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[Updated for 2024] Introducing all the recommended tourist spots on Saitama Prefecture's local line, Chichibu Railway!
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The Chichibu Railway is a local line that runs 71.7 kilometers from east to west through northern Saitama Prefecture. You can travel through areas rich in nature that you would never guess are in the metropolitan area. In this article, we will introduce sightseeing spots along the Chichibu Railway, ...
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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
- Ride the Chichibu Railway and experience Saitama's history and natural beauty!
- The most famous tourist spot along the Chichibu Railway: Nagatoro
- Two restaurants in Nagatoro serving Chichibu specialty cuisine!
- The closest steam locomotive to Tokyo: SL Paleo Express
- A historical journey through northwest Saitama on the Chichibu Railway
- Gyoda City: A castle town where tabi storehouses remain
- Kumagaya City: A city that's perfect for strolling along cherry blossom-lined streets in spring and the hottest in Japan in summer
- Outlet mall opening in 2022: Fukaya City
- One of Japan's 100 most famous castles, the ruins of Hachigata Castle, and a 150-year-old cherry tree: Yorii Town
- Chichibu City: A town of retro streets and festivals
- Travel to northwestern Saitama Prefecture on the Chichibu Railway
Ride the Chichibu Railway and experience Saitama's history and natural beauty!
Northwest Saitama Prefecture is an area full of natural beauty and history. The local Chichibu Railway runs through the area, and many customers use it as a fast and convenient means of transportation for day trips and overnight stays. The tourist train SL Paleo Express is popular as the closest steam locomotive from Tokyo. Please enjoy the historical and naturally rich tourist spots along the Chichibu Railway.
The most famous tourist spot along the Chichibu Railway: Nagatoro
Nagatoro Town is located in the northwest of Saitama Prefecture, and is a tourist destination rich in nature, accessible in 90 minutes from Tokyo. Three million tourists visit every year. You can enjoy flowers and scenery in every season, with cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, autumn leaves in the fall, and plum blossoms and wintersweet in the winter. Not only can you enjoy nature, but there are also plenty of outdoor activities such as river boating and rafting, making it a spot you can enjoy all year round.
1. The rock formations of "Nagatoro", a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument
The "Iwadatami" rock terraces, a symbol of Nagatoro, are located along the Arakawa River, a five-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway. They are rock terraces formed by the erosion of crystalline schist that rose from the bottom of the sea due to large-scale crustal movements. They were named "Iwadatami" because they look like a bed of tatami mats.
Iwadatami is a large monolith that stretches along the Arakawa River, measuring approximately 50m in width and 600m in length. It is extremely rare geologically, and was designated a national scenic spot and natural monument in 1924. It is also called the "Window to the Earth" because it allows visitors to see the formation of the Earth up close.
In autumn, the maples and oak trees along the river change color, creating beautiful autumn foliage, and the area is bustling with tourists every year. The scenery created by the valley and the autumn leaves is overwhelming, bringing healing to all who visit.
Best time to see autumn leaves: Mid-November to late November
The street from Nagatoro Station to the rock formations is the "Iwadatami Shopping Street." It is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. Along with your stroll along the rock formations, you can also shop for local products and enjoy Chichibu's specialty cuisine.
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The rock formations of "Nagatoro", a nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument
Location: Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture Opening hours: Open all year round Admission fee: Free Access: 5-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway Contact: Nagatoro Town Tourism Association, General Incorporated Association 0494-66-3311 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
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2. Experience Japanese culture by boarding a Japanese boat! "Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise"
One of the main tourist leisure activities in Nagatoro is traditional Japanese river boat rides, where you can experience the scenery as you smoothly navigate the calm river, as well as the thrill of the rapids, all while boarding a Japanese-style boat steered by an experienced boatman.
You can also enjoy the magnificent riverside scenery that changes with the seasons as you go down the river. In particular, the experience of going down the river along the valley during the autumn foliage season is exceptional. Enjoy the autumn foliage that is unique to Nagatoro while feeling the refreshing autumn breeze.
Best time to see autumn leaves: Mid-November to late November
3. Experience the Japanese culture of "Kotatsu" on a Japanese boat! "Warm Kotatsu Boat" available only in winter
Every year from January to February, we operate Japanese boats equipped with a traditional Japanese "kotatsu" (heated table with a heater). You can experience a boat trip while staying warm in a kotatsu, even as the cold winter winds blow through the valley. Why not try experiencing Japanese culture that is unique to the cold winter?
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Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River (Warm Kotatsu Boat)
Operating period: Early March to early December (Winter-only "Poka Poka Kotatsu Boat" operates from January to February)
Business hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm ("Poka Poka Kotatsu Boat" is 10:00am to 2:30pm)
*During operating hours, Japanese boats operate every 5 to 20 minutes.
* May be postponed due to weather conditions, etc.
Address: 489-2 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 1 minute walk from Nagatoro Station Inquiries: Nagatoro Line Boat Cruise Headquarters 0494-66-0950 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Hotels near Rhine Cruise The Nagatoro River
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4. Take a cute yellow gondola to the top of the mountain in 5 minutes! "Hodosan Ropeway"
The Hodosan Ropeway is 832m long and takes about 5 minutes to travel from the base station to the summit station. At the summit of Mt. Hodo, seasonal flowers such as wintersweet, plum blossoms, azaleas, and winter cherry blossoms bloom in abundance. You can see the mountains surrounding the Chichibu Basin from an altitude of 497m. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and seasonal flowers all year round.
[January to February] Wintersweet
Wintersweet is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Wintersweetaceae that produces beautiful yellow flowers in winter. Wintersweet flowers are shiny like wax and have a sweet fragrance.
At Mt. Hodo, five varieties of wintersweet flowers bloom in the vast gardens of 3,000 square meters in the West Wintersweet Garden and 2,000 square meters in the East Wintersweet Garden. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the town of Chichibu below, Mt. Buko, the symbol of Chichibu, and the saw-shaped mountain of Mt. Ryokami.
[March] Plum blossoms
Ume Hyakukaen, located in front of Mt. Hodo Summit Station, began planting plum trees in 1986, and currently has about 170 varieties, including the early-blooming Touji and Kankoubai plums, the Three Famous Flowers of the Month (Full Moon, Tagoto Moon, and Soumei Moon), famous flowers, and rare flowers, making it the plum garden with the most varieties in the Kanto region. From around mid-February, about 470 plum trees paint the mountainside red and white.
[April to May] Azalea
Thousands of mountain azaleas of various kinds, including pink, red, and white, bloom in full glory, painting the summit of Mt. Hodo in brilliant colors.
[April to September] Green season
During the green season, the mountains take on a soft, vibrant green color. The new leaves shine in the sunlight, and their transparent green color makes you feel their vitality. The change from the light yellow-green of the new leaves to a dark green is also very beautiful, and the view from the mountaintop gives refreshing energy and vitality to those who see it, soothing the soul.
[October to December] Sea of clouds, sunsets, and autumn leaves
You can see the sea of clouds at Mt. Hodo. On limited days from October to November, the Mt. Hodo Ropeway operates special early morning services so that you can enjoy the sea of clouds.
In addition, the beautiful sunset over the mountains of the Chichibu Basin is very popular. On limited days in October and November, the operating hours of the Hodo Mountain Ropeway will be delayed so that you can enjoy the sunset.
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Hodosan Ropeway
Operating hours: 9:40am - 5:00pm
*After 10:00 a.m., buses run every 15 to 30 minutes.
*Operating hours may change depending on the season.
Fare: Adults 700 yen one way, 1,200 yen round trip / Children 350 yen one way, 600 yen round trip
Closing days: Open all year round *Closed during regular inspection period (2 weeks) in December every year
Address: 1766-1 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway. *A free shuttle bus runs from Nagatoro Station to the Hodosan Ropeway base station.
Hotels near Hodosan Ropeway
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5. Experience feeding animals for just 100 yen! "Hodosan Small Animal Park"
At the Hodosan Small Animal Park, located at the summit of Mt. Hodo, you can get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including Japanese macaques and Japanese deer.
It is a popular tourist spot where you can even feed the animals for just 100 yen. Payment for the feeding experience can only be made in coins, so we recommend that you prepare 100 yen coins in advance.
Also, don't miss the adorable shows featuring guinea pigs and call ducks.
\Introducing the animals you can feed/
Llamas are known for their round eyes and fluffy fur! They are friendly and love to eat!
Goats: the natural smile
Hopping around! A rabbit with long ears and big eyes
Sika deer, the beautiful lord of the forest, in harmony with nature
Can you throw the food over your head? The most popular feeding spot is the Japanese macaques.
Cute guinea pigs crossing a bridge "Mallway"
Guinea pigs run in a line on a board that resembles a narrow bridge.
The sight of the adorable guinea pigs moving to the sound of the bell is a must-see.
The "Duck Walk" - A walk with a wagging call duck
You can watch the call ducks walk around the zoo, wagging their tails in time with the sound of a bell rung by the zookeeper.
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Hodosan Small Animal Zoo
Opening hours: 10:00am - 4:30pm *May vary depending on the season Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children Holidays: Open all year round *Closed when the Hodosan Ropeway is out of service Access: 20 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway. Take the Hodosan Ropeway for 5 minutes to the summit station. It is a 7 minute walk from the summit station.
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6. Hodosan Shrine, one of the three Chichibu shrines located at the foot of Mt. Hodosan
Hodosan Shrine is one of the three major shrines in Chichibu, with its main hall located at the foot of Mt. Hodosan. It is highly regarded as a guardian deity that protects against fire, theft, and other misfortunes, and is visited by more than one million worshippers each year, not only from the local area but from all over the Kanto region.
There are colorful and impressive carvings throughout the main hall and worship hall of Hodosan Shrine. These were carved by sculptor Iida Iwajiro from Kumagaya, Bushu, and are one of the things you should pay attention to when visiting, as they give you a sense of the solemn atmosphere of a shrine nestled in the mountains.
Additionally, Hodosan Shrine became the first shrine in Saitama Prefecture to receive one star in the Michelin Green Guide Japan as an "interesting spot."
The inner shrine of Hodosan Shrine is located at the summit of Mt. Hodosan. It is a 10-minute walk from the summit station of the Hodosan Ropeway.
The atmosphere of the inner shrine, which sits quietly on the mountaintop, is very mystical and different from that of the main shrine.
Why not try visiting both the main shrine at the foot of Mt. Hodo and the inner shrine at the summit?
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Hodosan Shrine
Address: 1828 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Closed: Open all year round Opening hours: April to September 8:30am to 5:00pm / October to March 8:30am to 4:30pm Access: 15 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway Inquiries: 0494-66-0084
Hotels near Hodosan Shrine (Chichibu Miyama)
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7. Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club: An experiential art facility with a Japanese motif
It is an experiential art facility that incorporates elements of tricks from many fields, including optical illusions and three-dimensional tricks. Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club has a total of 34 works on display, including trick art exclusive to the museum, divided into four sections, with a focus on works with "Japanese" motifs such as Edo culture and ninjas.
This is an all-weather art museum that you can enjoy regardless of the weather. The exhibits are changed regularly so that you can encounter new trick art no matter how many times you visit. We recommend visiting with family and friends, as you can enjoy the illusion by taking photos.
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Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club
Opening hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm (last entry 3:30pm)
Admission fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for junior high school students, 500 yen for children Closed: Every Thursday *Open during peak season Location: 704 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway. *A free shuttle bus runs from Nagatoro Station to the Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club.
Hotels near Nagatoro Trick Art Yurin Club
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Two restaurants in Nagatoro serving Chichibu specialty cuisine!
Nagatoro Town in Saitama Prefecture is famous for Japanese soba and udon. In addition, "miso-pickled pork" is a popular local specialty. This is a modern adaptation of the traditional preserved food "miso-pickled wild boar meat" from the Chichibu region.
Other famous local delicacies include rice bowls such as "Waraji Katsudon."
1. Miso Pork Rice Bowl Specialty Restaurant Yurin
Located a two-minute walk from Nagatoro Station towards Hodosan Shrine, this restaurant specializes in the Chichibu specialty "pork and miso rice bowl." The pork is marinated in a secret miso sauce and carefully grilled by a skilled chef, creating a luxurious dish.
With one bite, the juicy pork soaked in sweet and spicy miso fills your mouth, and the flavor deepens with each bite. The umami of the meat and the richness of the miso are exquisitely intertwined, making it so delicious you won't be able to stop eating rice.
In addition, the rice is generously covered in miso sauce, so you can enjoy it down to the last grain. The aroma of the savory grilled pork whets your appetite, making for a very satisfying bowl of ramen. If you visit Nagatoro, be sure to give it a try.
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Miso Pork Rice Bowl Specialty Restaurant Yurin
Business hours: 10:30am - 4:00pm (closes when pork is sold out)
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays *During peak and off-peak seasons, opening hours may change suddenly or the shop may be closed.
Address: 532-5 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 2 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway
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2. Garden House Yurin
This is a restaurant that you can easily drop in to on your way to the summit of Mt. Hodosan or Hodosan Shrine. In addition to a menu centered on Japanese soba and udon noodles made with local ingredients, you can enjoy other reasonably priced dishes such as the local specialty "Waraji Katsudon" and the winter-only "Okkirikomi Udon."
We use Japanese soba noodles from a local noodle factory. Enjoy the crispy tempura with matcha salt or soba sauce.
Chichibu's specialty gourmet dish, "Waraji Katsudon," is exactly what its name suggests: two large cutlets, each shaped like a pair of straw sandals, are placed on top of a rice bowl. The freshly fried cutlet is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with the juices filling your mouth. The special sweet and spicy sauce permeates the entire cutlet and pairs perfectly with the white rice. Although it's a hearty meal, the light texture of the cutlet and the rich flavor of the sauce will keep you coming back for more until the last bite.
The cutlet is so big that it spills out of the bowl.
"Okkirikomi Udon" is a local Chichibu dish that is a warm and comforting noodle dish. Its characteristics are that the noodles are thicker and flatter than udon noodles, and have a chewy elasticity. They mix well with the soup, making them satisfying to eat. The ingredients include tenderly stewed pork and vegetables. The flavors of each ingredient blend into the soup, giving it a deeper flavor. Okkirikomi Udon warms both the body and soul, making it the perfect dish for the cold season.
The soup is miso-based and you can also add a small bowl of rice as an option.
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Garden House Yurin
Opening hours: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Closed: Irregular holidays Location: 704 Nagatoro, Chichibu-cho, Nagatoro-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway
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The closest steam locomotive to Tokyo: SL Paleo Express
The steam locomotive "SL Paleo Express", which has been operated by the Chichibu Railway since 1988, is a tourist train that represents the Chichibu route.
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.
Sightseeing to Nagatoro on a steam locomotive running through the Japanese countryside and lush nature will be a special experience.
Advance reservations are required for seats on the SL Paleo Express. For details, please see the link below.
A historical journey through northwest Saitama on the Chichibu Railway
Northwest Saitama Prefecture is an area rich in natural beauty and history. Located 60 minutes by train from Tokyo, it is visited by many tourists from the greater Tokyo area.
In addition to Nagatoro, which was introduced in this article, there are many other places you can enjoy. We will introduce five areas along the Chichibu Railway Line.
Gyoda City: A castle town where tabi storehouses remain
Gyoda City is a castle town where tabi storehouses remain in the city center. The ruins of Oshi Castle, one of the Seven Great Castles of Kanto and one of the Top 100 Castles in Japan, is the symbol of the town.
The current "Oshi Castle Gosankai Yagura" at the "Oshi Castle Ruins" was rebuilt in 1988 after being demolished during the Meiji period. Part of the interior of the building is now an exhibition room for the local museum, and from the top floor you can get a panoramic view of Gyoda city.
In spring, Somei-yoshino and Oshima-zakura cherry trees bloom, attracting many visitors as a famous cherry blossom spot.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms at Oshi Castle Ruins: Late March to early April
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Admission: Free to the park, but admission to the Territory Museum is free. Address: 17-23 Honmaru, Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes on foot from the south exit of Gyoda Station on the Chichibu Railway
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In addition, the entire region will host 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.
This is a monthly event, but please check in advance as it is held on limited days.
* 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.
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Gyoda Flower Water Purification Week
Location: Gyoda, Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture *Held at Gyoda Hachiman Shrine, Hachiman Street, and other locations in Gyoda City Access: 8 minutes on foot from the south exit of Gyoda City Station on the Chichibu Railway (Gyoda Hachiman Shrine)
*This is a limited event, so please check the dates before visiting.
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For more information, please see Gyoda City Tourism NAVI (Gyoda City Official Tourism Website).
Kumagaya City: A city that's perfect for strolling along cherry blossom-lined streets in spring and the hottest in Japan in summer
Kumagaya City is a major economic hub in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture.
In spring, the area is famous for the rows of cherry blossom trees that bloom along the banks of the Arakawa River. The Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi, known as a famous cherry blossom spot since the Edo period, has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan. Approximately 500 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees create a cherry blossom tunnel that stretches for about 2 kilometers, attracting many visitors.
During the cherry blossom viewing season, the area is lined with food stalls, and sampling festival delicacies is one of the joys of the area.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi: Late March to early April
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Kumagaya Cherry Blossom Embankment
Location: Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture Access: 5 minutes walk from the south exit of Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway and JR lines
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In summer, the "Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival," known as the Kanto region's biggest Gion Festival, is held every year from July 20th to 22nd. The name "Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival" comes from the distribution of "uchiwa" fans. Floats parade through the city of Kumagaya, and the sounds of Japanese music such as Japanese drums and bamboo flutes echo throughout the town.
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Kumagaya Fan Festival
Location: Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture Date: July 20th to 22nd every year Access: Right outside the north exit of Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway and JR lines
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In addition, the Kumagaya Fireworks Festival is held every year in mid-August on the banks of the Arakawa River. It has been held since 1948 and is one of the oldest fireworks festivals. With around 10,000 fireworks launched, it is one of the most popular fireworks festivals in Saitama Prefecture.
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Kumagaya Fireworks Festival
Location: Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture Access: 5 minutes walk from the south exit of Kumagaya Station on the Chichibu Railway and JR lines
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Kumagaya City has recorded the highest temperature in Japan in the summer, so if you visit in the summer, be sure to take precautions against the heat.
It's a hot summer in Kumagaya city, with hot summers and festivals.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Kumagaya City Tourism Association.
Outlet mall opening in 2022: Fukaya City
Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets offers outlet shopping with the keyword "coexistence with the local community." This outlet mall has about 130 stores, ranging from high-end brands to casual stores and restaurants.
The hotel is also popular for its location, just a short walk from Fuka-Ya Hanazono Station on the Chichibu Railway.
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Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets
Location: 1 Hanazono, Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 3 minutes walk from Fukaya Hanazono Station on the Chichibu Railway
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One of Japan's 100 most famous castles, the ruins of Hachigata Castle, and a 150-year-old cherry tree: Yorii Town
The symbol of the town is the ruins of Hachigata Castle, one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. Hachigata Castle was designated a national historic site in 1932 as a representative castle ruin from the Warring States period. The park has a promenade around the valley and the Edohigan "Ujikuni Sakura", a natural monument designated by Yorii Town, and you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
The Edohigan "Ujikuni Sakura", a natural monument designated by Yorii Town, is estimated to be over 150 years old. Many cherry blossoms bloom on the large umbrella-shaped branches, and you will be captivated by its appearance.
Best time to see Ujikuni Sakura: Late March to early April
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Hachigata Castle Park, Ujikuni Cherry Blossoms
Address: 2692-2 Hachigata, Yorii-machi, Osato-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Access: 25 minutes on foot from the south exit of Yorii Station on the Chichibu Railway
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For more information, please visit the Yorii Town official website.
Chichibu City: A town of retro streets and festivals
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. Renovated buildings from this period have been turned into cafes and restaurants, creating a retro townscape. It's the perfect place to stroll around and enjoy some food.
In spring, Hitsujiyama Park at the foot of Mount Buko, the symbol of Chichibu, is famous for its expansive fields of moss phlox. Over 400,000 colorful moss phlox plants are planted here, creating the appearance of a giant carpet of flowers.
Walk along the park's promenade and enjoy the spring scenery of Chichibu.
Best time to see the moss phlox: mid-April to early May
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Hitsujiyama Park Moss Phlox Hill
Location: Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture Access: 20 minutes on foot from Onohata Station on the Chichibu Railway
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In winter, the gorgeous Chichibu Night Festival is held. The Chichibu Night Festival is counted among the "Three Great Float Festivals of Japan" along with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Takayama Festival in Hida. On the day of the festival, gorgeous floats parade through the city, and the sounds of Japanese music such as Japanese drums and bamboo flutes echo throughout the town.
The Chichibu Night Festival is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is one of Japan's most famous festivals.
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Chichibu Night Festival
Location: Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture Date: December 2nd and 3rd every year Access: Directly outside Chichibu Station or Onohata Station on the Chichibu Railway *Special trains will be running on the day of the Chichibu Night Festival.
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For more information, please see Chichibu Tourism Navi (Chichibu City Tourism Official Website).
Travel to northwestern Saitama Prefecture on the Chichibu Railway
We introduced Gyoda, Kumagaya, Fukaya, Yorii, and Chichibu, with a focus on Nagatoro, the most popular area along the Chichibu Railway. The Chichibu Railway is a local line that allows you to travel through an area dotted with tourist attractions and rich in nature, and is used by many tourists for both day trips and overnight stays.
This is an area with many attractions that we could not cover in this article. Please come and visit us by Chichibu Railway.
*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".
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