Enjoy the Spring Scenery by Seibu Railway in Nagatoro, Saitama! Discover Hidden Cherry Blossom Spots with the SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro

Cherry blossom viewing, or "hanami," is truly about immersing oneself in the beauty of cherry blossoms, where the fragile and beautiful petals dance in the spring breeze, symbolizing the essence of this tradition. During the peak of cherry blossom season, Japan transforms into a canvas of pink, offering everyone the chance to enjoy tranquil moments under the cherry trees. Friends and families gather for picnics under the vast blue sky, surrounded by blossoms. At night, illuminated cherry blossoms reveal a different kind of beauty, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Enjoying the cherry blossoms is a luxurious experience that allows you to embrace both Japanese culture and the splendor of nature simultaneously.

While it's wonderful to appreciate cherry blossoms in your neighborhood, why not venture a bit further to immerse yourself in the great outdoors?

• Table of Contents
• 1. What is “SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro”?
• 2. About Cherry Blossoms in Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture
• 3. Best Viewing Periods
• 4. Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot from Mid to Late March: Hozenji Shidare-zakura

1. What is “SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro”?

● Unlimited one-day ticket exclusively for foreigners valid on Seibu Line and designated sections of Chichibu Railway

*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 Chichibu Railway between Mitsumineguchi Station and Nogami Station.

*Only valid on the day of use.

● Price: Adults 1,500 yen, Children 750 yen (tax included)
*An additional fare is required when riding on limited express trains.

Notes:

・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.

・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.

How to Purchase

Several options are available for purchasing SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro.
*Please be aware that the purchasing methods differ before and after your arrival in Japan.

Purchasing Before Your Arrival in Japan

You can reserve a ticket via Seibu Railway's official website and exchange it for a physical ticket at the the Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro .

For detailed instructions on how to purchase, click here.

Purchasing After Your Arrival in Japan

You can buy a magnetic ticket or a hard ticket at designated sales locations.
*Please note that the types of tickets available may vary by location.

Sales Locations for Purchasing a Magnetic Ticket:

(1) Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
(2) Ikebukuro Station Express Ticket Counter

1F: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Underground: Weekdays 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Weekends and Holidays 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(3) Seibu Shinjuku Station Express Ticket Counter (7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Sales Locations for Purchasing a Hard Ticket:
For those arriving at Haneda Airport, tickets can be purchased at GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store.

▼ Contact Information for GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store ▼

・Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

-・Phone: 03-6822-3033

*Please visit the the Haneda Airport Garden website  for updated information on any changes to business hours, temporary closures, or other modifications.

GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store

225 Haneda Airport Garden 2F, 2-7-1 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo 144-...

2. About Cherry Blossoms in Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture

Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture is renowned as a premier cherry blossom viewing location, distinguished as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Approximately 3,000 cherry trees adorn the area around Nagatoro, offering a diverse array of cherry blossoms from mid-March to mid-April. There are three peak viewing times for cherry blossoms in Nagatoro: the first from mid to late March, the second in early April, and the third in mid-April. Each period showcases a unique cherry blossom scene, allowing visitors to savor the evolving beauty of the blossoms through the season.

Here, we'll provide details on the cherry blossom viewing season in Nagatoro, including a highlight on the Hozenji Shidare-zakura, which is particularly recommended for a visit in late March.

3. Best Viewing Periods

With three peak cherry blossom viewing periods from late March to mid-April, here's a guide to the best spots for each period and the optimal times to visit.

First Peak: Mid to Late March

The first peak period occurs in late March. Recommended spots includeOte no Sakura , Hozenji Weeping Cherry Blossom , and Iwata Cherry Blossom . All three locations feature stunning blooms, with Hozenji Shidare-zakura being particularly noteworthy.

*Please note that the Jizo Zakura mentioned in the photo experienced some damage last year.

Hozenji Shidare-zakura

Source : Nagatoro Town Tourism Association

Second Peak: Early April

The blossoms reach their second peak in early April, with Kitazakura-dori (Sakura Tunnel) and Nodoyama being highly recommended. Kitazakura-dori, extending about 2.5 km from Nagatoro Station to Takasagobashi Bridge, is celebrated for its cherry blossoms. Here, approximately 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees simultaneously burst into bloom, creating a breathtaking cherry blossom tunnel.

Third Peak: Mid-April

The final peak viewing period is in mid-April, with the most acclaimed spot being the Throwing Cherry Blossomsat the base of Hodo Mountain in Nagatoro Town. This location offers a chance to admire around 500 yaezakura trees across 31 varieties.

4. Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot from Mid to Late March: Hozenji Shidare-zakura

From mid to late March, the Hozenji Shidare-zakura in Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture, blooms magnificently, captivating visitors with its gracefully drooping cherry blossoms. Hozenji is known for its tranquil temple setting surrounded by a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel, heralding the arrival of spring. The sight of cherry blossoms gently falling is truly a breathtaking scene, offering a serene moment to feel the onset of spring.

Basic Information

Address: 476 Ido, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture, 369-1312

How to Get There

A 10-minute walk from Nogami Station on the Chichibu Railway.

Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture is a delightful cherry blossom viewing destination, just about 2 hours away from Ikebukuro Station. Why not take advantage of the Seibu Railway's SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro to explore the beauty of Nagatoro?

This pass allows you to not only enjoy the cherry blossoms but also offers discounts on seasonal sightseeing spots and events. The Chichibu area, where Nagatoro is located, is known for its scenery and events that vary with the seasons. Make the most of the 1Day Pass to visit a variety of places.

Click here to purchase SEIBU 1Day Pass + Nagatoro before coming to Japan.

The pass is also available for purchase at the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store, so be sure to stop by upon your arrival at Haneda Airport!

In addition to offering deals on Seibu Railway tickets, the store provides a range of services for tourists visiting Japan, including mobile SIM, eSIM, rental Wi-Fi, and tour arrangements.

We regularly post recommendations about places to visit and culinary delightson GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store's Instagram page, so don’t forget to check it out!

GTN Haneda Airport Garden Instagram

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

GTN Mobile