GOSE SENTO HOTEL, a dispersed hotel spread across the historic Gose-machi district at the foot of Mt. Katsuragi in Nara Prefecture, has launched two special stay plans aligned with the mountain's azalea season. Both options are built around an early 7 AM departure, giving guests a head start before the ropeway queues and parking lots fill up during peak hours.
About the Katsuragi Mountain Azaleas
Near the summit of Yamato Katsuragi-san (959 m, straddling Gose City, Nara Prefecture, and Chihayaakasaka Village, Osaka Prefecture), the Katsuragi Kogen Nature Azalea Park is carpeted by approximately one million wild azaleas (yamatsutsuji) that turn the hillsides a vivid crimson each spring. The display — nicknamed Hitome Hyakumanbon ("a million in one glance") — typically peaks from early to mid-May and draws large crowds, with ropeway and parking queues forming during busy hours. GOSE SENTO HOTEL sits roughly 10 minutes by car from the ropeway station.
Bloom information: Katsuragi Kogen Lodge official website https://www.katsuragikogen.co.jp
Recommended Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Previous evening | Check in to Gose-machi. Dinner at Yōshoku-ya Kemuri. Sauna and Azalea Bath at Gose Takarayu. |
| 7:00 AM | Depart (RITA Gose-machi: shuttle car / Yado Charinko: electric bicycle) |
| Approx. 7:20 AM | Arrive at ropeway station |
| Approx. 7:40 AM | Board ropeway |
| Approx. 8:00 AM | View azaleas at the summit and breakfast |
| Approx. 10:00 AM | Descend and return to Gose-machi |
Plan 1: "7 AM Shuttle Azalea Viewing Plan" — Exclusive to RITA Gose-machi
RITA Gose-machi is a four-room guesthouse converted from a fountain pen specialty shop originally established in 1918 (Taisho 7). Under this plan, guests enjoy the limited-time "Azalea Bath" at Gose Takarayu on the evening before their hike. The following morning, a staff member drives guests to the Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway Station at 7 AM — early enough to reach the summit before the peak crowds arrive. A special "Azalea Bento" breakfast box from Yōshoku-ya Kemuri is provided to enjoy at the mountaintop.
What's included:
Accommodation: RITA Gose-machi — 1 night with dinner and breakfast
Four traditional machiya guest rooms, each with a fountain pen check-in experience. Garden-view lounge exclusive to guests.
Dinner: Yōshoku-ya Kemuri "Katsuragi Spring Course Dinner"
A multi-course dinner opening with colorful appetizers inspired by the red of azaleas, using locally sourced Gose ingredients (GOSE Local Gastronomy). Pairing with local sake "Kaze no Mori" also available.
Bathing: Gose Takarayu "Azalea Bath" admission tickets (2 tickets, sauna included)
A limited-time seasonal presentation themed around azaleas. Facilities include a Finnish sauna (self-löyly), outdoor cold plunge pool, and outdoor relaxation space.
Bath hours:
- Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Available on checkout day as well (towel included)
Shuttle: 7:00 AM departure to Katsuragi Mountain Ropeway Station
Staff drive guests to the ropeway station. Return journey is at guests' own pace (by bus, etc.).
Breakfast: Yōshoku-ya Kemuri Special "Azalea Bento"
A breakfast box designed to be enjoyed while viewing the azaleas at the summit. Portable drink included.
Optional (additional charge): Azalea Journey Letter Set — a special letter set for writing travel memories with a fountain pen
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales period | Saturday, May 9 – Monday, May 11, 2026 |
| Shuttle departure | 7:00 AM (from RITA Gose-machi) |
| Price | From ¥25,700 per person (2 guests / 1 room, tax included; dinner, breakfast, shuttle & bath tickets included) |
| Reservations | https://www.gosemachi.com |
Plan 2: "Cycling to the Azaleas Plan" — Exclusive to Yado Charinko
Yado Charinko is a four-room inn that retains the character of a Showa-era bicycle shop. Guests check in, use the sauna and bath at Gose Takarayu, then set off by electric bicycle at 7 AM the following morning for a roughly 20-minute ride to the ropeway station.
What's included:
Accommodation: Yado Charinko — 1 night with breakfast
Four rooms (some allow bicycles inside). Room names are themed around bicycle parts: "Saddle," "Pedal," "Handlebar," and more.
Bathing: Gose Takarayu "Azalea Bath" admission tickets (2 tickets, sauna included)
Ideal for unwinding after a day of cycling and walking around town. Finnish sauna (self-löyly) available.
Bath hours:
- Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Weekdays: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Available on checkout day as well (towel included)
Electric bicycle rental (4 bikes total)
Depart at 7 AM and reach the ropeway before peak hours. Enjoy a relaxed ride through the countryside with Mt. Katsuragi in the background.
Breakfast: Yōshoku-ya Kemuri Special "Azalea Bento"
A breakfast box designed to be enjoyed while viewing the azaleas at the summit. Portable drink included.
Optional (additional charge): Yōshoku-ya Kemuri "Katsuragi Spring Course Dinner" — a course using local Gose ingredients with optional sake pairing featuring "Kaze no Mori"
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sales period | Saturday, May 9 – Monday, May 11, 2026 |
| Departure time | Around 7:00 AM (guests depart independently from Yado Charinko) |
| Bicycles available | 4 electric bicycles |
| Price | From ¥11,900 per person (2 guests / 1 room, tax included; breakfast, bicycle rental & bath tickets included) |
| Reservations | https://www.gosemachi.com |
Sales periods are subject to change depending on azalea bloom conditions. Check the GOSE SENTO HOTEL official website and social media for the latest information.
GOSE SENTO HOTEL official website: https://www.gosemachi.com
