Mt. Miune is located in the Muro Akame Aoyama National Park and has a height of 1,235 meters. One of the top 300 mountains in Japan, it offers spectacular views in all seasons, from white azaleas in early summer and beautiful autumn leaves to the winter rime ice.

That particular phenomenon occurs during severe winter weather from January to March and creates an other-worldly atmosphere when water droplets in fog and clouds freeze on trees.

Miuneyama is perfect for climbing with family and friends, and is easily accessible from the Kinki area. Due to the ease of its trails, the mountain has been called the “Debut Winter Mountain.” During the rime season, about 10,000 climbers of all ages and skill levels come to hike and take photos.

This unique crystalline world offers a number of wonderful sights like the shining white ice and the bright blue sky or walking through a tunnel of rime-covered tree branches. The open view of gentle the mountain pass and Hatchodaira from the Mie Prefecture side of the summit is truly superb.

If weather conditions permit, Mt. Fuji can even be seen from the observation point near the summit, which has increased Miuneyama’s popularity in recent years.

The hike to the top of Miuneyama takes four to five hours, and is a round trip of approximately 11km. For climbing mountains in Nara in winter, cold weather gear and crampons are essential. The journey begins and ends at Mitsue Youth Travel Village.

The Travel Village is also the main venue for the Mt. Miune Rime Ice Festival. Organized by the Mitsue Village Tourism Association, the next installment of the festival will take place on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 23 to February 21, 2021.

In typical years, the festivities opened with zoni (ceremonial soup) service, and ended with a clean-up event and coffee. Some days included servings of sweet sake or mochi following a mochi making competition.

In 2021, food and drink will not be sold as a countermeasure against the Covid-19. Mochi will be distributed on Thursday, February 11, but since there is no space for eating and drinking, it is available only for takeout.

In addition, other special products are sold and prizes like badges signifying a hiker’s number of climbs are presented.

Nara Kotsu Bus Lines operates a temporary “Muhyogo” bus that runs from Kintetsu Osaka Line Haibara Station to Mitsue Youth Travel Village on festival days, making access from Nara in winter very convenient.

In addition to being offered a discount ticket for bathing at Himeishi no Yu onsen at Ise Honkaido Mitsue rest area, climbers who use the Himeishi no Yu shuttle also receive a free towel.

A rare and spectacular view, warm hospitality, and a natural hot spring are sure to relax the body and mind. Why not come to the Mt. Miune Rime Ice Festival and experience it for yourself!

* The event may be canceled or changed depending on the Covid-19 situation.
* Please submit a mountain climbing notification and be sure to wear winter mountain equipment when climbing. Please be sure to take your garbage home with you.
* If you have any concerns about your physical condition, please review the climbing date.
* Please avoid "3 C's" in the whole process, use a mask, disinfect your hands, and use the official contact tracing app, COCOA.