Yunoyama Onsen

 village, resort, hot spring, onsen, spa town

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www.yunoyama-onsen.com/ (Japanese)
www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/mie/yunoyama.html

Yunoyama-onsen ('Deer Hot Spring') is a hot spring resort dotted with inns located at an altitude of 318 meters on the slope of a mountain along the Mitaki-gawa River in northern Mie. Legend has it that the hot spring was discovered in the 8th century when a deer healing its wound in the mountain stream was sighted, and the Yunoyama-onsen is thus also known as the Deer Hot Spring. A ceaseless flow of visitors come throughout the seasons to enjoy azalea in spring, the cool climate in summer, the autumn leaves, and in winter, skiing and trees covered with frozen mist, as well as the wonderful panoramic view of Ise Bay.

Located in the neighboring areas is the 50-meter-high Ao-taki Falls, and Sangaku-ji Temple which celebrates the Sohei-matsuri Festival in fall. "Sohei" means soldier monks engaged in battle. The climax of the festival is the parade of a flaming palanquin carried by monks dressed in the traditional sohei costume.

Mt. Gozaisho-yama is a beautiful peak in the Suzuka Mountain Range, and it is a treasury of alpine animals and plants. You can reach the top from the hot spring resort by ropeway and lift. The altitude of the mountaintop is 1,212 meters, and from there you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view.

Day bath charges range from around 500 yen to 1,000 yen for entry to the baths at the various hotels, many of which have rotemburo (outdoor pools).

Here are a list of some of the options:

Otel do Maronie (059 392 3210) 1000 yen for adults; 500 yen for children
Hotel Yunoki (059 392 2141) 800 yen for adults; 400 yen for children
Kuranosuke (059 392 2509) 800 yen for adults; 400 yen for children
Shikanoyu (059 392 2141) 1000 yen for adults; 3-500 yen for children
Irodorikoyo (059 392 3135) 525 yen for adults

Besides the onsen resort, the surrounding area is also popular with hikers and skiiers. The longest cable car in Asia, the Gozaisho Ropeway, ferries people up to the summit for spectacular views on a clear day. Hiking to the top is around 2 to 3 hours' walk.