Mie’s Top 5 Winter Spots for Winter Fun

Japan is famous for its four seasons and Gozaisho is no exception. While the scenery in this mountainous area is beautiful all year round, winter is particularly stunning. Jump on the ropeway and look down and you’ll see a gorgeous snow world stretching out below you. Look closely at the sheer-white surface of the mountain and you’ll spy trees covered in ice flowers. You’ve heard of Japan’s famous cherry blossoms, but I’ll bet you didn’t know it had ice blossoms too! Also, be sure and keep an eye out for the incredible ice falls. They’re like frozen waterfalls on the side of the mountain.  

Winter sports fans take note: Mie Prefecture’s only place to ski is here too, with courses for everyone from beginners up to mogul maniacs. You can also go sledding and snowshoeing so definitely check it out. 

Details: https://www.kankomie.or.jp/en/report/detail_225.html 

Have you heard of Japanese illuminations? In Japanese, illumination is the word for a special kind of winter light-up event. Imagine Christmas lights taken to an incredible degree, illuminations have to be seen to be believed. One of the best places to see them is Nabana no Sato, a flower park in Kuwana. Popular with visitors of all kinds, the Nabana no Sato illumination is one of the best in the country. Along with themes that change every year, there are breathtaking flower-focused tunnels of lights, cedar trees decked out to the tips of their branches in twinkling electricity, and much more. 

Details: https://www.kankomie.or.jp/en/report/detail_24.html 

The section of Onoura Bay along Uramura in Toba City is famous for farmed oysters. Delicious and easy to eat, they’re at their best in winter. From October every year, one-year-old oysters are brought up and sold along Pearl Road at rustic outdoor huts, which get packed with oyster-loving visitors. Although they all sell oysters, they cook them in different ways. Start with all-you-can-eat self-grilled oysters and then try them fried, in rice, and even raw. They’re all busy in the winter so be sure and make reservations before you go so that you’re not disappointed. 

Tucked away in a valley at the foot of Mount Gozaisho is the legendary Yunoyama Onsen. From ancient times, it’s said that Japanese serows (a kind of small antelope) have bathed in the waters to heal their wounds, giving it the nickname Shika no Yu, or deer hot springs. People love to bathe there too, so along with old-fashioned Japanese ryokan, there are hotels, condominiums, and lodges with a variety of bathing facilities, including refreshing rotenburo outdoor baths. Japanese hot springs are not only relaxing, they have a number of health benefits. Filled with natural alkali, the radium spring is said to be good for the skin. It’s also known to be effective for nerve and digestive issues. After a long day of downhill and cross-country skiing or viewing the ice trees from the ropeway, warm yourself up in a restorative bath surrounded by the beauty of nature. 

Details: https://www.yunoyama-onsen.com/english/