[2024 Autumn] 90 Minutes from Tokyo: A Cozy 2-Day, 1-Night Fall Getaway to the Beautiful Autumn Colors of Chichibu & Nagatoro

Just 90 Minutes from Tokyo! A 2-Day, 1-Night Autumn Foliage Adventure in Chichibu & Nagatoro

There are many spots to see autumn leaves in Japan, but the Chichibu region of 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, with the best viewing time being around mid-November. The Chichibu region is dotted with numerous spots to see autumn leaves, some of which are lit up during the best viewing times. We will introduce Chichibu in the fall, surrounded by colorful trees.

This time, we will guide you on a course that goes from Tokyo Station, the gateway to Japan, via Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway to Chichibu and Nagatoro. It will be a two-day, one-night trip where you can fully enjoy the autumn leaves, which you can call a "treat to yourself!"

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Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is a beautiful landmark with a historic station building. It is a key point for the Shinkansen and conventional train lines, and is surrounded by the Marunouchi luxury shopping area and historical buildings. It is also a popular tourist spot, with a wide variety of shops and restaurants both inside and outside the station, blending a historic atmosphere with modern bustle.

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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 Kumagaya Station are located separately.

Access
You can transfer to the JR Takasaki Line and the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen.
You can access Asahi Bus and Kokusai Juo Bus.

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Taking the Chichibu Railway: Should You Ride the SL Paleo Express or the 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 Chichibu.

Alternatively, you can take a local or express train to Chichibu. The trains that run on the Chichibu Railway are retro, with carriages of various shapes and colors.

Enjoy a Relaxing Ride to Nagatoro on the SL Paleo Express: Chichibu's Iconic Steam Locomotive

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 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 Chichibu Station at 12:12 p.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.

SL Paleo Express Webpage

Take a local or express train to Chichibu.

From Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway, take a local or express train to Chichibu Station.
The train from Kumagaya Station to Chichibu Station stops at every station and takes 1 hour and 5 minutes.

The express train from Kumagaya Station to Chichibu Station takes 55 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 Chichibu Station

This station is on the Chichibu Railway line.
It is the most convenient station for accessing tourist spots in Chichibu city.
There is also access to Seibu Sightseeing Buses.

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Stroll Through Historic Chichibu and Discover Local Lunch Spots Along the Way

Chichibu city has developed as a mountain town since ancient times, with a mix of temple town, market town, and post town. In particular, from the mid-Meiji period to the early Showa period, silk fabrics known as "Chichibu Meisen" gained nationwide popularity. Buildings constructed during this period remain in their original form even today, serving as cafes, restaurants, retail stores, and museums.

There is a shopping street called "Banba-dori" that stretches from Chichibu Shrine, which is a 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station, to Onohata Station. There are many stylish cafes and restaurants to eat while walking around. Enjoy lunch at your favorite restaurant while strolling around.

Relish a Delicious Lunch in a Historic Chichibu Home That’s Stood the Test of Time

If you're looking for a luxurious lunch in a renovated old house, we recommend Restaurant MARUJU.
The restaurant is located in a historically valuable building constructed during the Meiji period, and the interior is a comfortable space. Please enjoy creative French cuisine in a casual or stylish setting.

This restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway and a 3-minute walk from Chichibu Shrine. Because it is close to the shrine, it is an easy place to visit before or after visiting the shrine, or while walking around the town.

Restaurant MARUJU Official Website

If you are looking for a place to stay overnight in Chichibu, why not try the accommodation "NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi"? "NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi" is a renovated building with great historical value. The facility is dotted around downtown Chichibu, making it the perfect place to stay if you want to stroll around until the evening.

Restaurant MARUJU also operates as an old-style Japanese hotel within the accommodation facility "NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi."

NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi Official Homepage

Indulge in Cute and Instagram-Worthy Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a Japanese sweet baked in a metal mold, shaped like a fish, with a pancake-like batter filled with sweet bean paste. Its cute appearance makes you want to take a photo.

Chichibu Hahaso Taiyaki Instagram

Get your fortune told at Chichibu Shrine, the guardian deity of Chichibu.

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Chichibu Shrine

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Chichibu Shrine Official Website

Chichibu Shrine is a historic shrine known as the guardian deity of Chichibu. The main hall is beautifully decorated with brilliant colors. Be sure to visit and stroll around the grounds.

During the autumn foliage season, the magnificent ginkgo tree in the temple grounds changes color. Near the ginkgo tree is "Katsura Inari Shrine," where the fox "Inari-sama" is enshrined. Although it is a small shrine, many foxes are dedicated to it, and the mysterious atmosphere is captivating.

The Kasane Misogi River on the right side of the shrine grounds is fed by underground water from Mt. Buko, the sacred mountain of Chichibu Shrine. Come here to try your hand at water divination.
If you unfold the fortune slip and dip it in the water from the source of Mt. Buko, the letters will appear and you will be able to know your fortune. You can either tie the fortune slip at the fortune-tying area in the temple grounds or put it in a plastic bag provided to take home.

2:39 pm departure: Board the SL Paleo Express (bound for Kumagaya). Feel the Joy of Riding in Retro Passenger Cars!

After strolling around Banba Street and Chichibu Shrine, let's head to Nagatoro on the SL Paleo Express, a sightseeing train that represents the Chichibu Railway. You can board the SL Paleo Express from either Onohata Station or Chichibu Station.

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Chichibu Railway Chichibu Station

This station is on the Chichibu Railway line.
It is the most convenient station for accessing tourist spots in Chichibu city.
There is also access to Seibu Sightseeing Buses.

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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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The ride on the SL Paleo Express from Chichibu Station to Nagatoro Station takes 30 minutes.
The interior of the passenger cars has a retro atmosphere with precious wood grain that stirs up the feeling of traveling.

Before arriving at Nagatoro Station, the train crosses the Arakawa Bridge, the largest railway bridge on the Chichibu Railway. The view of the autumn leaves of the Nagatoro Valley from the train window is a must-see.

*SL Paleo Express (bound for Kumagaya): Departs from Onohata Station at 2:33 PM and from Chichibu Station at 2:39 PM.
*Times are for the 2024 season. Please check for the latest information.

About the SL Paleo Express

Welcome to Nagatoro! Enjoy Autumn Foliage and Scenic Views of Iwadatami Rocks on Nagatoro Rhine Cruise Adventure!

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Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River

Rhine Cruise the Nagatoro River is a river boating activity that Nagatoro's tourism and leisure activities. It started in 1915, and since 1923 has been directly operated by the Chichibu Railway.
Rhine Cruise the Nagatoro River involves a traditional Japanese boat boating down the river, which is a designated national Scenic Spot and Natural Monument, Nagatoro. You can board a Japanese boat steered by a skilled boatman and enjoy the magnificent riverside scenery that changes with the seasons as you go down the river. You can also experience thrills at the rapids.
The experience of going down the river and viewing the valley during the autumn foliage season is particularly exceptional.

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Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River Webpage

"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.

A Japanese boat sails through a valley covered in autumn leaves. The best time to see the autumn leaves is usually from mid-November to early November.

The Perfect Time to Visit: 3 pm at Nagatoro's Stunning Rock Formations, a Scenic Spot and Natural Monument

Iwadatami is a tourist spot characterized by a group of strangely shaped rocks that spread along the valley of the Arakawa River. In the autumn foliage season, the trees on the opposite bank of the rocks turn red, creating a beautiful scene that is truly worthy of being called a spectacular sight. You can feel the beauty of nature's creation.

The best time to enjoy the autumn leaves around the rock formations is around 3pm. Enjoy the view of the 600m long monolith and the autumn leaves on the opposite bank, illuminated by the orange rays of the setting sun. You can also enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves at other times of the day.

Don't Miss a Stroll and Tasty Treats 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, we recommend the home-roasted coffee stand, grilled sweetfish skewers, and gelato.

End Your Day with a Restful Night at Choseikan Ryokan!

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Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan

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"Choseikan" Official Webpage

The closest inn to Nagatoro Station is Nagatoro Onsen "Hana no Omotenashi - Choseikan." From the guest rooms, you can see the scenic beauty and natural monument "Nagatoro," so you can relax and enjoy.

Time to Check Out and Say Goodbye to Your Stay!

After a relaxing rest, check out late the next day. Let's make this a trip that will refresh you and relieve your daily fatigue.

Morning Adventure: Explore the Autumn Leaves at Mt. Hodo and Take in the Stunning Views of the Chichibu Mountain Range!

Ride the Adorable Yellow Gondola Through Autumn Leaves on the Hodosan Ropeway!

Take the Hodosan Ropeway up the autumn-colored Mt. Hodo. You can see the autumn-colored Chichibu mountain range from the ropeway window.

At the summit of Mt. Hodo, you can enjoy the scenery of autumn leaves with a mixture of yellow and red colors.

There are walking paths around the summit area of Mt. Hodo. Enjoy nature while admiring the autumn leaves and mountain ranges.

See the collaboration of winter cherry blossoms and autumn leaves from the summit of Mt. Hodo

Winter cherry blossoms bloom in November. Enjoy the combination of the pretty cherry blossoms that bloom in late autumn and the autumn leaves.

Capture the Romance of a Sunset over the Chichibu Mountains from Mt. Hodo.

During the autumn season, the Hodosan Ropeway operates with delayed operating times to coincide with the sunset. Enjoy the sunset over the Chichibu mountain range from the west plaza in front of the Hodosan Ropeway summit station.

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 (Chichibu Railway Official Website)

Experience the Vibrant Autumn Foliage at Hodosan Shrine, One of Chichibu's Three Major Shrines

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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 fire, 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 Website

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 Options: Will You Choose Chichibu's Specialty 'Waraji Katsudon,' Miso-Marinated Pork, or Delicious Japanese Soba?

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

Delight in Chichibu's Local Delicacies at Garden House Yurin, Just Steps from Hodosan Shrine.

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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

Another Chichibu specialty that has its roots in the miso-marinated wild boar meat of the past is the "Aburi Pork Miso Rice Bowl." This is a Chichibu specialty gourmet dish in which pork marinated in miso is grilled over charcoal and placed on a rice bowl.
At Garden House Yurin, pork is served in a tiered box.

It uses soft pork loin, making it easy for women to eat.

Japanese soba noodles are also popular. "Tenzaru soba" comes with seasonal tempura.

Garden House Yurin is marked by a white shop curtain.

Afternoon: Take some impressive photos at Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club

Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club is an indoor facility that can be enjoyed in any weather. Various trick art (artworks that use optical illusions) such as ninjas and dinosaurs are on display, and you can take impressive photos.
Anyone can become fascinated by the mysterious world created by optical illusions. Suitable for both children and adults.

In addition, there is a Japanese garden and a detached Japanese-style room next to the Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club. This garden features a pond with Nishikigoi and goldfish swimming in it, as well as maple trees, allowing you to enjoy a uniquely Japanese landscape. This is a must-visit spot for those who want to relax and enjoy the autumn scenery.

This photo was taken in spring. During the autumn foliage season, the maples in the Japanese garden turn red.

In particular, the garden will be lit up at night in November 2024, creating a fantastic and romantic atmosphere. Don't miss this opportunity to visit.

For information on the illuminated autumn leaves in Nagatoro Town, please see this link.

Nagatoro Autumn Night Tour 2024 Event Webpage

Discover the Beauty of Colorful Autumn Foliage Among 50 Maple Trees at Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park.

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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

At Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park, about 50 maple trees are lit up 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.

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

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

Pick Up Souvenirs from Nagatoro at the Chichitetsu Nagatoro Station Shop Right Outside the 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.

Chichibu Railway Official Merchandise

Checklist for Your Visit to 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.

On Your Way Back, Enjoy a Ride on Seibu Railway's Laview!

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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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Chichibu Railway Ohanabatake Station

Ohanabatake Station is a station on the Chichibu Railway, located in Higashimachi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.
It opened in 1917 (Taisho 6), and in 2004 the station building was registered as a national tangible cultural property.
It is also close to Seibu Railway and Seibu-Chichibu Station, making it the most convenient station for transferring from the Seibu Line.

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Seibu Chichibu Station

This is a station on the Seibu Railway Seibu Chichibu Line in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.

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On your way back to Tokyo, take the Seibu Railway Line. Next to Seibu Chichibu Station is Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu, which has a souvenir shop selling Chichibu region goods, a hot spring facility, and a food court. Please stop by while you wait for the train.

Before heading home, we recommend soaking in the hot springs to relax and soothe your tired body from your journey.

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Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Festival Hot Spring

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

Chichibu Railway Official Website