[2024 Autumn] Nagatoro, Saitama – Just 90 Minutes from Tokyo! Enjoy a Day Trip for Stunning Autumn Foliage
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Located in the scenic northwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, Nagatoro is one of the region's top tourist destinations, drawing in about 3 million visitors each year. Surrounded by beautiful nature, Nagatoro boasts seasonal flowers and lush greenery that fill the valleys with color and life. Autum...
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Chichibu Railway is a local private railway that boasts a total length of 71.7 km that crosses northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. The line is dotted with tourist spots such as Chichibu, Nagatoro, Yorii, Fukaya, Gyoda, and Hanyu, and is a line that allows you to travel through areas rich in nature. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as rural landscapes and the valleys along the Arakawa River. Various tourist businesses are also operated along the line, such as the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" which is the closest to the city center and the "Nagatoro Line Kudari".
Required time
One day trip
Transportation
Train
｜
On foot
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
We depart from Tokyo Station, the center of Japan, and head to Kumagaya Station.
There are two main ways to get from Tokyo Station to Kumagaya Station.
For those who want to get to Kumagaya Station more quickly, we recommend taking the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen.
∟Travel time: Approximately 37 minutesIf you want to get to Kumagaya Station with fewer transfers and a cheaper route, we recommend the JR Takasaki Line bound for Takasaki / Ueno-Tokyo Line.
∟Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
There are two main ways to get from Tokyo Station to Kumagaya Station.
For those who want to get to Kumagaya Station more quickly, we recommend taking the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen.
∟Travel time: Approximately 37 minutesIf you want to get to Kumagaya Station with fewer transfers and a cheaper route, we recommend the JR Takasaki Line bound for Takasaki / Ueno-Tokyo Line.
∟Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
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Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station
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.
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.
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Chichibu Railway Nagatoro Station
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Nagatoro Town Tourist Information Center
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
1 minute walk
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Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River
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.
5 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station to Iwadatami
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
15 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station
A free shuttle bus runs from Nagatoro Station to Mt. Hodo.
Please see the official Hodosan Ropeway website for operating dates etc.
Please see the official Hodosan Ropeway website for operating dates etc.
6
Hodosan Shrine (Chichibu Miyama)
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.
3 minutes walk from Hodosan Shrine to "Garden House Yurin"
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Garden House Yurin
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.
10 minutes walk from Hodosan Shrine to "Yurin, a restaurant specializing in pork and miso rice bowls"
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Miso Pork Rice Bowl Specialty Restaurant Yurin
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.
5 minutes walk from Hodosan Shrine to the base station of the Hodosan Ropeway 20 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station to the base station of the Hodosan Ropeway
A free shuttle bus runs from Nagatoro Station to the Hodo Mountain Base Parking Lot (near the Hodo Mountain Ropeway Base Station).
Please see the official Hodosan Ropeway website for operating dates etc.
Please see the official Hodosan Ropeway website for operating dates etc.
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 and it takes 5 minutes from the base station to the summit station.
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
7 minutes walk from Mt. Hodo Ropeway Summit Station
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
Take the Hodosan Ropeway and travel from the summit station to the base station in 5 minutes.
A free shuttle bus runs from the Hodo Mountain base parking lot (near the Hodo Mountain Ropeway base station) to Nagatoro Station.
Please see the official Hodosan Ropeway website for operating dates etc.
Please see the official Hodosan Ropeway website for operating dates etc.
After dusk, stop by Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park for an even more romantic experience, where the autumn leaves are lit up.
Travel time from Nagatoro Station to Kami-Nagatoro Station: 2 minutes
5 minutes walk from Kaminagatoro Station to Tsukiishi Momiji Park
9
Tsukinoishi Momiji Park
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.
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Chichibu Railway Nagatoro Station
Approximately 50 minutes from Nagatoro Station to Kumagaya Station by local train
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Chichibu Railway Kumagaya Station
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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
Spots introduced in this model course
Chichibu Railway is a local private railway that boasts a total length of 71.7 km that crosses northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. The line is dotted with tourist spots such as Chichibu, Nagatoro, Yorii, Fukaya, Gyoda, and Hanyu, and is a line that allows you to travel through areas rich in nature. You can enjoy seasonal scenery such as rural landscapes and the valleys along the Arakawa River. Various tourist businesses are also operated along the line, such as the steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express" which is the closest to the city center and the "Nagatoro Line Kudari".
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