Mount Hodo Saitama: 832 m Easy Hike with Shrines & Views

Ibaraki Tochigi Gunma Saitama Chiba Tokyo Kanagawa

Mt Hodo in Nagatoro, Saitama is an 832 m peak with shrine, family-friendly trails, and seasonal flowers. Reach the summit via the ropeway (¥720).

Highlights

Mt. Hodosan Hiking (Nagatoro) Overview: Mt. Hodosan in Nagatoro is an easy 497 m mountain with a ropeway and multiple routes, making it approachable for beginners.
Seasonal Flowers and Views: The Hodosan Plum Garden features about 170 varieties and around 470 plum trees. Cherry blossoms (late March), autumn foliage (early to mid-Nov), and wintersweet (Jan–Feb) are also enjoyed.
Mt. Hodosan Ropeway to the Summit: The Mt. Hodosan Ropeway takes about 5 minutes to the summit. Fares: Adults ¥700 one-way / ¥1,200 round-trip; Children ¥350 one-way / ¥600 round-trip.
Hiking Time and Difficulty: Hiking to the summit typically takes about 1 hour one-way, and you can choose hiking or a ropeway combo depending on your comfort level.
How to Get to Mt. Hodosan: Tokyo Station → Nagatoro Station (JR Takasaki Line → Chichibu Railway) about 2 hours; about a 20-minute walk from Nagatoro Station to the ropeway base station. During busy seasons, free shuttle buses may run on certain days between Nagatoro Station and the base parking area.
Costs: Hiking is free. A ropeway round-trip for adults is ¥1,200.
When It Gets Crowded: It can get crowded during wintersweet (Jan–Feb), plum (Feb–Mar), and autumn foliage (Nov), so visiting early in the day is often a better fit.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is Mount Hodosan?

Mount Hodosan (宝登山) is a nature-rich mountain in Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture.

It is one of Nagatoro's most popular hiking spots, with well-maintained courses that are easy even for beginners.

Near the summit, you can visit Hodosan Shrine Okumiya (Inner Shrine) and the Hodosan Ropeway, and enjoy walking while taking in seasonal scenery.

From plum blossoms in spring and fresh greenery in summer to autumn leaves and wintersweet in winter, each season offers a different landscape.

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Mount Hodosan Highlights

1. Enjoy Scenic Views in Every Season

One of the best things about Mount Hodosan is that it offers different scenery throughout the year.

① Spring - Plum and Cherry Blossom Scenery

In spring, you can enjoy views colored by plum and cherry blossoms around the summit area.

② Summer - Refreshing Greenery Hike

In summer, the trees are beautifully green, and you can enjoy hiking while feeling close to nature.

③ Autumn - Vibrant Fall Foliage

In autumn, the whole mountain is covered in colorful leaves, making it a great season for walking.

④ Winter - Wintersweet (Rōbai) Season

In winter, flowers such as wintersweet (rōbai) bloom, and you can enjoy a walk in the clear air.

2. Ride the Hodosan Ropeway to the Summit

If you use the Hodosan Ropeway, you can travel the 832 m route from the lower station to the summit station in about 5 minutes.

It is convenient for visitors who may find hiking difficult and for families with small children.

The views from the two gondolas, the "Monkey-go" and "Bambi-go," are also part of the attraction.

Operating hours: Weekdays 9:40-around 17:00 / Weekends and holidays 9:40-around 17:20 (varies by season)
Fare: Adults (12 and older) one-way 700 yen / round-trip 1,200 yen; Children (3 and older) one-way 350 yen / round-trip 600 yen

You can also walk from Nagatoro Station to the area near the ropeway lower station.

3. Power Spot: Hodosan Shrine

Hodosan Shrine (Hodosan-jinja) is a shrine with about 1,900 years of history and is counted as one of the three major shrines of Chichibu.

It is said to bring blessings for protection from fire, theft, and various misfortunes, and many worshippers visit throughout the year.

There is also an inner shrine at the summit, which you can visit while walking from the ropeway summit station.

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How to Get to Mount Hodosan

Access by Train (Recommended!)

From central Tokyo area → Nagatoro Station (Chichibu Railway)
Walk from Nagatoro Station toward the ropeway lower station

Access by Car

From Kan-Etsu Expressway Hanazono IC toward National Route 140
Parking available (near the lower station)

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Useful Travel Information for Visitors

What to Wear

If you plan to walk on mountain trails, comfortable shoes and easy-to-move-in clothing are recommended.

Comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes
In spring and autumn, a light outer layer is useful for cool mornings and evenings
It gets cold in winter, so prepare warm clothing

Admission Fee

Hiking and visiting Hodosan Shrine are free
If using the Hodosan Ropeway, adult round-trip fare is 1,200 yen

Wi-Fi Information

Mobile signal may be weak near the summit, so downloading maps in advance is recommended.

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Summary

Mount Hodosan is a hiking spot in Nagatoro where you can enjoy nature in every season.

If you use the ropeway, you can reach the summit in about 5 minutes and enjoy an easy walk.

Combine your visit with a stop at Hodosan Shrine and enjoy the seasonal scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Mount Hodo hiking suitable for beginners? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Mount Hodo stands 497.1 meters high and is one of Nagatoro's classic beginner-friendly hiking spots. The Omotesando trail takes about 50 minutes on foot from the base to the summit, and it is easy to combine the hike with a shrine visit and time at the top, making it a very manageable mountain for a half-day trip.

Q. How long does a Mount Hodo hike take? keyboard_arrow_down

A. If you are only walking up, it takes around 50 minutes. If you also want time at the summit and a visit to the Okumiya shrine, allowing about 1.5 to 2 hours gives you more room. If you also plan to include Nagatoro Station or Iwadatami, the walking time increases further, so using the ropeway to go down can make the schedule easier if you have plans later in the day.

Q. What is the fare and ride time for the Hodosan Ropeway? keyboard_arrow_down

A. The Hodosan Ropeway costs 700 yen one way or 1,200 yen round trip, and the ride from the lower station to the summit station takes about 5 minutes. Seeing the two gondolas pass each other is also part of the experience. Walking up and taking the ropeway down is a nice balance if you want both the scenery and the sense of accomplishment.

Q. How do I get to Mount Hodo from Nagatoro Station? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It is about a 20-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway to the ropeway lower station. On the way from the station toward the mountain, you can stop at Hodosan Shrine, which helps break up the walk. In summer, buying drinks near the station before starting the hike makes a big difference.

Q. When is the best season to hike Mount Hodo? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It is enjoyable in every season, but the most popular times are from late December to late February, when the wintersweet blooms, and from early February to late March, when the plum garden comes into color. In winter, the air is clear and the views are especially good. During flower season, the morning is usually easier for walking before the crowds build.

Q. Can I visit Hodosan Shrine and the Okumiya together? keyboard_arrow_down

A. Yes. Many visitors combine the main Hodosan Shrine at the foot of the mountain with the Okumiya near the summit. The Okumiya is a short walk after taking the ropeway up. If you know the shrine's connection to Yamato Takeru before you go, it becomes easier to appreciate not only the scenery but also the meaning of the mountain itself.

Q. What kind of clothes and shoes do I need for Mount Hodo? keyboard_arrow_down

A. You do not need full-scale climbing gear, but shoes with good grip are essential. The Omotesando route is easy to walk, but in seasons with fallen leaves or muddy ground, ordinary town shoes can feel tiring. In winter, the summit gets windy, so having a light windproof layer makes the hike more comfortable.

Q. What other Nagatoro attractions go well with a Mount Hodo hike? keyboard_arrow_down

A. It pairs very well with Iwadatami, the Nagatoro river boat ride, and street food around Nagatoro Station. Rather than ending the day with just the mountain, hiking in the morning and then moving on to Iwadatami in the afternoon gives you a bigger change in scenery. It also makes it easier to fit in time for local Chichibu specialties, which works well for a day trip.

Useful Japanese Phrases

Meaning

Where is Nagatoro Station? — Use this when navigating from JR Takasaki Line to the Chichibu Railway connection. Nagatoro Station is the gateway to Mt. Hodosan (Hodosan) hiking and the ropeway. Station staff are usually helpful if you show this phrase.

Meaning

A round-trip ticket for the Mt. Hodosan Ropeway, please. — Say this at the ropeway ticket counter near the base station. A round-trip ticket is available for adults and children, and this wording clearly tells staff that you want the return ride included.

Meaning

Is this the Omotesando trailhead? — Ask locals or staff to confirm you are at the correct starting point for the Omotesando trail, the main hiking route up Mt. Hodosan. It is a natural way to check the route before you start climbing.

Meaning

I would like to worship at Hodosan Shrine. — Use when asking for directions to Hodosan Shrine (Hodosan-jinja), which has a legendary connection to Yamato Takeru. Shrine visits are free. Follow local worship etiquette: bow twice, clap twice, then bow once.

Meaning

Please tell me the way to the inner shrine. — The Okumiya (inner shrine) is located near the summit of Mt. Hodosan. Use this phrase to ask for directions after arriving at the main shrine or the ropeway top station. The path may be steep in places.

Meaning

Are the plum blossoms in season now? — Ask this at the shrine or ropeway station to check if the plum garden (umeen) is at peak bloom. Mt. Hodosan is famous for seasonal flowers including wintersweet, plum blossoms, and cherry blossoms depending on the month.

Meaning

Can I walk to Iwadatami? — Iwadatami is a famous natural rock formation along the river in Nagatoro, a popular nearby spot to visit after hiking Mt. Hodosan. Ask this at Nagatoro Station or nearby shops to confirm walkability and get directions.

Meaning

Where can I sign up for the Nagatoro river boat ride? — The Nagatoro river boat ride (rain-kudari) is a recommended afternoon activity after your Mt. Hodosan hike. Ask at the station area or tourist information to find the boarding point.

Meaning

Is there anywhere to eat near here? — Use around Nagatoro Station where street food and local Chichibu specialties can be found. Tipping is not customary in Japan, so simply pay the listed price. A polite thank-you after the meal is appreciated.

Meaning

Is there a bus going back to Nagatoro Station? — Ask this after your hike or ropeway ride. Free shuttle buses may operate during busy seasons between the ropeway area and the station, so this is helpful when you want to confirm your return options.

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