[2024 Autumn] Nagatoro, Saitama – Just 90 Minutes from Tokyo! Enjoy a Day Trip for Stunning Autumn Foliage

Just 90 Minutes from Tokyo! Enjoy a Day Trip to Nagatoro, Saitama for Stunning Autumn Foliage

There are many spots in Japan to see autumn leaves, but Nagatoro Town in Saitama Prefecture is particularly popular as a tourist destination rich in nature and easily accessible from central Tokyo. The trees usually start to change color in late October, and the best viewing time is around mid-November. There are many spots to see autumn leaves scattered throughout Nagatoro Town, and they are lit up at night during the best viewing times. We will introduce a sightseeing course for Nagatoro in the fall, surrounded by colorful trees.

This time, we will be taking you on a course that starts from Tokyo Station, the gateway to Japan, and passes through Kumagaya Station before heading to Nagatoro Station. Let's go on a day trip together, visiting the surrounding tourist spots!

1

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is a landmark with a beautiful historical station building. It is a key point for the Shinkansen and conventional lines, and the area is dotted with Marunouchi's high-end shopping areas and historical buildings. It is also a popular tourist spot, and there are a variety of shops and restaurants both inside and outside the station, blending the historical atmosphere with the bustle of modern times.

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2

Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station

Exit the ticket gates at JR Kumagaya Station and head to Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station.
It takes about 2 minutes on foot from the JR Kumagaya Station ticket gates to Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station via the concourse.
Signs show you the direction to go.

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If you're riding the Chichibu Railway, should you take the tourist train "SL Paleo Express"? Or should you take a retro train?

When talking about the Chichibu Railway, it is no exaggeration to say that the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" is synonymous with it. If the SL Paleo Express is in operation, it would be a good idea to ride it and head to Nagatoro.
Alternatively, you can take a local or express train to Nagatoro. The trains that run on the Chichibu Railway are retro, with carriages of various shapes and colors.

Take a leisurely ride to Nagatoro on a steam locomotive. The SL Paleo Express is a tourist train that represents the Chichibu region.

The SL Paleo Express is popular as the closest steam locomotive to the city center .

The reddish-brown passenger cars have a retro feel with their precious wood grain, and the box seats further stimulate the sense of travel. The train moves slowly while you gaze out the large windows at the rural landscape of the Kanto Plain and the Chichibu mountain ranges dyed in autumn leaves.
The SL Paleo Express (Yuki / Mitakeguchi bound) departs from its starting point, Kumagaya Station, at 10:15 a.m. and arrives at Nagatoro Station at 11:33 a.m.

*The SL Paleo Express runs one round trip per day between Kumagaya Station and Mitakeguchi Station, mainly on weekends and holidays. Please check the Chichibu Railway official website for operating days and times.

About the SL Paleo Express

Take a local train or express train to Nagatoro.

From Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway, take a local or express train to Nagatoro Station.
The train from Kumagaya Station to Nagatoro Station stops at every station and takes 50 minutes.

The express train from Kumagaya Station to Nagatoro Station takes 36 minutes. The seats are box seats, and all cars are unreserved.

*For express trains, in addition to the fare, you will need to purchase an express ticket for 300 yen for adults and 100 yen for children.

3

Chichibu Railway Nagatoro Station

Nagatoro Station is a station on the Chichibu Railway in Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture. It opened in 1911 and is a historic station building that has been preserved in its original form.
This station was selected as one of the first 100 best stations in the Kanto region.
The Nagatoro Town Tourist Information Center is located in front of Nagatoro Station and serves as the base for sightseeing in Nagatoro.

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4

Nagatoro Town Tourist Information Center

The Nagatoro Town Tourist Information Center is located in front of Nagatoro Station.

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Nagatoro Town Tourism Association Official Homepage

If you need tourist information or have any questions about Nagatoro Town, please stop by. We have tourist brochures, maps, and more.

Arrived in Nagatoro! First, the highlight of Nagatoro sightseeing: the Nagatoro Line Boat Ride

5

Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River

Nagatoro Line Boating is a river boating activity that represents Nagatoro's tourism and leisure activities. It opened in 1915 and has been directly operated by the Chichibu Railway since 1923.
Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise is a traditional Japanese boat ride down the Nagatoro River, a designated national scenic spot and natural monument. You can enjoy the magnificent riverside scenery that changes with the seasons as you go down the river on a Japanese boat operated by an experienced boatman. You can also experience thrills at rapids.
In particular, the experience of going down the river along the valley during the autumn foliage season is exceptional.

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Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise Official Homepage

"Nagatoro River Boating" is a representative activity for tourism in Nagatoro. River boating is a part of Japanese culture that has remained unchanged for over 100 years.
The boat ride is about 20 minutes long and is a Japanese boat handcrafted by the boatman. This Japanese boat goes down the river solely by the boatman's steering skills. In autumn, the Japanese boat moves slowly with the current of the river, allowing you to enjoy the autumn leaves of the Nagatoro Valley.

The autumn foliage season is very popular and it may take some time to board. If you go in the morning, there is less waiting time to board.
When you arrive at Nagatoro, go straight to boarding check-in.

After cruising down the Nagatoro Line, take a stroll along the rock formations of "Nagatoro," a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument.

After enjoying the autumn leaves of Nagatoro Valley from a Japanese boat cruising down the river, take a stroll through the Iwadatami area. You can relax by walking along the river while enjoying the scenery of the strangely shaped rocks. You can fully enjoy the natural scenery, which is different from the city center.

We also recommend strolling and sampling the foods on offer at the pedestrian-only "Iwadatami Shopping Street"

The Iwadatami Shopping Street connects the rock formations from Nagatoro Station to the Iwadatami area, and still retains a retro atmosphere. In addition to souvenir shops, there are rows of restaurants serving Japanese soba and udon noodles.
If you're looking for something to eat while walking around, we recommend the home-roasted coffee stand, grilled sweetfish skewers, and gelato.

Enjoy the colorful autumn leaves at Hodosan Shrine, one of the three major shrines in Chichibu

6

Hodosan Shrine (Chichibu Miyama)

Hodosan Shrine, one of the three Chichibu shrines, is said to have been founded by Emperor Yamato Takeru over 2,000 years ago. The current shrine is a Gongen-style building consisting of a main hall, offering hall, and worship hall, which were rebuilt between the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji period. The shrine is highly regarded as a guardian deity that protects against fires, theft, and other misfortunes, and attracts over one million visitors a year from the local area and throughout the Kanto region.

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Hodosan Shrine Official Homepage

The large maple trees that adorn the grounds of Hodosan Shrine are in full bloom from mid-November to late November. The grounds are rich in nature, with the contrast between the large white torii gate and the autumn leaves, and the autumn leaves reflected on the surface of the pond. The gorgeous main hall is a must-see.

At Hodosan Shrine, the grounds are lit up during the autumn foliage season. Why not enjoy the even more mystical autumn evening atmosphere than during the day?

Lunch: Which would you prefer, the Chichibu specialty "Waraji Katsudon" or "Pork Miso Donburi"?

Eating pork is a tradition in the Chichibu region. You can enjoy uniquely evolved pork dishes such as the Chichibu specialty "Waraji Katsudon" and "Pork Miso Donburi". If you are not a fan of pork, we recommend Japanese soba and udon.

Try the "Waraji Katsudon" topped with two large cutlets at Garden House Yurin.

7

Garden House Yurin

This is a restaurant that you can easily drop in to on your way to explore Mt. Hodo and Hodosan Shrine.
In addition to a menu centered around Japanese soba and udon noodles made with local ingredients, you can enjoy reasonably priced dishes such as Chichibu specialties "seared pork miso rice bowl," "waraji katsudon," and the winter-only "okkirikomi udon."

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Garden House Yurin Official Homepage

Garden House Yurin is a restaurant located at the foot of Mt. Hodosan, within walking distance of Hodosan Shrine. They serve Chichibu specialty dishes. Their most popular dish is the "Waraji Katsudon." The bowl is topped with two thin slices of pork cutlet, which resemble the "straw sandals" that are used for footwear, hence the name "Waraji Katsudon."

The large cutlets are as big as the palm of your hand or your face and are very satisfying to eat.

A large cutlet spilling out of the bowl

Japanese soba is also popular. "Tenzaru soba" comes with seasonal vegetable tempura.

Garden House Yurin is marked by a white shop curtain.

Charcoal-grilled pork is sure to whet your appetite. "Yurin, a Pork and Miso Rice Bowl Specialty Shop" has long lines.

8

Miso Pork Rice Bowl Specialty Restaurant Yurin

This is a restaurant specializes in Chichibu's famous "Miso Pork Rice Bowl."
Our experienced chefs carefully grill pork marinated in a secret miso sauce, creating a truly luxurious dish.

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Pork Miso Rice Bowl Specialty Restaurant Yurin Official Homepage

This restaurant serves only the Chichibu specialty "Pork Miso Rice Bowl." The pork is marinated in a secret miso sauce and carefully grilled by a skilled chef, creating a luxurious dish.
There are three sizes available: large, regular, and small, so please choose the size that suits you.

The aroma of charcoal grilling is so tempting that there is often a line, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Pork and miso rice bowl (regular size)

It's just a 2-minute walk from Nagatoro Station. Its location near the station is also one of its attractions.

After lunch, let's go see the autumn leaves at Mt. Hodo.

After lunch, head to Mt. Hodo in the afternoon to see the autumn leaves. The entire mountain is dyed yellow and red in autumn.

Winter cherry blossoms bloom in November at the summit area of Mt. Hodo. Enjoy the combination of the pretty cherry blossoms that bloom in late autumn and the autumn leaves.

There are well-maintained walking paths around the summit area of Mt. Hodo.

Refresh yourself by admiring the autumn leaves and mountain ranges of Mt. Hodo.

A cute yellow gondola going through autumn leaves - Hodo Mountain Ropeway

Take the Hodosan Ropeway up the autumn-covered Hodo Mountain and enjoy the view of the autumn-colored Chichibu mountain range from the window.

Interact with friendly animals at Hodo Mountain Small Animal Park

Hodo Mountain Small Animal Park mainly exhibits animals that live in Japan, such as Japanese macaques, Honshu deer, and Japanese raccoon dogs.
A popular event is the opportunity for visitors to feed the llamas and goats. Enjoy interacting with these friendly animals.

In addition, we sometimes have behavioral exhibits where you can watch the guinea pigs return to their cages, bringing out the biology and behavior of the guinea pigs.

Hodo Mountain Small Animal Park Official Homepage

It will soon be dusk. Let's enjoy the sunset over the Chichibu mountain range.

Before returning to the base of Mt. Hodo, watch the sunset over the Chichibu mountain range from the west plaza in front of the Hodo Ropeway summit station.
During the autumn season only, the Hodo Mountain Ropeway operates with delayed operating times to coincide with sunset.

Please check the official website of the Hodosan Ropeway for the time of the last Hodosan Ropeway service.

Hodosan Ropeway Official Website

2024 Sunset Viewing Tour / Sea of Clouds Viewing Tour Announcement (Chichibu Railway Official Website)

After dusk, stop by Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park for an even more romantic experience, where the autumn leaves are lit up.

9

Tsukinoishi Momiji Park

This park was named after the monument with the poem by Takahama Kyoshi, "Here is the moonstone where my poem should remain." In November, when the autumn leaves are at their best, about 50 maples and other trees are lit up, and the park becomes bustling with many people, especially camera enthusiasts.

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Nagatoro Town Tourism Association (latest autumn foliage information) Official website

Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park lights up around 50 maple trees in November, when the autumn leaves are at their best. The park is bustling with many tourists, including camera enthusiasts.

The view of the maple trees lit up in the evening completely changes the atmosphere from daytime, creating a tasteful scene. The area is decorated with "bamboo lights" (bamboo lighting fixtures) and maple lanterns made by local people in Nagatoro Town. You can enjoy a variety of views no matter where you take a photo.

The illuminated maples look gorgeous. Please check the Nagatoro Town Tourism Association official website for the latest information on the illumination period.

During the day, the sun shines into Tsukiishi Momiji Park, allowing you to see the leaves turning a crimson red.

You can buy souvenirs from Nagatoro at the Chichitetsu Nagatoro Station Shop in front of Nagatoro Station.

The Chichibu Railway Group's "Chichibu Railway Nagatoro Station Shop" is a souvenir shop that sells Chichibu and Nagatoro's specialty products. It carries a wide range of original Chichibu Railway goods, so you're sure to find the perfect souvenir for your train trip.

About Chichibu Railway's original goods

Things to check before visiting Nagatoro

・Nagatoro Town experiences large changes in weather in November every year. The temperature is completely different between early and late November. If you are visiting Nagatoro during the autumn foliage season, we recommend that you bring an outer layer that is easy to put on and take off.
・The ground at Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park is made of dirt, so it may get muddy when it rains. There are places where rocks protrude from the ground, so we recommend wearing sneakers or other comfortable shoes.

・Some restaurants and souvenir shops in Nagatoro Town accept electronic payments, but many still require cash. We recommend that you bring as much cash as possible.
・If you need to use an ATM, the closest ATM to Nagatoro Station is the Seven-Eleven Nagatoro Iwadatami branch.

10

Chichibu Railway Nagatoro Station

Nagatoro Station is a Chichibu Railway station located in Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture.
Opened in 1911, it is a historic station building that has retained its original structure.
This station was selected as one of the first 100 Best Kanto Stations.
In front of Nagatoro Station is the Nagatoro Town Tourist Information Center, which also serves as the base for tourism in Nagatoro.

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11

Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station

This station is on the JR East and Chichibu Railway lines.
The ticket gates for the Chichibu Railway and JR East's Kumagaya Station are located separately.

Access
You can transfer to the JR Takasaki Line and the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Access to Asahi Bus and Kokusai Juoh Bus is available.

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The areas introduced this time are closest to Chichibu Railway's Nagatoro Station and Kami-Nagatoro Station. If you are traveling to the Chichibu and Nagatoro areas, please use the Chichibu Railway.

Chichibu Railway Official Homepage