A Unique Observation Tower Inspired by Sacred Firewood
One of the most distinctive features of Gomasan Sky Tower is its unusual design. The 33-meter-high observation tower was inspired by a local legend associated with Mount Gomasan and is designed to resemble a stack of goma firewood, the wooden sticks traditionally burned during Buddhist goma fire rituals.
The name and design of the tower are connected to a legend involving Taira no Koremori, a warrior of the late Heian Period. According to tradition, after losing the Genpei War, Koremori fled into this mountainous region. It is said that he burned goma firewood on Mount Gomasan and used the flames to divine the future of the Taira clan.
The tower was created as a symbol of this fascinating history and local tradition.
360-Degree Views from the Observation Deck
An elevator takes visitors directly to the observation area, making it easy to enjoy the panoramic scenery without a strenuous climb. The observation deck stands at approximately 1,306 meters above sea level and provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Kii Peninsula.
On clear days, visitors can see Odaigahara and the Omine mountain range to the east, while islands in the Kii Channel can be seen toward the west. Under especially favorable weather conditions, distant parts of the Shikoku Mountains may also be visible.
The immense mountain landscape makes the tower one of the best places in Wakayama to appreciate the scale and beauty of the Kii Mountains.
Beautiful Scenery in Every Season
Spring: Fresh Green Forests and Hiking
In spring, the mountains around Gomasan are covered with brilliant fresh green foliage. Deciduous trees such as Japanese beech and Japanese oak begin to sprout, gradually transforming the mountains into a soft carpet of green.
Walking trails and hiking paths are available around the area, allowing visitors to enjoy forest walks without undertaking a demanding mountain expedition. Listening to birdsong while walking through the clear mountain air is a peaceful way to escape the pace of everyday life.
Summer: A Cool Mountain Retreat
Even during the hot Japanese summer, temperatures at this high elevation are generally cooler than in the lowlands. The area therefore provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
Driving along the Koya-Ryujin Skyline is particularly enjoyable in summer, when deep green forests contrast beautifully with the blue sky.
From summer into autumn, visitors may occasionally encounter moonlight mushrooms known in Japan as tsukiyotake growing on fallen beech trees. These fascinating mushrooms can emit a faint glow in darkness. However, they are highly poisonous, so they should only be observed and never touched or eaten.
Autumn: One of Kishu’s Finest Foliage Destinations
Autumn transforms the mountains around Gomasan Sky Tower into one of the most beautiful autumn foliage destinations in Wakayama. Japanese beech, Japanese wax trees, and other deciduous trees turn shades of red, orange, and yellow.
The view from the observation tower is especially impressive, with layers of colorful mountains stretching into the distance. The Koya-Ryujin Skyline itself becomes a spectacular scenic route during the autumn foliage season, attracting many drivers, cyclists, and motorcycle riders.
Winter: A Snowy Landscape in Southern Wakayama
In winter, the high mountains can become covered in snow, creating a landscape that may seem surprising in southern Wakayama. Snow-covered trees and mountain ridges create a beautiful winter panorama.
Family-oriented winter activities, such as making snowmen and playing in the snow, may be available depending on weather conditions.
However, winter visitors should take extra care. Snow and icy roads are common at high elevations, so checking road conditions before traveling is essential. Motorcycle access may also be restricted during winter weather or seasonal road closures.
A Spectacular Stargazing Destination
The spacious parking area around Gomasan Sky Tower is known as an excellent stargazing location in the Kansai region. The area is far from major cities, and its high elevation and limited artificial lighting provide excellent conditions for observing the night sky.
On clear nights, the Milky Way can be visible, while meteor showers attract astronomy enthusiasts and photographers. The location has also been used for astronomical photography, including observations of a solar eclipse.
After sunset, the mountains become remarkably quiet. Looking up at the countless stars from the highlands offers a completely different experience from sightseeing in Japan’s cities and can become one of the highlights of a trip through the Kii Mountains.
Local Food and Souvenirs
Regional Products from Ryujin and Kumano
The shop on the first floor sells a variety of local specialties from Ryujin Village and the Kumano region. Visitors can browse wooden crafts, locally produced foods, traditional preserved foods, sweets, and other regional products.
These products provide an opportunity to discover the food culture and craftsmanship of the mountainous communities of Wakayama while choosing unique souvenirs to take home.
Local Shiitake Mushroom Flakes
One particularly popular specialty is shiitake-bushi, a product made from locally grown shiitake mushrooms. The dried mushrooms are processed into thin flakes similar to traditional Japanese katsuobushi, or dried bonito flakes.
They can be sprinkled over dishes such as chilled tofu and Japanese vegetable side dishes, adding a rich natural umami flavor. It is an unusual local product and an interesting souvenir for travelers who want to discover Japanese ingredients beyond the country’s better-known foods.
Mountain Cuisine at the Restaurant
The restaurant serves dishes prepared with ingredients from the surrounding region. Popular options include Ryujin miso croquette set meals and game meat curry, offering visitors a taste of traditional mountain cuisine.
A reservation-only meal known as the Tenku Plate is another popular option. This kaiseki-style lunch features a selection of local ingredients and provides a refined dining experience in the mountain setting.
A Gateway to Mount Ryujindake and Mount Gomasan
The area around Gomasan Sky Tower is also a convenient base for hiking to Mount Ryujindake and Mount Gomasan. Because visitors can drive relatively close to the mountain summits, the area is accessible even to people who are new to mountain hiking.
Mount Ryujindake: The Highest Mountain in Wakayama
Mount Ryujindake rises to approximately 1,382 meters, making it the highest peak in Wakayama Prefecture.
A resurvey conducted by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan in 2000 confirmed that Mount Ryujindake is higher than Mount Gomasan. The mountain was subsequently given the name “Ryujindake” through a public naming process.
Natural forests of Japanese beech and Japanese oak surround the hiking trails, providing an opportunity to experience the biodiversity of the Kii Mountains at close range.
The area has been developed as a forest park, making it suitable not only for hiking but also for nature observation and forest bathing.
The Koya-Ryujin Skyline Scenic Road
Gomasan Sky Tower stands along the Koya-Ryujin Skyline, a mountain road approximately 42.7 kilometers long connecting Koyasan with Ryujin Onsen.
Known as one of the most scenic mountain roads on the Kii Peninsula, the route is included among Japan’s famous scenic driving roads. The high-altitude sections offer magnificent mountain views, and on certain mornings, visitors may even encounter a sea of clouds filling the valleys below.
The road is especially popular with drivers and motorcycle riders, while autumn is one of the busiest and most beautiful times to visit.
Because snow and ice can make the road hazardous in winter, travelers should check current road and weather conditions before setting out. Seasonal restrictions may also apply to motorcycles.
Combine Your Visit with Ryujin Onsen
After visiting Gomasan Sky Tower, consider continuing to Ryujin Onsen, a famous hot spring resort approximately 30 minutes away by car.
Ryujin Onsen is traditionally known as one of Japan’s “Three Famous Beauty Hot Springs”, a group of hot springs celebrated for their reputed skin-beautifying qualities. The clear, smooth-feeling water provides a relaxing way to recover after hiking or a long scenic drive.
Combining the mountain scenery of Gomasan with the relaxing waters of Ryujin Onsen is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and traditional culture of the Ryujin area.
Discover the Roof of Kishu
Gomasan Sky Tower is much more than an observation tower. It is a gateway to the spectacular mountain landscapes, legends, local food, forests, and night skies of the Kii Peninsula.
Whether you visit for the fresh greenery of spring, the cool mountain air of summer, the brilliant foliage of autumn, or the snow-covered scenery of winter, the area offers a different experience in every season.
Combined with Koyasan, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, and Ryujin Onsen, a visit to Gomasan Sky Tower can become part of a memorable journey through the deeper and more traditional side of the Kii Mountains.
Surrounded by the magnificent nature of the “Roof of Kishu,” Gomasan Sky Tower offers travelers a chance to slow down, breathe the crisp mountain air, and experience panoramic landscapes that are far removed from Japan’s busy urban centers.