Mount Gozaisho: A Sacred Suzuka Peak of Grand Views and a Love Legend (Komono, Mie)

Mount Gozaisho, located in Komono Town, Mie District, Mie Prefecture, is a 1,212-meter sacred peak representing the Suzuka Mountains. It straddles the border of Mie and Shiga prefectures, and the Yunoyama Onsen spreads out at its foot. Its appeal is that you can easily reach near the summit using the ropeway, and it is a spot full of natural energy with magnificent nature, a grand panorama from the summit, and strange rocks and megaliths.

Highlights

• Grand View from the Summit: On clear days, a panorama reaching as far as Ise Bay and Lake Biwa spreads out, opening up both heart and horizon at once.
• Strange Rocks and Megaliths: Curious giant rocks born of nature, such as Jizo Rock and Obare Rock, are scattered across the mountain and are cherished as landmarks along the trails.
• Gozaisho Ropeway: Linking Yunoyama-onsen Station to the summit park station in about 12 minutes, with an elevation difference of about 780 meters, it lets you enjoy the valley and strange rocks below as if on an aerial stroll.

Enjoying the Seasons

It shows entirely different stunning views in each season: flowers such as akayashio in spring, deep-green hiking and cool air in summer, colorful foliage dyeing the whole mountain in autumn, and rime ice in winter. The autumn foliage and winter rime ice in particular are spectacular. The views from the ropeway also change expression by season, offering fresh wonder no matter how often you visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Yunoyama Onsen, Komono Town, Mie District, Mie Prefecture
• Access: From Yunoyama-onsen Station on the Kintetsu Yunoyama line, take a local bus to the Gozaisho Ropeway boarding area (about 10 to 20 minutes by bus to the boarding area). By car, about 10 minutes from the Komono Interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway.
• Hours: Per the ropeway operating hours (varies by season and weather)
• Fees: The ropeway charges a fee (round trip and one way available); use of the trails themselves is free

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended Season and Time: Autumn foliage is best typically from late October to mid-November, and rime ice in the deep winter of January and February. The ropeway is relatively empty in the morning.
• Time Needed: With the ropeway, about two to three hours including a summit stroll. For serious climbing, allow about four to six hours round trip.
• Avoiding Crowds: On weekends at the peak of autumn foliage, the ropeway can have waiting times. Weekdays and early hours are recommended.
• Nearby Spots: You can enjoy a day-trip bath and lunch at Yunoyama Onsen at the foot. Pairing it with Komono Town sights such as the Paramita Museum is also good.
• Budget Sense: Adding a meal and hot spring to the ropeway fare, figure a few thousand yen for a half to full day.

A Quick Tip

Using the ropeway, even beginner hikers and families can easily enjoy the stunning views. The summit is colder than the foot, so bringing something to layer is reassuring even in summer. The ropeway may suspend operation in strong winds, so check the day operating status before heading out. After descending, relaxing and easing your fatigue at Yunoyama Onsen is the standard course.

📚 Sources

The official information of the Gozaisho Ropeway operator and guidance from the Komono Town Tourism Association are helpful for operating hours, fees, and suspension decisions. Public information from each facility can also be checked for the Yunoyama Onsen at the foot and nearby facilities.

Ropeway operation varies by season and weather and may be suspended in strong winds. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About two to three hours including a summit stroll if using the ropeway; a full hike takes roughly four to six hours round trip.
• What to bring: The summit is cooler than the base, so bring a layer even in summer; if hiking, prepare good shoes and gear.
• Suggested route: Ride the ropeway to the summit and tour the strange rocks such as Jizo-iwa and the panoramic views, then relax and ease your fatigue at Yunoyama Onsen at the foot afterward.