Two Accommodation Plans Introduced to Enjoy Mount Katsuragi's 'One Million Azaleas' Before the Crowds

"GOSE SENTO HOTEL," a decentralized hotel operated by Gose Machidukuri Co., Ltd. (a hotel format where accommodation, dining, and bathing facilities are scattered throughout the town), has started selling two special accommodation plans tailored to the blooming season of the "one million sight" azaleas at Mount Katsuragi. "RITA Gosemachi," an old folk house inn with a total of 4 rooms, offers a plan with transportation that leaves the inn at 7:00 AM to enjoy the azaleas before the crowds. Meanwhile, the Showa-retro "Yado Charinko" offers an active plan to ride e-bikes at the foot of the mountain. Both plans allow guests to use the Finnish sauna and baths at "Gose Takarayu," a public bathhouse just a few minutes' walk from the inns. RITA Gosemachi Official Website: https://www.gosemachi.com/rita/ Yado Charinko Official Website: https://www.gosemachi.com/charinko/ Gose Takarayu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gose.takarayu/ "Katsuragi Kogen Nature Azalea Park," sprawling near the summit of Mount Katsuragi (elevation 959m) in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, is one of the Kansai region's premier scenic spots, where an estimated one million wild azaleas dye the landscape a deep crimson. The flowers typically reach their peak in early to mid-May, boasting such popularity that during peak hours, visitors often have to wait to board the ropeway and enter the parking lots. GOSE SENTO HOTEL is a decentralized hotel located in "Gosemachi" at the foot of Mount Katsuragi. By leaving the inn at 7:00 AM and taking the ropeway in the 7:00 AM hour, you can fully enjoy the azaleas at the summit before the peak crowds arrive. On the night before or after your return, you can also use Gose Takarayu as much as you like during your stay. This is a new style of azalea viewing unique to GOSE SENTO HOTEL, situated at the base of Mount Katsuragi. [Recommended Schedule] Previous Day: Check-in at Gosemachi Dinner at Yoshokuya Kemuri. Sauna & Azalea Bath at Gose Takarayu. 7:00 AM: Departure (RITA Gosemachi: Shuttle car / Yado Charinko: E-bike) Around 7:20 AM: Arrive at Ropeway Station Around 7:40 AM: Board Ropeway Around 8:00 AM: Azalea viewing & breakfast time at the summit Around 10:00 AM: Descend and return to Gosemachi Plan 1: "7 AM Shuttle Azalea Viewing Plan" Exclusive to RITA Gosemachi ~ From the inn of fountain pens, head to see the azaleas by shuttle. Unwind your heart in the Azalea Bath at the public bathhouse. ~ This is a special plan offered by "RITA Gosemachi," a 4-room inn renovated from a fountain pen shop founded in 1918. The day before your hike, you can use the limited-time "Azalea Bath" at Gose Takarayu. At 7:00 the next morning, inn staff will drive you to the Mount Katsuragi Ropeway Station. You can enjoy the azaleas before the peak crowds and eat a special "Azalea Bento" breakfast box prepared by Yoshokuya Kemuri at the summit. [Stay] RITA Gosemachi, 1 night with 2 meals 4 traditional Japanese house guest rooms (includes a fountain pen check-in experience). Guest-only lounge overlooking the garden. [Dinner] Yoshokuya Kemuri "Katsuragi Spring Course Dinner" A course dinner beginning with colorful appetizers inspired by the red of azaleas. GOSE Local Gastronomy using locally sourced ingredients. A pairing with the local sake "Kaze no Mori" is also available. [Bath] Gose Takarayu "Azalea Bath" Tickets (2 tickets, sauna included) "Azalea Bath," a limited-time special presentation inspired by azaleas. Finnish sauna (self-löyly), outdoor cold bath, and open-air resting space. Weekends/Holidays: 11:00-22:00 Weekdays: 14:00-22:00 *Also available on checkout day (towel included) [Transport] 7 AM Departure, Shuttle to Mount Katsuragi Ropeway Station Depart at 7:00 AM in a shuttle vehicle driven by inn staff. A leisurely morning azalea viewing, avoiding the peak crowds. *Please return freely by bus or other means. [Breakfast] Yoshokuya Kemuri Special "Azalea Bento" A breakfast box to enjoy at the summit while viewing the azaleas. Includes a portable drink. (Additional fee) - Azalea Travel Letter Set: A special letter set to write down travel memories with a fountain pen. Sales Period May 9 (Sat) - May 11, 2026