Winter Fun in Mie: Explore Four Major Attractions with the Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-Day plus!
Dec 20, 2024
Winter Fun in Mie Prefecture: Explore Four Major Attractions with the Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-Day plus!
The Charm of Winter Travel in Mie Prefecture
Mie Prefecture shines like a pearl in the Kansai region of Japan, boasting rich natural landscapes and cultural heritage. In winter, it takes on a completely different appearance from other seasons.
This article will detail how to make the most of the Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-Day plus to plan an exciting winter journey through Mie Prefecture, focusing on visiting key attractions like Yunoyama Onsen, Aqua Ignis, Mt. Gozaisho, and Nabana no Sato.
1.The Kintetsu Rail Pass Overview
The Kintetsu Rail Pass is the top choice for exploring the Kansai region. This ticket not only offers convenient transportation but also provides excellent value for money. During the ticket validity period, you can ride the Kintetsu trains unlimited times, covering areas such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Mie.
There are four types of Kintetsu Railway Tour Tickets tailored to meet different travelers’ needs. Today, we will focus on introducing the most cost-effective 5-Day plus Ticket.
Features of the Kintetsu Rail Pass include:
- Unlimited rides on Kintetsu Railway (Separate ticket required for limited express trains).
- Unlimited rides on Nara transportation buses (excluding the 5-day ticket).
- Discounts and offers at designated tourist spots.
- Extensive coverage of Nagoya and Ise areas (only for the 5-day ticket and 5-day plus ticket).
Purchase methods:
- Online booking on the official website.
- Ticket counters at major stations.
- Kansai Airport tourist service center
- Designated travel agencies.
The price for the 5-Day Ticket Plus is around 6,700 Japanese Yen for adults and 3,350 Japanese Yen for children (prices subject to change).
2.Detailed introduction of selected attractions.
2.1 Yunoyama Onsen 
Yunoyama Onsen is located in Komono-cho, Mie Prefecture, and is a historically significant hot spring area known for its high-quality spring water and stunning natural landscapes. Visiting in winter adds a special touch, allowing you to admire the glistening snow while enjoying the warmth of the hot springs. Let us delve deeper into this charming hot spring area.
A long and storied history, originating from the blessings of the mountains and forests::
The history of Yunoyama Onsen dates back to the Edo period, with legends of a wounded deer being healed by the hot springs, earning it the moniker “Deer Spring.”
Today, Yunoyama Onsen still retains its quaint charm, with wooden buildings lining the hot spring street and winding roads along mountain streams exuding a nostalgic atmosphere.
The unique spring water composition offers therapeutic benefits for both body and mind:
Yunoyama Onsen features alkaline hot springs rich in radon, a type of spring known for its radium content. The water is colorless and transparent, with a clear bottom.
Known for its ability to alleviate nerve pain, improve blood circulation, and relieve muscle soreness, soaking in the warm waters provides a silky sensation, as if all fatigue dissipates with the steam, offering a thorough relaxation of body and mind.
Nature’s beauty, cleansing the soul:
Surrounded by dense forests and clear streams, the Yunoyama Hot Springs offer a refreshing atmosphere and pleasant views. Walking along forest paths, listening to birds chirping and insects singing, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature, truly cleanses the soul.
Experience the hot spring culture, embrace a leisurely lifestyle:
Yunoyama Hot Springs boast many historic inns providing a traditional Japanese accommodation experience. Here, you can wear yukatas, savor local cuisine, and immerse yourself in Japan’s traditional hot spring culture.
How to visit：
- Transportation: Get off at Kintetsu’s “Yunoyama Onsen Station (K30)”
- Address：8522 Komono, Mie-gun, Mie
- Website：https://www.yunoyama-onsen.com/english/
2.2 Aqua Ignis
Hidden deep in the mountains of Mie Prefecture is a unique hot spring resort Aqua Ignis. Not only does it boast abundant hot spring resources, but it also attracts visitors from around the world with its innovative design concepts and unique experiences.
The perfect fusion of fire and water:
The name Aqua Ignis is derived from Latin, meaning “water and fire”. The design concept here perfectly combines the elements of fire and water, creating a vibrant and mystical space.
Hot spring experience beyond imagination:
Aqua Ignis offers a variety of hot spring baths in different styles, from traditional outdoor springs to modern indoor facilities, catering to your needs. What makes it special is that the hot spring water here comes from volcanic activity, rich in minerals with beauty and circulation-promoting effects.
The outdoor hot spring area is particularly charming in winter. When the hot spring steam meets the cold air, it creates a wispy white mist, setting a dreamy atmosphere.
Unique experiences challenging your senses:
Apart from soaking in the hot springs, Aqua Ignis also offers many unique experiences such as:
- Volcanic rock BBQ: Grill meat on volcanic rocks, experiencing the perfect fusion of fire and food.
- Forest bathing: Stroll through the forest, enjoying the fresh air and natural scents.
- Stargazing: Look up at the night sky, feeling the vastness and mystery of the universe.
- Strawberry picking: There is an on-site strawberry farm called Tsujiguchi Farm, which grows strawberries with organic fertilizer and less pesticides.
To enhance the winter visitor experience, there is an indoor relaxation area with warm and cozy spaces for guests to unwind. The area is equipped with temperature control devices to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature even in cold weather. Guests can enjoy reading books and magazines in this warm environment, spending leisurely time at ease.
Design style, simple and stylish:
Aqua Ignis’s architectural design is simple and stylish, perfectly blending with the surrounding natural environment. The room interiors are comfortable and elegant, offering various modern facilities for you to feel the warmth and comfort of home.
How to visit：
- Transportation：Taking the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu’s “Yunoyama Onsen Station (K30)” and get off at “AQUAIGNIS.” It’s just an 8-minute walk from Kintetsu’s “Yunoyama Onsen Station (K30).”
- Address：4800-1 Konono, Konono-cho, Mie-gun, Mie Prefecture
- Website：https://aquaignis.jp/en/
2.3 Gozaisho Mountain
Nestled in the southern mountains of Mie Prefecture, Gozaisho Mountain is a mystical hidden gem. With its majestic natural landscapes, rich historical culture, and unique religious beliefs, it attracts adventurers and nature lovers to explore.
Majestic mountain terrain, sea of clouds spectacle:
At an elevation of 1,212 meters, Gozaisho Mountain boasts majestic mountain terrain with clouds and mist swirling around its peaks, creating a spectacular sea of clouds phenomenon. From the summit, you can overlook the entire scenery of Mie Prefecture, experiencing nature’s breathtaking beauty.
The most convenient way to reach the summit is by taking the Gozaisho Ropeway. With a total length of about 2.1 kilometers, it is one of Japan’s longest single-loop ropeways. During the gradual ascent, you can admire the changing mountain views, from the lush greenery at the foothills to the snow-covered world at the summit, showcasing nature’s distinct beauty. The ropeway cabins are specially designed with large panoramic windows, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view to the fullest.
Hiking routes, challenging oneself:
Gozaisho Mountain offers multiple hiking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, suitable for hikers of different skill levels. Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful scenery including forests, streams, and waterfalls.
Winter activities, experiencing the fun of a snow country:
In winter, Gozaisho Mountain offers a variety of activities. While not a large ski resort, it has small ski slopes suitable for beginners, making it perfect for families with children to enjoy activities like building snowmen and having snowball fights. The park also provides snow equipment rental services, allowing visitors to enjoy winter fun without the hassle of carrying bulky gear.
How to visit：
- Transportation: Get off at Kintetsu’s “Yunoyama Onsen Station (K30)” and take the Mie Kotsu bus to “Yunoyama Onsen · Gozaisho Ropeway Front,” where you’ll arrive at the ropeway station. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the mountaintop by ropeway.
- Address: Konono, Komono-cho, Mie-gun, Mie Prefecture
- Website: https://www.gozaisho.co.jp/en/
2.4 Nabana no Sato
Located in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, “Nabana no Sato” is a comprehensive leisure park themed around flowers. It blooms with different beautiful flowers throughout the year, making it a great place to appreciate the beauty of nature and enjoy the world of floral scents. In winter, there is a dazzling light festival.
Floral feast, cycling through the seasons:
Nabana no Sato boasts over 1 million plants of various flowers, from tulips and cherry blossoms in spring, sunflowers and roses in summer, chrysanthemums and cosmos in autumn, to plum blossoms and daffodils in winter. It’s full of color and vitality all year round.
Spring: The most colorful season at Nabana no Sato, with cherry blossoms, tulips, and azaleas blooming in competition.
Early Summer: The rose garden becomes the highlight of the park, a fragrant spot perfect for couples’ dates. Besides roses, hydrangeas also take the spotlight in early summer.
Peak Summer: Sunflowers and lilies take over the show. The golden sea of sunflowers is not only spectacular but also full of vitality, while the fresh and elegant scent of lilies fills the entire park. The lotus pond is also a major feature in summer.
Autumn: Featuring large Persian chrysanthemums and autumn roses. Additionally, thousands of chrysanthemums are displayed in various styles, showcasing Japan’s gardening expertise.
Winter: The indoor greenhouse garden showcases tropical and subtropical plants year-round. The orchid exhibition area collects rare orchid varieties from around the world.
Nabana no Sato lights up the winter nights with a dreamy light sea:
It’s one of Japan’s largest winter light decoration exhibition venues, running from late October to early May the following year, attracting visitors from around the world with dazzling light art.
“The Tunnel of Light”: A 200-meter-long light arch made up of over 1.3 million LED bulbs, adorned with colorful light strings hanging on either side, changing color themes with the seasons.
“The River of Light”: Utilizing millions of LED bulbs, it creates a shimmering river landscape on a wide grassy area. The blue sea of lights sways with the wind, creating a dynamic effect of rippling waves.
Special themed exhibition area: This year, the exhibition area features the iconic Japanese symbol, Mount Fuji, using dynamic fantasy light and sound effects to create a breathtaking and immersive show.
The winter light decorations at Nabana no Sato are not just a visual feast but also a heartwarming treat in the cold winter. The dazzling light sea, exquisite decorations, and romantic atmosphere make this a must-visit destination for winter travel. Whether with family or on a romantic date, you can create beautiful memories here.
How to visit：
- Transportation:
- [during the light-up period] Take the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu’s “Kintetsu Nagashima Station (E12)” to “Nakahana no Sato,” where you’ll reach your destination upon getting off.
- [outside the light-up period] Take the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu’s “Kuwana Station (E13)” to “Nakahana no Sato,” where you’ll arrive at your destination when you get off.
- Address: 270 Komae Urushihata, Nagashima-cho, Kuwana-shi, Mie Prefecture
- Website: https://www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp/nabana/illumination/index.html
Exploring Mie Prefecture with the Kintetsu Rail Pass 5-Day plus not only offers convenient transportation but also allows for a deeper immersion in the local culture. Winter in Mie Prefecture has unique charms, from hot springs and delicious food to brilliant light displays, all of which can leave you with unforgettable memories.
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