Frequently Asked Questions

  1. TOP
  2. Frequently Asked Questions
The View Point and its surroundings

1. About trains and cabs

Where is the nearest station?
If you want to take a cab or rent a bicycle from the station, “Ugata Station” on the Kintetsu Line is convenient. Limited express trains also stop at “Ugata Station”. If you want to walk from the station, the nearest station is “Shima-Yokoyama Station”, which takes about 45 minutes on foot. For more details, please see the "Access" page.
Are cabs always on standby at “Ugata Station”?
There is a cab stand at the south exit. Sometimes no cabs are waiting, so if you are in a hurry, please make a reservation with the cab company.
For more information on cab companies in the city, please refer to the following web page.
Shima City Tourism Association Access Page
How long does it take to get from the station by cab? How much is the fare?
It takes less than 10 minutes by cab from “Ugata Station”. It will cost about 1,500 yen one way. For more information, please refer to the following web page.
Shima City Tourism Association Access Page
How long does it take to get there on foot?
From the nearest station, Shima-Yokoyama Station, it takes about 45 minutes to walk to the View Point. See the "Access" page for details.
Is there a bicycle rental service?
Electric bicycles are available for rent at Ugata Station. Reservations are required, so please call in advance to make a reservation.
Bicycle Journey 0599-44-4450

2. How to get there by car

What should I set as my destination?
If you head for the Yokoyama Visitor Center, you will find that the paths leading to the View Point Parking Lot (P2), the So-zo-no mori Yokoyama Parking Lot (P1), and the Lawn Park diverge near the Visitor Center.
The View Point Parking Lot is the closest parking lot to the View Point, but when it is crowded, signs saying "Full" or "Access restricted" will be posted, and we ask that those who have difficulty walking to the View Point be given priority.
From the So-zo-no moriparking lot to the View Point, it is a 15-minute walk up the mountain path. The Lawn Park is located away from the Visitor Center, and you can take another route to the View Point by walking up the mountain path.
My navigation system does not show the location of Yokoyama View Point.
Please enter the address of the Yokoyama Visitor Center (875-24 Ugata, Ago-Cho, Shima City, and Mie Prefecture) and set it as your destination. From the visitor center, follow the signs for directions to each parking lot, or ask the Visitor Center staff for help.
Also, depending on your car navigation system, you may be guided to a narrow road. Please take Route 167 and turn west at the intersection called Yokoyama Kita or Yokoyamaguchi.
How long does it take to get there from Toba or Ise?
If you are traveling by car, it takes about 35 minutes from Toba Station and about 40 minutes from Ise City Station.
Can I go to Yokoyama View Point by motorcycle or bicycle?
There is a parking lot near the Yokoyama View Point, but because the road between it and the Visitor Center is narrow and the visibility is poor, motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed to the view point to avoid accidents with cars.

3. About the View Point

What are the opening hours of the View Point?
The rest areas and toilets at the Tenkū Café Terrace are available from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Please leave before dark as there is limited lighting at night.
Can I come in at night?
Please refrain from using the site at night, as lighting is limited and it can be dangerous.
What time can I come in in the morning?
There is limited lighting in the area, which can be dangerous, so please use the area after it is light.
Can I see the sunset?
Since all the observatory decks are facing the east, you cannot see the sunset from the View Point.
Can people in wheelchairs go to the View Point?
There is a wheelchair ramp from the View Point parking lot to the Yokoyama Tenkū Café Terrace. Wheelchair access is available from the Yokoyama Tenkū Café Terrace to the Komorebi Terrace.
Can I take my dog to the View Point?
Yes. But please note that pets are not allowed into the café space at the Yokoyama Tenkū Café Terrace. Be sure to keep them on a leash at all times, and take their droppings home.
Are there trash cans at the Yokoyama View Point?
There are no trash cans at the Yokoyama View Point and Yokoyama Visitor Center. Please take all the trash home on your own responsibility. The trash from the cafe at the Tenku Café Terrace is collected at the cafe.
Is smoking prohibited in the View Point?
Yokoyama has suffered wildfires several times in the past, and when a fire breaks out, it is difficult to extinguish. Therefore smoking is prohibited not only at the Yokoyama View Point but also in the entire Yokoyama area, including the So-zo-no mori.

4. Parking lot

Is there a parking lot near the View Point?
There is an View Point parking lot (P2) near the View Point. However, if the parking lot is crowded, you may be directed to the "So-zo-no mori Yokoyama Parking Lot". From the So-zo-no mori Parking Lot (P1), it is a 15-minute walk up the mountain to the View Point, so please wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Is there a parking fee?
Parking is free of charge at the View Point Parking Lot (P2), the So-zo-no mori Yokoyama Parking Lot (P1), and the Lawn Park Parking Lot.
Is there a restroom?
Restrooms around the View Point can be found at the following locations:
  • Free rest area at Yokoyama Tenkū Café Terrace (with multipurpose toilet)
  • View Point parking lot (P2) (with multipurpose toilet)
  • Yokoyama Visitor Center (with multipurpose toilet)
  • So-zo-no mori Yokoyama Parking Lot (P1) (with multi-purpose toilet)
  • Lawn Park (with multipurpose toilet)
Please note that there is only one restroom at the Tenkū Café Terrace, one for men and one for women, so please use the restroom at the View Point parking lot when it is crowded.
How long does it take from the So-zo-no mori Yokoyama Parking Lot (P1) to the View Point?
It is a 15-minute walk up the mountain from the So-zo-no mori parking lot (P1) to the View Point. When it is crowded, it may not be possible to use the View Point parking lot (P2), so please wear comfortable shoes and clothes.
Can I park my motorcycle or bicycle in the parking lot?
To ensure the safety of the visitors, parking motorcycles or bicycles in the View Point parking lot (P2) is not allowed . Please refrain from riding or carrying motorcycles or bicycles by hand as well. If you are coming by bike, please use the So-zo-no mori parking lot (P1) or the Yokoyama Visitor Center parking lot. For those arriving by bicycle, bike racks are available at the Yokoyama Visitor Center. For heavy bicycles such as electric bicycles, please use the parking lot.

5. About the Cafe area at Tenkū Cafe Terrace

What are the opening hours of the cafe?
It is open from 9am to 4:30pm all year round, except during inclement weather.
What kind of food can I eat?
There is a menu using local ingredients such as Aosa seaweed. For more information, please visit the following web page.
"Mirador Shima."
Are there chairs and tables?
It is a take-out system at the counter. There are tables and chairs on the first floor of the free rest area where the cafe is located.
Can I bring my dog in?
Pets are not allowed on the first floor of the free rest area where the cafe is located.

6 About large buses

Can I park a sightseeing bus?
There is parking space for three large buses at the So-zo-no mori parking lot (P1), but it may not be possible to park when it is crowded. Please contact the Yokoyama Visitor Center (0599-44-0567) in advance so that we can direct you to another parking lot a few kilometers away. Please note that parking spaces cannot be reserved.
Also, it is not possible to drive into the View Point Parking Lot (P2), which is closer to the View Point, due to the narrow width of the road. It is a 15-minute walk up the mountain from the So-zo-no mori parking lot (P1) to the View Point, so please plan your itinerary accordingly. Comfortable shoes and clothes are highly recommended.
Can I park near the View Point?
It is not possible to drive into the View Point Parking Lot (P2), which is close to the View Point, due to the narrow width of the road.
Can we park more than 3 cars?
There are only three parking spaces for large buses at the So-zo-no mori parking lot (P1). Please contact the Yokoyama Visitor Center (0599-44-0567) in advance. Parking spaces cannot be reserved.