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[Saitama, Chichibu / Nagatoro] A thorough explanation of the local railway "Chichibu Railway"! We will introduce how to ride and a discount ticket that allows you to get on and off multiple times.
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The Chichibu Railway is a local line that runs 71.7 kilometers across northern Saitama Prefecture from east to west. You can travel through areas rich in nature that you would never expect to find in the metropolitan area. In this article, we will explain the recommended tickets to use when riding t...
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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".
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Table of Contents
- What area does the Chichibu Railway run in?
- Not just a railway! Chichibu Railway also operates steam locomotives and river boat rides
- [Ride Guide] Let's ride the Chichibu Railway
- [Discount Ticket Information] If you plan to get on and off the Chichibu Railway Line multiple times in one day, use the "Free Ticket"
- [Spot Guide] Use the Chichibu Railway to go to these spots
What area does the Chichibu Railway run in?
The Chichibu Railway is a local line located in northwest Saitama Prefecture, next to Tokyo. The Chichibu Railway line passes through Kumagaya City, where an international rugby match was held, Fukaya City, where an outlet mall is located, and Nagatoro Town and Chichibu City, which are representative tourist destinations in Saitama Prefecture.
The Chichibu Railway provides fast and convenient transportation to these areas. The areas along the line are rich in Japanese countryside and nature. When you ride the Chichibu Railway, you can see the beautiful scenery of Japan from the train window.
Not just a railway! Chichibu Railway also operates steam locomotives and river boat rides
Chichibu Railway does more than just operate trains. It also operates Saitama Prefecture's only steam locomotive, the SL Paleo Express, and the river boat activity, the Nagatoro Line Rafting.
In addition, we operate the Hodo Mountain Ropeway, a restaurant serving local cuisine from the Chichibu region, and a souvenir shop in front of Nagatoro Station.
The closest steam locomotive to Tokyo: SL Paleo Express
The steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express", which has been in operation since 1988, is a tourist train that represents the Chichibu region.
It's popular with people of all ages because they get to smell the smoke, hear the whistle, and experience the loud noise of the train as it moves along the rails - experiences that you just can't get on a modern train.
Advance reservations are required for seats on the SL Paleo Express. For details, please see the link below.
Nagatoro Line Rafting: A 100-Year-Old River Rafting Activity
The highlight of sightseeing in Nagatoro is river boating. River boating is an activity that is also part of Japanese culture. Chichibu Railway has been running the "Nagatoro Rhine Boating" for over 100 years.
Hotels near Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River
[Ride Guide] Let's ride the Chichibu Railway
There are two ways to ride the Chichibu Railway: by purchasing a ticket or by using a transportation IC card.
How to use the ticket vending machine
1. Check the fare table to see the fare to your destination.
2. Please insert your money.
3. Press the button for the ticket you want to purchase.
4. Your ticket will be issued.
5. Your change will be returned.
Purchase a ticket from the automatic ticket machine and board the Chichibu Railway
1. Purchase a ticket from the automatic ticket machine.
2. Go through the ticket gate and show your ticket to the station staff.
3. Head to the platform.
4. Take the train.
5. After getting off the train, go through the ticket gate and place your used ticket in the box.
Use a transportation IC card to ride the Chichibu Railway
You can use a transportation IC card to ride the Chichibu Railway. Please check the remaining balance on your transportation IC card before boarding.
*Some Chichibu Railway stations have installed charging machines for transportation IC cards. If you have insufficient funds left on your transportation IC card, please use the charging machine. Please note that only cash can be used at the charging machine.
1. Touch your transportation IC card on the ticket gate.
2. Head to the platform.
3. Take the train.
4. After getting off the train, touch your transportation IC card to the ticket gate.
[Discount Ticket Information] If you plan to get on and off the Chichibu Railway Line multiple times in one day, use the "Free Ticket"
If you plan to get on and off the Chichibu Railway Line multiple times in one day, we recommend the Chichibu Railway Yuyuyu Free Ticket.
This ticket can be purchased from your smartphone using the MaaS mobile app "EMot" or the website "EMot Online Tickets." *Credit card information must be entered.
Price: 1,700 yen (tax included) for adults, 500 yen (tax included) for children
Purchase date: Can be purchased from one month before the date of use Validity period: Only on the day of use This ticket can be used all year round.
*If you use the SL Paleo Express or express trains, an additional fee will be charged.
Ride the Chichibu Railway with the "Chichibu Road Yuyuyu Free Ticket"
The Chichibu Road Yuyuyu Free Ticket is a digital ticket that can be used on your own smartphone.
1. Before boarding the Chichibu Railway, purchase a "Chichibu Road Yuyuyu Free Ticket" on your smartphone using the MaaS mobile app "EMot" or the website "EMot Online Tickets."
2. Go through the ticket gate and show the station attendant your smartphone with the ticket screen open.
3. Head to the platform.
4. Take the train.
5. After getting off the train, go through the ticket gate and show the station attendant your smartphone with the ticket screen open.
[Spot Guide] Use the Chichibu Railway to go to these spots
Along the Chichibu Railway line, there are places where you can enjoy shopping, historical buildings, and abundant nature. The Chichibu Railway stations are located close to the mountains, so it is also attractive for its easy access for hiking.
To visit this spot, use the Chichibu Railway.
- Hanyu Station
Transfer station on the Tobu Isesaki Line.
Located within Hanyu Suigo Park, this is the nearest station to Saitama Aquarium, which has the theme of "learning about nature through play."
- Gyoda City Station
Gyoda City is a castle town where tabi storehouses remain in the city center. It is the nearest station to the ruins of Oshi Castle, one of the Seven Famous Castles of Kanto and one of the Top 100 Castles of Japan. The area also hosts a Flower Water Purifier Week to welcome visitors. It is a photogenic event where you can see floating pots of seasonal flowers on the eaves of shrines and shops.
* Flower water basin: Flowers are floated in the water basin at shrines and temples. It spread throughout Japan in the latter half of the 2010s, and is now practiced in a variety of places, not just shrines and temples.
- Kumagaya Station
A transfer station for the JR Takasaki Line and the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Kumagaya City is a major economic hub in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture. In spring, it is famous for the rows of cherry blossom trees that bloom along the banks of the Arakawa River.
This is the starting station for the SL Paleo Express.
- Fukaya Hanazono Station
This is the newest station on the Chichibu Railway. It is the closest station to the Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets. At Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets, you can enjoy outlet shopping with "coexistence with the local community" as its keyword.
- Yorii Station
Transfer station for the JR Hachiko Line and Tobu Tojo Line.
This is the nearest station to the ruins of Hachigata Castle, one of Japan's 100 most famous castles. At Tamayodo, a scenic spot designated by Saitama Prefecture, you can enjoy the natural scenery along the river.
- Nagatoro Station
Nagatoro Town is a tourist destination known for its nature-rich townscape and stunning Arakawa River valley, visited by 3 million tourists a year.
There are many points of interest, such as the rock formations of "Nagatoro," a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument, and "Hoto Mountain Shrine," one of the three Chichibu shrines.
- Chichibu Station This is the center of the Chichibu region. Old houses have been renovated into cafes and restaurants, creating a retro townscape. It's the perfect place to stroll around and enjoy some food. In spring, Hitsujiyama Park is famous for the vast expanse of moss pinks. In winter, the spectacular Chichibu Night Festival is held here.
The distance between Chichibu Station and Onohata Station is about 800 meters, a 10-minute walk. No matter which station you get off at, you can enjoy the center of the Chichibu region.
- Onohata Station
Transfer station for the Seibu Chichibu Line. Seibu Chichibu Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line is a 5-10 minute walk away.
Hotels near Seibu Chichibu Station
- Mitakeguchi Station This is the terminal station and the turning point of the Chichibu Railway. You will feel like you are in a secluded area surrounded by lush mountains.
This is the nearest station to Mitsumine Shrine, which is revered by many people as a power spot.
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The Chichibu Railway is a local line that lets you experience the Japanese countryside. Enjoy the Japanese scenery from the train window on a day trip from Tokyo.
*Please check the latest information on the Chichibu Railway official website before heading out.
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".
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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