5 recommended tourist spots where you can fully enjoy Yunoyama Onsen in Komono Town

Yunoyama Onsen, located in Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, has celebrated its 1,300th anniversary since its opening. Also known as "Shika no Yu" (Deer’s Hot Spring), its name comes from a legend about an injured deer that healed its wounds in the waters. Yunoyama Onsen has a long history as a retreat for people from the Tokai and Kinki regions, and it’s a hot spring village rich in nature with beautiful scenery in every season. Nearby, there’s a ropeway and parks where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views.

After a full day of sightseeing, take a break and relax in the onsen. The waters of Yunoyama Onsen are colorless, odorless, and known for their skin-beautifying properties. The alkaline radium spring is gentle on the skin and is also effective for digestive issues, neuralgia, and external injuries. In this article, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots around Yunoyama Onsen.

1. Ride the Gozaisho Ropeway—A Must When Visiting Yunoyama Onsen!

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Yunoyama Onsen is the Gozaisho Ropeway. Spanning Mount Gozaisho, which rises to an altitude of 1,212 meters, this ropeway boasts one of the largest scales in Japan. Snow remains on the mountain until around late March, so spring arrives a bit later compared to the flatlands. However, as it gets warmer, you can enjoy seasonal flowers here. After spring, the fresh greenery of summer appears, followed by vibrant autumn leaves, and in winter, it transforms into a ski resort. It’s a place where families can enjoy the mountaintop all year round.

The ropeway operates every minute, and once you reach the summit, there are five observation decks offering panoramic views from every angle. At the Summit Park Station, you’ll find the Ropeway Museum, which is open to the public for free, providing easy-to-understand explanations about the ropeway’s history and mechanics. It’s a tourist spot in Yunoyama Onsen that even small children can enjoy without any trouble.

2. Relax by the Mountain Stream at Oishi Park in Yunoyama Onsen

Oishi Park, home to Japan's largest piece of granite, features many massive and oddly shaped rocks. The park was named after a famous historical figure, Oishi Kuranosuke, who was so captivated by these magnificent rocks when he visited Yunoyama Onsen that he stood in awe before them.

Located along the Mitaki River, which runs through the Yunoyama Onsen area, you can sit back on a bench and enjoy the negative ions released from the river. The refreshing atmosphere of the mountains will relax you. The sound of the river combined with the small, beautiful waterfalls created by the tightly clustered rocks makes it feel as though time has stopped. It’s also a perfect spot to take a break during a live event or outdoor activity.

3. Explore the History of the Yunoyama Onsen Area at Sangaku-ji Temple

Sangaku-ji Temple was once a large temple with many warrior monks. It’s said to have been founded by Saicho (Dengyo Daishi). In October, they hold the "Sohei Matsuri" (Warrior Monk Festival), during which mikoshi (portable shrines) are paraded through the area. While the origin story gives off a fierce impression, nowadays, the temple is beloved as a place for prayers for romantic success. In spring, you can participate in the "Orizuru Kigan Hono," where you dedicate folded paper cranes imbued with your wishes, making it an ideal spot for couples to visit.

4. Ontake Shrine – A Scenic Spot Near Yunoyama Onsen

Ontake Shrine is located near the summit station of the Gozaisho Ropeway, close to the mountaintop park area. Although it sits at the peak, the shrine has an impressive main hall and is a popular sightseeing and walking spot at the summit of Mount Gozaisho. It’s known as a branch shrine of the famous Ontake Shrine in Kiso, Nagano Prefecture. Nearby, you can visit the Asahidai Square and Fujimi-iwa Observation Deck to enjoy spectacular views from Mount Gozaisho.

5. Yunoyama Kaido / Suzuka Skyline

Yunoyama Kaido is a road (National Route 477) that stretches westward from downtown Komono Town. After passing through Yunoyama Onsen, the road becomes known as the Suzuka Skyline Driveway. Continuing along this route will eventually take you to Ogaura Onsen in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.

From Yunoyama Onsen, it’s about a one-hour round trip by car, making it a great option for those who want to explore a bit further. Along the way, there are viewpoints where you can see Ise Bay and the Ise Plain, so you can enjoy the scenery as you drive. On the Koka City side, you’ll also find Lake Yasugawa Dam and Yasugawa Dam.

◎ Summary

When you visit Yunoyama Onsen, don’t just enjoy the hot springs—be sure to explore the surrounding sightseeing spots too. Mount Gozaisho is a must-see, but if you have a car, you can easily travel from Komono Town to Koka City in the west, covering a wide area. Make Yunoyama Onsen your base and enjoy sightseeing throughout the mountain region of Komono and Yunoyama!

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