Saitama: Just 90 Minutes from Tokyo! Explore Top Summer Activities in Nagatoro and Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, Japan Over 2 Days and 1 Night!

Many of us are gearing up for trips and vacations with family and friends during the upcoming summer and fall.

In the Nagatoro and Chichibu regions we're highlighting, you'll find a plethora of outdoor activities. From water adventures perfect for beating the summer heat, stretching into the early autumn, to camping experiences that let you unwind in lush nature, there's something for everyone.

Line rafting (or river rafting) stands out as a favorite during the sweltering summer months, allowing visitors to revel in the cool waters as much as they please.

Join us as we explore activities and spotlight must-visit locations in Nagatoro and Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, where you can fully embrace the beauty of the great outdoors!

Index

- Dive into Line Rafting at the Cool Waterfront!

- Explore Nagatoro's Spiritual Oasis at Hodozan Shrine!

- Indulge in Relaxation Surrounded by Nature!

- Embrace the Excitement with Thrilling Activities!

- Engage in Outdoor Adventures with Activities in Nature!

- Rejuvenate Yourself at an Onsen (Hot Springs)!

- Don't Miss Out: Get a SEIBU 1-Day Pass + Nagatoro!

The SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro is Now Available at GTN Haneda Store!

With the SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro, you can hop on and off all Seibu Lines (except the Tamagawa Line) and Chichibu Railway between Mibuguchi Station and Nogami Station, all with one convenient pass.

- No reservation is needed; simply buy it on the spot (available for purchase between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.).

- It's valid anytime during the period indicated on the back of the pass, and good for one full day starting from the day you first use it.

When you land at Haneda Airport, Tokyo's gateway, be sure to stop by GTN and pick up your SEIBU Pass!

Click here to purchase a SEIBU 1Day Pass!

Dive into Line Rafting at the Cool Waterfront!

Once you get to Nagatoro Station, you can set out for an exciting adventure with Nagatoro Line Rafting.

Just buy a ticket at the headquarters ticket counter located right next to the station, and hop on a free bus to Oyahana-bashi Bridge, where your tour will begin.

There are two courses available:

Course A, a 3 km ride starting from Oyahana-bashi Bridge and ending at Iwadatami; and Course B, another 3 km ride that starts from Iwadatami and ends at Takasagobashi. Each course takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Once you've reached Takasagobashi Bridge, the endpoint, you can take a free shuttle bus back to Nagatoro Line Rafting headquarters for the return trip.

 Nagatoro Line Rafting

Operating Season: Early March - Early December
 Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (During late November to late March, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
 For detailed information on boarding procedures and safety precautions, please check the website in advance.

 *Registration may close earlier due to crowds or adverse weather conditions.

*For real-time updates on operation status, please check the official Nagatoro Line Rafting Twitter account in advance.

Business period: Early March to early December Business hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (late November to late March) 10:00 to 15:00.

Boarding Fare:   *Adult: Junior high school student and older　Child: 3 years old and up

◆Course A (approx. 3 km / 20 min.)

　　Adult:　2,000 yen　　　Child:1,000 yen

*Peak season: 2,200 yen 　　　　1,100 yen

◆Course B (approx. 3 km / 20 min.)

　　Adult:　2,000 yen　　　Child:1,000 yen

*Peak season: 2,200 yen 　　　　1,100 yen

- Please consult the Boarding Fare Calendar for peak season rates, including during the Golden Week (GW) period, Obon holidays, and the autumn foliage season.

- You can purchase tickets on the day of your trip at the headquarters' ticket office or make online reservations in advance (Japanese website).

Explore Nagatoro's Spiritual Oasis at Hodozan Shrine!

When traveling in Japan, it's well worth your time to visit famous shrines and temples scattered across the country. Hodozan Shrine is one of the top three shrines in Chichibu.

While the main part of Hodozan Shrine is situated at the base of the mountain, its Okumiya Shrine is perched at the summit. You can easily reach the Okumiya Shrine via a ropeway. A visit here offers a unique opportunity to experience Japanese culture, all while enjoying the beauty of the changing seasons.

Hodozan Shrine

Address: 1828 Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1305
 TEL: 0494-66-0084
 Take a 5-minute scenic ride on the ropeway from Hodosan Ropeway Station to the summit station.

Hodozan Ropeway

Operating Hours: Weekdays, Weekends, and Holidays from 9:40 AM - 5:20 PM
 Fare: Adults (12 and older): One-way 700 yen, Round-trip 1,200 yen
 Children (3 to 12 years old): One-way 350 yen, Round-trip 600 yen

Indulge in Relaxation Surrounded by Nature!

Chichibu offers a range of campgrounds to suit everyone, from experienced campers to families just looking for a fun outing.

The natural surroundings are the real highlight.

Mahora Inahoyama, immerse yourself in forest bathing, catch the sea of clouds from the mountain's observation point, or gaze at the starry sky at night. It's the perfect place for an overnight escape into nature.

Retreat Field Mahora InahoyamaAddress: 4048-1 Oaza Minano, Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1412 TEL: 0494-62-1688
 Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
Closed: Tuesdays (If Tuesday is a national holiday, the park will be closed the following day)

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Embrace the Excitement with Thrilling Activities! 

Chichibu Geogravity Park is a one-of-a-kind destination where you can enjoy gravity-fueled thrills using the pillars of the old Shirakawa Bridge, a suspension bridge that stretches across the Arakawa River.

Here's what you can try:

- Canyon Walk: Strap on a harness and walk across the suspension bridge.

- Canyon Fly: Soar across the Arakawa Canyon on a cable ride.

- Canyon Swing: Take a swing through the Arakawa Canyon.

- Canyon Bungee: Experience Japan's first wire-suspended bungee jump.

*Participation Requirements
 - You need to be in good health, at least 15 years old, over 140 cm tall, and weigh less than 120 kg.
 - If you have health concerns, make sure to consult the official website for more info.

Chichibu Geogravity Park

 Address: 730-4 Arakawa Nigawa, Chichibu City
 TEL: 050-5305-6176
 Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
 Closed: Varies monthly; for the most current info, check the reservation page on the official website.

Engage in Outdoor Adventures with Activities in Nature!

This is a must-visit spot if you're traveling with kids!

The park offers a variety of forest activities, including a zipline. The facilities are top-notch, ensuring that everyone, from children to adults, can get some exercise while having a blast. It's truly a forest adventure for all ages.

Forest Adventure Chichibu

Address: Chichibu Muse Park, Sports Forest, 637-2 Kuna, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0053, Japan
 TEL: 070-5567-3335
 Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:00 p.m.)

Rejuvenate Yourself at an Onsen (Hot Springs)!

After a day filled with activities, what could be better than a relaxing soak in an onsen?

Head over to Matsuri no Yu, located just across from Seibu Chichibu Station. Not only can you enjoy the onsen, but you can also grab a bite at the food court that has a wide range of options, or pick up some souvenirs at the store. There's even a spacious rest area for some extra downtime.

Matsuri no Yu

Address: 1-16-15, Nosaka-cho, Chichibu, Saitama
 TEL: 0494-22-7111
 Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (last admission at 9:30 p.m.)
 Morning bath: 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. (last admission at 8:30 a.m.) *only on Saturdays, holidays, and selected days
 Restaurant Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (last order at 9:00 p.m.)
 Admission Fee: Please see the official website.

Don't Miss Out: Get a SEIBU 1-Day Pass + Nagatoro!

- One-day unlimited ride ticket on the Seibu Line for foreign visitors to Japan.

(A non-Japanese passport or residence card must be presented at the time of purchase.)

- One ticket grants unlimited rides for one day on all Seibu Lines (except the Tamagawa Line) and on the Chichibu Railway between Mibuguchi Station and Nogami Station.

*Only valid on the day of use.

Price: Adult 1,500 yen, Child 750 yen (tax included) *An additional fare is required when boarding a limited express train.

Click here to purchase a SEIBU 1Day Pass!

How to Purchase

There are three convenient ways to get your hands on this pass:

1. Online Booking: Visit the official website to book your pass online. Once booked, you can exchange your booking confirmation for an actual ticket at the Seibu Tourist Information Center in Ikebukuro.

[Click here to purchase the SEIBU 1Day Pass for great deals!]

2. Magnetic Ticket: If you prefer, you can purchase a magnetic ticket at designated locations after arriving in Japan. These tickets are available at the Seibu Tourist Information Center in Ikebukuro, the Ikebukuro Station Limited Express Ticket Office (1F, basement), and the Seibu Shinjuku Station Limited Express Ticket Office.

3. Paper Ticket: Another option is to purchase a paper ticket at the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch after entering Japan.

Notes:

- Paper ticket: It is valid for one day within the indicated validity period on the back of the ticket.

To use it, simply show the ticket to the staff at the ticket gate or open counter when entering or exiting the station.

- Magnetic tickets: These tickets are only valid on the day of purchase.

If you are at a station with automatic ticket gates, simply pass through the automatic gate to use your ticket.

Come visit the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch when you arrive at Haneda Airport!

At GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch, you can purchase tickets immediately upon arrival at Haneda Airport.

In addition to the SEIBU 1Day Pass, we offer a range of other services tailored to tourists visiting Japan. These include options for mobile SIM cards, eSIM cards, rental Wi-Fi devices, and assistance with tour arrangements.

Please stop by when you arrive at Haneda Airport.

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Great deals on Data SIM, eSIM, and SIM cards with phone numbers are also available!

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