GOSE SENTO HOTEL has released two special accommodation plans to coincide with the best time to view the “Hitome Hyakumanbon” azaleas on Mt. The period covered is from May 9 to May 11.
The hotel is a decentralized hotel operated by Gosho Machizukuri, and has two inns, bathing facilities, and restaurants scattered around the Gosho-machi area at the foot of Mt. By departing from each inn early in the morning and boarding the ropeway at 7:00 a.m., visitors can enjoy azalea viewing at the top of the mountain before the peak of the crowding.
RITA Goshomachi (1069 Nishimachi, Gosho City, Nara Prefecture), an old private house inn with a total of four rooms, renovated from a fountain pen bookstore established in 1918, offers an overnight stay and two meals plan (from 25,700 yen per person when using two people per room) with transportation to leave the inn at 7:00 am and enjoy azaleas.
Yado Charinko (1087 Kamoguchi-cho, Gosho City, Nara Prefecture), a four-room inn that retains the appearance of a Showa-era retro bicycle shop, is offering an overnight plan including breakfast (from 11,900 yen per person when using two people per room) for a morning cycling tour at the foot of the mountain by electric bicycle.
Breakfast for both plans is a special “azalea bento” made by Kemuri, a Western-style restaurant that makes use of ingredients produced in Gosho. This boxed meal can be enjoyed while viewing the azaleas at the summit of the mountain, and includes a drink to carry with you. Also, on the night before or after returning, you can use the Finnish sauna and bath at Gosho Takarayu, a public bath located within a few minutes’ walk from the lodge.
Katsuragi Plateau Natural Azalea Garden (Kushira, Gosho City, Nara Prefecture), located 959 meters above sea level near the summit of Yamato Katsuragi Mountain, is one of the most spectacular spots in the Kansai region with an estimated one million deep red azaleas growing in colonies. The best time to view the azaleas is usually from early to mid-May.
© Source travel watch