Yunoyama-onsen Hot Spring湯の山温泉

"Deer Hot Spring," discovered in the 8th century, and so named when a deer was spotted healing its wound there. Alpine plants add to the natural beauty.

Yunoyama-onsen 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.