How to enjoy winter at Mt.Gozaisho-dake, Mie Prefecture's back parlor! Take the ropeway to the top of the mountain and enjoy both the ski resort and the spectacular views!

Article production / Mie Travel Ambassador “Saygo”

▼Table of contents

• What kind of mountain is Mt.Gozaisho?
• The unique charm of winter at Mt.Gozaisho
• Ice art “Icefall”
• Mt.Gozaisho 's "Juhyo Tunnel"
• Gozaisho Ski Resort where even small children can play
• Beginner slope
• First sledding slope
• Second sledding slope
• snowshoe course
• ski resort map
• Ski equipment rental
• How to get to the ski resort area
• View Restaurant Nature
• Recommended exquisite menu
• GozaishoRopeway was actually amazing
• New gondola “Lumiere”
• Information on ropeway fares
• Access information to GozaishoRopeway
• Recommended sightseeing spots nearby
• Mt.Gozaisho that can be enjoyed in every season

What kind of mountain is Mt.Gozaisho?

Mt.Gozaisho is a mountain that straddles the prefectural border between Komono Town, Mie District KomonoTown, and Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture. It corresponds to the Hokusei area of Mie Prefecture.

It has an alpine-like appearance and is the main peak of the Suzuka Mountain Range, which is overwhelmingly popular for mountain climbing and hiking in the Tokai area (Mie, Aichi, and Gifu prefectures). Also, since Mt.Gozaisho itself is a granite mountain, it is also a sacred place for rock climbing.

Although this mountain is popular with climbers, you can also take GozaishoRopeway to Sanjo Park. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji from the summit. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Ise Bay, Mikawa Bay, and the Southern Alps.

The unique charm of winter at Mt.Gozaisho

Mt.Gozaisho, the only ski resort in Mie Prefecture, has scenery and charm that can only be seen in winter.

In particular, the scenery you should see and the attractions you should experience are the ice art "Ice Falls" and "Juhyo". Frost-covered trees are famous in Zao in Yamagata Prefecture and Mt. Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture, but they can also be seen in Mie Prefecture!

Ice art “Icefall”

As a winter feature of Mt.Gozaisho, there is an ice art called ``ice waterfall.''

Icefalls can only be seen in the cold winter. And because it slowly freezes over time, time appears to have stopped, creating a very magical atmosphere. Since no two are the same, be sure to come and see the Mt.Gozaisho dake Icefall, which can only be seen during the winter.

The icefall is located within the Gozaisho Ski Resort, but there is no admission fee to visit.

• Location: Second sledding slope (former Kamoshika Center site)

Mt.Gozaisho 's "Juhyo Tunnel"

Another winter feature of Mt.Gozaisho is ``frozen trees.''

Juhyo is a natural formation that can be seen at an altitude of 1,000m or higher and from late December to early March when the weather conditions are favorable. It is extremely cold and can only be seen on high mountains, but it is easy to see Mt.Gozaisho thanks to GozaishoRopeway. When I interviewed there, there were several tourists wearing sneakers! !
But really, please ensure your safety and security by wearing hiking shoes. If you don't have one, you can rent one at the ski house right next to the slopes.

Furthermore, the frost-covered trees Mt.Gozaisho can be seen within Sanjo Park, where there is a walking path, so even first-timers can see them with relative peace of mind. The walking path is covered with trees, so it feels like you're walking through a tunnel of frost-covered trees!

Gozaisho Ski Resort where even small children can play

Gozaisho Ski Resort is the only ski resort in Mie Prefecture, located at an altitude of 1,200m. The venue is mainly divided into three areas:

・Ski slope
・Sledding slope
・Snowshoe course

Not only can you enjoy the snowy mountains, but you can also enjoy spectacular views from every area. On a clear day with clear skies, you can see the Northern Alps and Lake Biwa in the distance from the ski slopes. From the sledding slope and snowshoe course, you can see not only the Suzuka Mountains, but also the Kii Mountain Range and the Chita Peninsula in the distance.

Let me introduce each area in detail.

Since it's a ropeway, you can go to the ski resort without feeling the cold. Even small children can get to the ski resort on the ropeway while saying, “I wonder if it’s still exciting?”

Beginner slope

The beginner slope is a gentle slope where you can ski slowly.

The ski area is well maintained so that even small children can ski on it, making it perfect for beginners to practice. However, the longest run is 210m, so even intermediate and advanced skiers can enjoy skiing.

First sledding slope

This is a ``sledding only'' slope that is separate from the ski slope.

This is the first slope you can access from Yamagami Koen Ropeway Station. It is a ``sledding only'' slope, so not only small children but also parents and children can enjoy sledding together. The average slope is not very high, but since it includes artificial snow, you can enjoy a very smooth and speedy sledding experience. Also, the view is open right in front of you and you can ski while looking at Ise Bay, so it's extremely refreshing!

The first sledding slope is located in front of the ski house. Various nature experience events are held in this plaza. On the day I visited, a large soap bubble game was being held. Both children and adults cheered and had fun when they saw soap bubbles of all sizes dancing in the sky!

Second sledding slope

This is another ``sledding only'' slope that is separate from the first sledding slope.

There are relatively fewer people than the Daiichi Sledding Slope, making it a calm and enjoyable slope. Therefore, you can enjoy playing in the snow not only with sledding but also with chasing, snowball fights, and building snowmen.

In addition, Mt.Gozaisho 's winter feature ``Ice Falls'' is built adjacent to this second sledding slope. It's a spectacular sight on a sunny day. The beautiful collaboration of ice and sky will truly make you say "Wow!".

snowshoe course

This is a snowshoeing course that takes you around the snow-covered walking path on the west side of Yamagami Park.

The walking paths within the park are well-maintained, so even first-time visitors can have fun strolling through the park. Also, the ``clear and beautiful air'' that is characteristic of winter mountains fills both your body and mind, making you feel calm.

As you walk along the snowshoe course, you can see spectacular views of the Suzuka Mountains and Lake Biwa.

ski resort map

Please also check the ski resort map.
Click below to view the PDF.
PDF

Ski equipment rental

You can also rent ski equipment and sleds at the ski house located on the first sledding slope.
One of the attractions is that you can rent it and start playing right away because it's right on the slopes.

Dad, Mom, hurry up!
That voice sounds so fun♪

How to get to the ski resort area

You can get to the beginner slopes in the ski resort area very smoothly by using the "sightseeing lift".

If you take the sightseeing lift from the ropeway station to Kamoshika Station, you will arrive at the beginner's slope.
If you go from ``Kamoshika Station'' to ``Summit Station,'' you will arrive at the ski slope for advanced skiers.

(Note: The ski slope for advanced skiers will be closed in 2024 due to equipment renovation.)

View Restaurant Nature

Immediately after getting off the ropeway and before going to the first sledding slope, you will find ``Observation Restaurant Nature''. This restaurant warms and soothes your tired body after skiing and sledding.

As the name suggests, this restaurant offers a spectacular view of KomonoTown, YokkaichiCity, Ise Bay, and even as far as the Chita Peninsula and the Southern Alps. The windows are very large, giving the store an open feel. We have a wide selection of meals for those who want a hearty meal, those who want to fill their stomachs, children's lunches, and desserts. Therefore, Mt.Gozaisho is also a mountain where men and women of all ages can enjoy dining.

The scenery you can see while enjoying your meal! !

Recommended exquisite menu

Nature has a popular menu. That's curry udon!

This udon is actually the chewy `` Ise-Udon'' a specialty of Mie Prefecture. For this reason, it has become a long-loved menu item that pairs well with curry and is extremely delicious. It's also great that it's topped with braised pork that's rich in collagen!

In addition, they also have ``white curry udon'' that is only available in the winter.

This curry udon is made with potato paste and is inspired by Mt.Gozaisho, dyed white in the snow. It has a creamy and mild taste. For this reason, it seems to be a popular menu item for people who don't like spicy food and even children.

GozaishoRopeway was actually amazing

We will also provide information about GozaishoRopeway, which you can ride to go to the ski resorts and Sanjo Park.

GozaishoRopeway connects Yunoyama Onsen Station at the foot of the mountain with Yamagami Koen Station, and the distance is approximately 2.1 km. The difference in elevation between the two stations is approximately 780m. The operation system has introduced a system called ``double track automatic circulation type''. This is a valuable system that only exists in two locations in Japan: GozaishoRopeway and the Miyajima Ropeway in Hiroshima Prefecture.

And while riding GozaishoRopeway, you can't help but see the ``White Iron Tower''. This white iron tower is the 6th pillar of GozaishoRopeway, and at 61m in height, it is the largest ropeway tower in Japan.

New gondola “Lumiere”

Mt.Gozaisho Ropeway is equipped with 10 new gondolas called Lumiere.

The Lumiere Gondola has two observation windows on the floor. It has a unique feature that allows you to look down on a spectacular view that feels different from the view from the window. Additionally, the windows are larger than regular gondolas, giving you an overwhelming sense of openness and a panoramic view.

Information on ropeway fares

Access information to GozaishoRopeway

Recommended sightseeing spots nearby

Aquaignis

Near GozaishoRopeway, approximately 10 minutes by car, is the hot spring resort facility Aquaignis.

This resort facility is built with the themes of ``healing'' and ``food,'' making it a popular tourist spot for men and women of all ages. After having fun at the Gozaisho Ski Resort or Yamagami Park, we recommend taking a soak in the hot springs to soothe your tired body, or stopping by for a meal made with ingredients from Mie Prefecture.

Business hours and holidays for restaurants and souvenir shops vary, so please check with each store from the official URL above.

Mt.Gozaisho that can be enjoyed in every season

So far, we have introduced ways to enjoy Mt.Gozaisho in winter. However, one of the charms of Mt.Gozaisho is that it can be enjoyed in all seasons, including spring, summer, and autumn.

From March to June, witch hazel begins to bloom, and you can enjoy azaleas such as red palm, white palm, and salsa dodan. In the summer, it is about 10°C cooler than the flatlands, and is crowded with tourists looking to cool off. Red dragonflies also come to escape the heat!

In autumn, many people from outside the prefecture come to see the autumn leaves. The autumn leaves in Gozaisho are seen from the top of the mountain, halfway up the mountain, and then down to the hot spring town. The best time to see the leaves varies depending on the location, so you can enjoy the autumn leaves for about a month, from mid-October to late November.