with a wide variety of cooking utensils!

*Please bring your own ingredients for the rice.

Rental tent sauna unit 1

If you come to Ichinodani Sanso, you must definitely enjoy this rental tent sauna No. 1! There are probably only a few saunas in the mountains in Mie Prefecture. After sweating a lot, let's relax in the cold water bath in the drum can and bathtub!

There are reclining seats outside the mountain hut, so you can chill out in the fresh air! It feels so good that I feel like I'm going to doze off... It's also nice to talk while cooling off in the night breeze. It's a wonderful space.

Rental tent sauna units 2 and 3

Oh my God! You can also enjoy the sauna by the river flowing below the mountain hut! If you follow the owner and follow him, you will be able to rent saunas 2 and 3 right across the river!

This is recommended for people who just want to enjoy the sauna on a day trip. A riverside sauna is such a luxury that you can rarely have! “Outdoor x sauna” is the perfect combination for ASOBISIA, and we want everyone to experience this sense of happiness too!

A sauna surrounded by nature is sure to make you forget about time and give you a surreal feeling! Yoichi Sasaki, the third-generation owner, also seems happy when he sees the faces of his customers. It's even better when the sky is blue.

This is what it looks like inside the sauna. When you pour aromatic water onto the piping hot stones, the heat and aroma instantly spread throughout the sauna. By increasing your metabolism and sweating properly, your body will be in good condition and your skin will be beautiful. You can also use the rental tent sauna while wearing clothes.

*Please take care of your physical condition when using the service.

Experience “Tono” in the midst of nature

After getting hot in the sauna, cool down in the river in front of you. This is “Toto”! ! Look at the pleasant faces of the three of them...! On sunny days, the water is shallow and just the right depth to sit on. On cold days, you can reduce the strain on your body by splashing yourself with water before entering the water. Depending on the season, you can enjoy a single sauna that is rare at ordinary sauna facilities, which is a unique feature of the river!

*Single: The temperature of the cold bath must be in the single digits.

Hammocks are also available for rent, and we put them in a nearby tree and took a rest. This is also the best. You can relax in the fresh air with the sound of the river in the background. Please come and experience this space to the fullest!

★Introducing SNS★

・ Ichinotani Sanso-san

https://www.instagram.com/mountain_cottage_ichinotani/

・ Sauna Instagrammer Gin-chan

Sauna spots are introduced mainly in the Tokai region.

https://www.instagram.com/gin_onsen_life/

What did you think?

There are only a few days left until the arrival of the autumn leaves season in 2023. Visit Mt.Gozaisho and Ichinotani Sanso and enjoy the rich nature!

ASOBISIA

UMA teacher

Takuma