TOC
Mount Hodo (Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Mount Hodosan (approximately 497m above sea level) is a satoyama mountain located in Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture, and has long been an object of worship and scenic beauty. At the foot of the mountain is Hodosan Shrine (Okumiya), which has attracted believers for protection from fire and household safety. The mountain peak offers excellent views of the Chichibu mountains and the Arakawa (Nagatoro) basin. The changing scenery throughout the seasons, from the fresh greenery of spring, to the plum and wintersweet season, and the autumn foliage, makes it popular with tourists as it can be easily accessed by hiking or ropeway.
Highlights
- Hodosan Shrine (Okumiya) and approach: Enjoy the ancient shrine grove, stone steps, and historic shrine architecture.
- Observation deck/Summit: A viewpoint where you can see the Chichibu Mountains and Nagatoro. On a clear day, you can see far into the distance.
- Hodosan Ropeway: This ropeway connects the base of the mountain to the summit, making it easy for even those who are not confident in their physical strength to reach the top. The view from the ropeway is also appealing.
- Wintersweet Garden (Winter to early spring): This garden is famous for its wintersweet flowers, which bloom from winter to early spring, and you can enjoy their sweet fragrance and yellow flowers (the best time to see them is usually January to February).
- Mountain nature trails: There are well-maintained hiking trails that can be completed in a short amount of time, making them ideal for light trekking.
- A scenic spot that can be enjoyed in conjunction with sightseeing in the surrounding area: A classic combination is to go rafting on the Nagatoro River or rock formations.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway. The tourist information center and the ropeway base station are within walking distance from Nagatoro Station.
- Travel from the station: It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from Nagatoro Station to the base station of the Hodosan Ropeway (depending on the route). To climb to the summit, take the mountain trail and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour (depending on walking speed and route).
- By car: Access via the national highway from the Kan-etsu Expressway, Hanazono IC, etc. There are paid parking lots at the base of the mountain and nearby parking lots, but they tend to fill up during peak seasons, so it's best to arrive early.
- Other: During the tourist season, you can enjoy using special buses and taxis, or taking the Chichibu Railway steam locomotive (only on operating days).
- Note: Ropeway operating times and fares may change depending on the season and inspections, so we recommend checking official information in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Ropeway trip to the summit + worship and view: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Walking (round trip from the base) + breaks: 2.5 to 4 hours (depending on the course and your fitness level)
- Day trip plan combining sightseeing in Nagatoro (rock formations, river boating): Half a day to a full day (including lunch and river boating in Nagatoro, a full day is the standard)
Nearby spots
- Nagatoro Rock Beds: Famous for the unique rock formations that spread across the Arakawa River. Recommended for strolling and photography.
- Nagatoro River Rafting: A popular activity where you go rafting down the rapids (Rhine Kudari).
- Hodosan Shrine (the shrine at the foot of the mountain): You can enjoy worshiping at the main shrine and the inner shrine, as well as strolling around the grounds.
- Chichibu Shrine (Chichibu City): A historic shrine and one of Chichibu's famous sites (accessible by car or train).
- Restaurants and souvenir shops around Nagatoro: There are many restaurants serving local cuisine, Japanese sweets, and local souvenir shops.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets crowded during the plum and wintersweet seasons (January to February), cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, and on holidays and weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting on weekdays or early in the morning.
- Clothing and equipment: The summit can be colder and windier than the base, so please bring appropriate cold weather gear and rain gear for the season. The hiking trail can be slippery in places, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
- Ropeway: Operation may change or be suspended due to weather or inspections, so please check official information in advance.
- Worship etiquette: Please be quiet when visiting the shrine, and be considerate of other worshippers when taking photographs.
- Nature Conservation: Please take your trash with you and do not collect plants or cause forest fires.
- Pets: In most cases, you are allowed to bring pets onto the mountain, but please be sure to follow proper etiquette, such as keeping them on a leash and disposing of their waste (check in advance how pets are handled on the ropeway).
- Safety measures: Be careful of areas without cell phone reception and of falls and sprains on mountain trails. Carry snacks, drinks, and first aid supplies with you for peace of mind.
Note: Before visiting, check the latest information (opening hours, event information, traffic restrictions, etc.) from the Hodosan Ropeway and Nagatoro Town Tourism Association to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
