tripuuu.log
Winter Scenery · Kansai

Mt. Gozaisho Rime Ice

Yunoyama Onsen, MieRime ice❄ Best season: Late Dec – Late Feb
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Overview

Take the ropeway from Yunoyama Onsen in Mie up to the summit area at about 1,200 m, and in winter you can see rime ice, with trees coated in white ice. The appeal is that you can easily enjoy winter mountain scenery by ropeway without climbing on foot.

Address
Gozaisho Ropeway, Yunoyama Onsen, Komono-cho, Mie-gun, Mie 510-1233
Closures & winter suspensions
Irregular closures. May not run in bad weather
Time needed
About 15 min one way by ropeway. Allow plenty of time, including a walk at the top
Official website
https://www.gozaisho.co.jp/
Official website (English) ↗
Peak Time

When to Go

Best seasonUsually late December to late February
December
January
February

Rime ice does not form every day. In winter the official website posts updates on rime ice conditions, so check before you go

Seasons are typical guides. Snow, ice and drift ice depend heavily on each year’s weather.

Highlights

Highlights

Rime ice forms on trees above 1,000 m when three conditions come together: temperatures below 0°C, high humidity and strong winds. From the 2,161 m-long ropeway, winter mountain ridges spread out below, and at the top you may see tunnels of rime ice and frozen waterfalls.

📷 Best views
Ropeway gondola

About 15 min one way, with snowy mountain ridges spreading out below

Sanjo Park (summit area)

When conditions are right, the trees turn pure white with rime ice

Hours

Opening hours

Ropeway (December 1 – March 31)Up 9:00–16:00, down 9:00–16:20

Closed on some days in December for scheduled maintenance

In winter, hours can change and services can be suspended because of the weather. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Admission & fares

Ropeway round tripAdults (junior high school students and older) ¥2,600, children (age 4 to elementary school) ¥1,300

Ages 0–3 free

Base parking lot¥1,000 per day

About 300 spaces

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Conditions for rime ice tend to come together on cold mornings. Check the rime ice information on the official website before you go
  • ✓Staying at an inn in Yunoyama Onsen lets you make good use of the morning
Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop
  • Yunoyama-Onsen Station (Kintetsu)About 10 min by Sanco (Mie Kotsu) bus
From major stations & airports
  • Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center): Direct bus to the ropeway
  • Komono IC (Shin-Meishin Expressway): Car (About 10 min)
Driving & winter roads
Paid parking at the base (about 300 spaces, ¥1,000 per day). In winter (December–March), winter tires or chains are required even if there is no snow on the road. National Route 477 (Suzuka Skyline) is closed in winter from mid-December to March
Getting back
  • If you are not used to driving on snowy roads, access by Kintetsu train and bus is recommended
Open in Google Maps ↗
Weather

Temperature & staying warm

Typical temperatures
January normals for Hikone: high 7.1°C, low 1.0°C; February: high 7.7°C, low 1.0°C (Japan Meteorological Agency). The summit area is 5–6°C colder than the lowlands
What to wear & bring
Layer warm clothing that is easy to take on and off, plus gloves and a hat. There is snow and ice at the top, so wear non-slip winter boots
☁ Kansai weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Mt. Gozaisho Rime IcePR

PRSee more places to stay near Mt. Gozaisho Rime Ice on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Ise & Shima

October

Kanname-sai

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

Usually October 15–17 (Geku first, then Naiku). Hatsuhobiki is usually on October 15 and 16

2026: Oct 15 – Oct 17 (Geku: night of Oct 15 – Oct 16; Naiku: night of Oct 16 – Oct 17)

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Ise & Shima

Aquarium

Toba Aquarium

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

An aquarium facing Toba Bay that claims the largest number of species kept in Japan (about 1,200). It's the only aquarium in Japan where you can see a dugong, and its sea otters and walruses are also popular. The building is all-weather, and it's within walking distance of JR/Kintetsu Toba Station.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Theme park

Shima Spain Village PARQUE ESPAÑA

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

A Spain-themed park in Ise-Shima. From thrilling roller coasters to rides for kids, parades, and flamenco shows, it offers a full day of fun. A hotel and the Himawari no Yu hot spring are also on site.

See all attractions →
Winter Scenery

Winter Scenery in Kansai

See all winter scenery spots →

Seasons, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Winter weather often causes suspensions and road closures, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-06

PRKlookNabana no Sato & Gozaisho Ropeway Day Tour from OsakaDeparts from Nishi-Umeda, Osaka. Ride the Gozaisho Ropeway to the top and see rime ice in winter, then the Nabana no Sato illumination in the eveningView