Perhaps the most popular hike in Mie Prefecture featuring the Gozaisho Ropeway for casual hikers.

Trailhead: The trail begins near Yunoyama Onsen, a hot spring town that’s a great starting and ending point for your hike. Many hikers begin from the Gozaisho Ropeway base.

Accessibility & How to Get to the Trailhead:

• By Car: Drive to Yunoyama Onsen or the Gozaisho Ropeway Station. It's about a 30-minute drive from the Komono IC on the Higashi-Meihan Expressway. There is ample parking available at the ropeway station.

• By Public Transport: From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Line to Yunoyama Onsen Station, followed by a short 10-minute bus ride to the Gozaisho Ropeway Station.

Hiking Trails:

1. Gozaisho Ropeway Route: For those who want to enjoy the views without the physical exertion, the Gozaisho Ropeway is a great option. It takes you directly to the summit in about 12 minutes, offering scenic views all the way up. This is ideal for families or those short on time.

2. Main Trail: Starting at Yunoyama Onsen, the trail meanders through a forested path. As you ascend, you’ll encounter some rocky sections with chains for added support. The trail is well-marked and moderately challenging, with some steeper portions near the summit. For more details, see the Gozaisho Ropeway website, which provides trail maps and updates on conditions.

Hike Details:

• Distance: Approx. 8 km round trip.

• Duration: 3 hours (one way) from the base of the mountain to the summit.

• Incline: Moderate to steep incline, with rocky sections near the summit requiring some upper body strength.

• Difficulty: Moderate – Suitable for intermediate hikers. There are some challenging spots, but it’s a rewarding climb with breathtaking views.

General Information & Summary: Hiking Mount Gozaisho offers a balanced experience, with a mix of nature, panoramic views, and the option to relax in the onsen at the base of the mountain after your hike. The summit rewards hikers with stunning views of Ise Bay and the Suzuka Mountain Range. During autumn, the trail is particularly beautiful with vibrant fall colors, and in winter, the snow-capped landscape transforms the hike into a winter wonderland.

Seasonal Highlights:

• Spring: Cherry blossoms dot the lower trails.

• Autumn: Vibrant fall foliage, typically peaking in late October to mid-November.

• Winter: A snow-covered landscape ideal for snowshoeing or visiting the Gozaisho Ski Resort.

Nearby Attractions:

• Yunoyama Onsen: Relax your muscles after a long hike in one of the many hot springs in Yunoyama Onsen town.

• Gozaisho Ski Resort: Popular during the winter months for skiing and snowboarding.

A Complete List of Climbing Routes of Mount Gozaisho

Route 1: Ura-Tozando (Back Trail)

• Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

• Time: 3.5 hours up, 2.5 hours down

This trail begins about two minutes from the Gozaisho Ropeway base station. It is a well-known beginner-friendly route. As you walk along the valley, you'll pass through serene forested areas with a rest stop at Tounai Hut. From there, you continue along a more open path, eventually reaching the iconic rock formation known as Rabbit Ears Rock (兎の耳), which resembles a rabbit’s face. The trail gets steeper as you ascend the ridgeline, providing occasional open views of the valleys below. Upon reaching Kunimi Pass, the summit of Mount Gozaisho is within sight.

Route 2: Nakamichi Trail (Middle Trail)

• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

• Time: 3 hours up, 2 hours down

The Nakamichi Trail is a very popular trail for intermediate hikers. Starting near the large parking lot along the Suzuka Skyline, this route features stunning rock formations and viewpoints, such as the Jizo Rock and Obare Rock. As you ascend, the trail introduces more challenging sections, including steep ridges and chain-supported areas. In the fall, the trail gets crowded due to the vibrant autumn leaves. The final steep ascent, along with a short metal ladder, takes you to the summit and the Fujimi-Iwa Rock, offering spectacular views.

Route 3: Toge-Tozando (Pass Trail)

• Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (1.5/5)

• Time: 1 hour up, 0.6 hours down

This shorter route starts from Buhei Pass along the Suzuka Skyline. It is a steep but quick hike, making it perfect for beginners who prefer a shorter trek. Despite its brevity, it still involves a few rocky and uneven sections, so be prepared for some effort.

Route 4: Ichinotani Shindo (One Valley New Path)

• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

• Time: 2 hours up, 1.5 hours down

This route starts from the Ichinotani Hut and takes you up a steep, ridge-like course. It’s a challenging climb with constant ascents through root-laden slopes. Famous rock formations such as Ebisu Rock provide scenic viewpoints, and the trail connects to the summit near Daikoku-Iwa, a significant boulder offering panoramic views.

Route 5: Omote-Tozando (Front Trail)

• Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

• Time: 1.5 hours up, 1 hour down

Although this trail is shorter, it is not as popular due to its steepness and less scenic route compared to the Nakamichi Trail. After passing under the Suzuka Skyline, hikers encounter steep ascents and the Hyakken Falls Viewing Platform. As the trail approaches the summit, it becomes rockier with more streams to cross.

Route 6: Hontani Route (Main Valley Route)

• Difficulty: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

• Time: 2.5 hours up

This advanced route follows the valley from Ichinotani Hut and is known for its large boulders and rough terrain. It offers a more adventurous climb with significant elevation gains and challenging rock formations. It’s recommended for experienced hikers due to the potential for rockslides and difficult terrain.