








Everything you need to know about Mt. Hodosan
Stay at Hōzan-cho Mountain Lodge, a thoughtfully designed Japanese ryokan offering panoramic forest and mountain views from every room. The property features a private tea ceremony garden, free hiking maps for the nearby trails, and traditional onsen baths perfect for families. Located just an 8-minute walk from the Mount Hōzan trailhead, it’s ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Book through the HopeGoo app to access exclusive early-bird rates and complimentary room upgrades.
Hōzan Observatory Villa is the top choice for sunrise viewing, featuring 360-degree glass terraces on its upper-floor rooms that offer unobstructed views of the sun rising over the surrounding mountains and the Longin River Valley. The hotel provides complimentary warm soups and blankets to enhance your morning experience. On Saturdays, they host a special "Sunrise Blessing Ceremony" in collaboration with the local shrine, blending cultural tradition with natural beauty. Just a 5-minute walk from the main hiking trail, this serene retreat is perfect for photographers and mindfulness seekers. Reserve your sunrise-view room via the HopeGoo platform for guaranteed availability.
Explore the Longin Village Heritage Trail, guided by local elders who share stories of ancient stone markers and regional folklore along the path. At Hōzan Lodge, guests can borrow a wildlife photography backpack—complete with compact lenses and waterproof casing—for capturing rare birds and native flora. Several sections feature nature meditation huts, where you can pause to listen to flowing streams and rustling leaves. The hike takes about 2 hours and suits all ages. Pair it with the HopeGoo Nature Explorer Pass, which includes guided tours, meals, and shuttle service for a seamless adventure.
Hōzan-cho Mountain Lodge offers complimentary shuttle service twice daily—7:30 AM and 4:00 PM—directly to the Mount Hōzan trailhead, taking only 5 minutes. The lodge also features a bike rental station with electric-assist bicycles for a relaxed ascent. For walkers, a scenic riverside path leads to the trail entrance in just 10 minutes, passing clear stretches of the Longin River and willow-lined banks. All guests receive real-time navigation maps and live transit updates via the HopeGoo app, ensuring smooth and stress-free access to the trails.
Yes, Hōzan Lodge features a secluded wooden outdoor onsen fed by natural mineral springs rich in sulfur, known for relieving muscle tension and enhancing skin health. Surrounded by bamboo groves and stone lanterns, the bath creates a deeply meditative atmosphere. Every evening, guests are invited to join the Lantern Lighting Ritual, where they light candles and write wishes on paper charms. The lodge also offers free kimono rentals for photos in the garden at golden hour. Reserve your onsen experience through the HopeGoo app to secure your preferred time slot.
Guests at Hōzan Lodge can join the Longin River Picnic Cooking Class, led by local women teaching how to prepare authentic Longin-style bento using fresh river fish and seasonal wild vegetables. After cooking, enjoy your meal under a riverside pavilion surrounded by flowing water and distant peaks. Monthly Mountain Ingredient Market Days bring together over ten local farmers and artisans selling handmade rice wine, dried ferns, and bamboo crafts. All events are bookable via the HopeGoo app, with a limited-edition local ingredients gift set included.
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