Top 5 Summer Spots in Nagatoro, Saitama

One of my personal favorite locations in Saitama, Nagatoro has a wealth of things to do all year round. And especially in summer when the cooler temperatures alone are enough to make it an enticing location to spend a few days. Add to that the water activities, festivals and all year round attractions and Nagatoro becomes a (not so hot) hot location for a summer getaway with a number of spots to enjoy!

1. Mt Hodo

On top of Mt Hodo there is a definite respite from the hot temperatures we have to endure in flat land Saitama during the summer in Japan. Stunning views and an abundance of nature with comfortable walks and places to chill create a top summer spot at 497 meters above sea level.

Season: all year round, but there are times, particularly in winter, that facilities on the mountain are closed

Hours: the mountain does not close, but services, facilities and the rope-way have different closing hours. Generally speaking, 9.30 am to 5 pm, services and facilities are available. 

Cost: there is no entrance fee, but you need to pay to use the rope-way or for any of the facilities on the mountain.

Address: Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305

Access: By rope-way or hiking trails. Both are accessed from the Chichibu Railway Nagatoro station. It is about a fifteen minute walk to the base of the mountain.

2. Nagatoro Hodosan Ropeway

If you are used to clammy weather you might enjoy hiking to the summit of Mt Hodo, but for this Irish born lass the rope-way is the only way to go in the summer sun.  The ropeway carriages are a vibrant yellow color. They are called Monkey and Bambi. 

Season: all year round, but during winter the rope-way has limited operating hours and often doesn't run on weekdays. 

Hours: Varies during the year, but generally speaking 9.40 am to 5.20 pm, services and facilities are available.

Cost: one way is 480 for adults and 240 yen for children. A return ticket is 820 yen for adults and 410 yen for children. Children under five years old are not charged.

Address: 1766 Nagatoro, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1305

Access: about a twenty minute walk from the Chichibu Railway Nagatoro station. 

3. Hodosan shrine

There are two Hodosan shrines in Nagatoro -- one at the foot of the mountain, which is the main shrine, and one at the summit. The shrine at the foot of the mountain is spectacular with intricate colored carvings. At the summit of Mt Hodo the smaller Hodosan Shrine has unusual komainu protecting it. Usually komainu are lion dogs, but at the Hodosan summit shrine they are wolves. Supposedly there used to be a large pack of wolves in the area, before wolves became extinct in this area of Japan. 

Season: all year round

Hours: no official hours to sightsee, but the shrine offices are generally only open during normal business hours

Cost: there is no entrance fee, but amulets and shrine services are charged

Address: Main Shrine, 1828 Nagatoro, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1305

Access: walk straight up from the Chichibu Railway Nagatoro station until you see the sign for the main shrine. The summit shrine is reached by taking the rope-way or hiking to the top of Mt Hodo.

4. Iwadatami

The Iwadatami are an area of naturally formed rocks which are said to look like tatami, hence their name. "Iwa" means "rock" in Japanese and "datami" for "tatami." Iwadatami is a popular spot for river activities including the renowned kudari line boat ride. 

Season: all year round

Hours: no official hours to sightsee, but car parks and facilities are closed out of regular business hours (generally 9.30 am to 5 pm)

Cost: river activities are charged

Address: Nagatoro, Chichibu District,, Saitama 369-1300 Japan 

Access: close to the Chichibu Railway Nagatoro station 

5. Nagatoro Autocamp

Nagatoro Autocamp is located along the Ara River. You can see the aforementioned kudari line boats passing from the camp and glamping site. The site is particularly family friendly with different activities and attractions. For example, in the summer there is a safe area of the Ara River where kids can play in shallow water. There is a playground in the middle of the Nagatoro Autocamp site and beside a reading room made out of an old train carriage. You don't have to stay overnight to enjoy the facilities, they have a day camp package as well.

Season: camp sites are available right up to December but on weekends only during that month. The tent sites are closed in January and during extreme weather. 

Hours: reception is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

Costs: vary depending on accommodation choice. Day camp starts from 8,000 yen for a site for four people.

Address: 559-1 Ido, Nagatoro, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1312

Access: close to Nagatoro station on foot if you use the foot bridge. 

It was quite hard to chose just five top summer spots for Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture as there is a great selection of places to visit and things to do in Nagatoro. There is also a large selection of accommodation choices in the area or you can do a day return by car or train. During the summer months the steam locomotive, the closest steam locomotive to Tokyo, runs daily from Kumagaya. It is a beautiful way to travel to the area with some stunning views along the way. Just another thing to love about Nagatoro in the summer.