Nagatoro Rock Terraces and Mount Hodo: Itinerary

Nagatoro is a scenic spot known for the valley beauty carved by the Arakawa River. Here is a one day course to enjoy nature to the fullest, combining the rugged rock terraces by the river with a ropeway ride up Mount Hodo.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Nagatoro Station Walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway toward the river. There are many signs, and both the rock terraces and the ropeway station are within walking distance of the station.

9:45 Stroll the rock terraces Head to the rock terraces where flat stones spread along the river, just a few minutes from the station. Take a relaxed walk while watching the water. The stroll is free.

11:00 Ride the Mount Hodo ropeway From the base station, the ropeway carries you quickly up near the summit. It links a total length of eight hundred and thirty two meters in about five minutes. The fare is one thousand two hundred yen round trip or seven hundred yen one way for adults, and six hundred yen round trip or three hundred and fifty yen one way for children. It runs at roughly fifteen minute intervals.

11:30 Enjoy the view from the summit of Mount Hodo A wide view of the Chichibu mountains opens up. Seasonal flower fields are also a highlight.

13:00 Come down for lunch Take the ropeway back down and, around the station, taste Chichibu soba or river fish dishes.

14:00 Visit Hodosan Shrine Pray for a safe journey at the shrine near the base and wrap up the day. The visit is free.

Highlights

The rock terraces are bedrock worn away by the river over long ages, forming a unique flat landscape. They are geologically valuable and maintained as a walking path. The summit of Mount Hodo is loved as a place to enjoy seasonal flowers, with wintersweet in winter and plum blossoms in spring.

Access and Tips

Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway is the starting point. Both the rock terraces and the ropeway base station are within walking distance of the station, so the course is easy even without a car. The ropeway runs on a set schedule and interval, so checking in advance, along with how long you want at the summit, gives peace of mind.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Half a day to a full day for the terrace stroll, the ropeway round trip, the summit view, and the shrine visit. Allow a full day to take it slowly.
• Getting there: Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway is the base, and the main spots connect on foot. From central Tokyo, reach it via the Seibu Line and a transfer to the Chichibu Railway.
• Cost guide: The terrace stroll and the Hodosan Shrine visit are free. The Mount Hodo ropeway is one thousand two hundred yen round trip (seven hundred one way) for adults, and six hundred yen round trip (three hundred and fifty one way) for children.
• Clothing and gear: Some footing on the rock terraces is unstable, so non slip shoes are safer. The summit can be windy, so bring a jacket.

A Quick Tip

Some footing on the rock terraces is unstable. Walking in non slip shoes is safer. The summit can be windy on some days, so bring a jacket.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Mt. Hodosan Ropeway (operating hours): Running from 9:40 on weekdays and from 9:30 on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, until 17:00. The official guidance is that cars run at intervals of about 40 minutes, which varies with the time of day, the season and how busy it is
• Closed: Open all year round (closed during regular inspections. Operating hours change in winter, so check in advance)
• Parking: The large car park at the base station has about 150 spaces. Ordinary cars 500 yen on weekdays and 700 yen on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; microbuses and large buses 1,500 yen each. It is about a 20-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway to the base station, and about a 3-minute walk from the car park
• Mt. Hodosan Small Animal Park (summit): 10:00-16:00 (admission tickets sold until 30 minutes before closing, varying by season). Admission is 500 yen for adults (junior high school age and above) and 250 yen for children (age 3 and above)
• Hodosan Shrine reception office: The shrine office and amulet office are open 8:30-17:00 from April to September and 8:30-16:30 from October to March. Goshuin seals and amulets are generally available within these hours as well
• Enquiries: 0494-66-0258 (Mt. Hodosan Ropeway), 0494-66-0084 (Hodosan Shrine), 0494-66-0959 (Mt. Hodosan Small Animal Park)
• Official information: Mt. Hodosan Ropeway official website, Hodosan Shrine official website, Nagatoro Town Tourism Association official website

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and fees are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.