What is Hodosan?
Hodosan (Hodo-san) is a beautiful mountain in Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture, with an elevation of 497 meters.
It is a representative sightseeing spot of the Nagatoro area, offering a variety of routes enjoyable for beginners to advanced hikers.
At the summit you’ll find attractions such as Hodosan Shrine, the Hodosan Ropeway, and the Hodosan Ume Hyakkaen, a garden where you can enjoy seasonal flowers.
Spring plum blossoms and cherry blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter wintersweet make it a worthwhile spot to visit year-round.
The wintersweet that blooms in winter is especially notable in the Kanto region and draws visitors even in the cold season.
Attractions of Hodosan
1. Enjoy spectacular views in every season
Hodosan offers different scenery throughout the year.
① Spring – A famous spot for plums and cherry blossoms
At the summit is the Hodosan Ume Hyakkaen, where about 170 varieties and roughly 470 plum trees bloom in profusion.
In late March, Someiyoshino and other cherry trees bloom, painting the mountain pink.
② Summer – Refreshing green hikes
In summer the foliage is lush and you can enjoy hiking in relatively cool conditions.
Many routes are suitable even for beginners, letting you fully enjoy Nagatoro’s nature.
③ Autumn – Vivid autumn leaves
From early to mid-November the whole mountain is covered in red and yellow autumn leaves.
The view of the autumn foliage from the ropeway is spectacular, especially in the early morning or at sunset.
④ Winter – The magical wintersweet (rōbai)
The wintersweet (rōbai) that blooms from January to February is characterized by translucent yellow flowers.
The delicate, wax-like flowers and their sweet fragrance color Hodosan in winter.
2. Easy ascent with the Hodosan Ropeway
Using the Hodosan Ropeway, you can reach the summit in just 5 minutes!
It’s recommended for those who find hiking difficult or families with small children.
- Operating hours: 9:40–16:30 (may vary by season)
- Fares: Adults (12 and over) one-way ¥700 / round-trip ¥1,200; Children (3 and over) one-way ¥350 / round-trip ¥600
3. Power spot: Hodosan Shrine
Hodosan Shrine has a history of over 1,900 years and is believed to grant protections such as fire prevention, theft protection, and relief from various misfortunes.
- Visiting hours: Open 24 hours
- Highlights on the grounds: The main hall with beautiful carvings, the kagura hall, and guardian lion-dogs (komainu)
In particular, during the autumn foliage season the vermilion torii gates harmonize beautifully with the yellow and red leaves, creating a magical scene.
Access to Hodosan
By train (recommended!)
- Tokyo Station → Nagatoro Station (JR Takasaki Line → Chichibu Railway, approx. 2 hours)
- About a 15-minute walk from Nagatoro Station to the ropeway station
By car
- About 40 minutes from Hanazono IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Free parking available (near the ropeway station)
Useful information for travelers
Recommended clothing
Hodosan is relatively easy to climb, but if you plan to hike the following items are recommended for peace of mind.
- Comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes
- Warm layers in spring and autumn (it can get chilly in the mornings and evenings)
- In winter it gets especially cold—gloves, a scarf, and a thick jacket are recommended
Entrance fees
- Hiking is free
- Hodosan Ropeway round-trip fare for adults: ¥1,200
Wi‑Fi information
- There are free Wi‑Fi spots around Nagatoro Station
- Mobile signal may be weak near the summit, so it’s a good idea to download maps beforehand
Language support
- Tourist information centers may have English-speaking staff
- Hodosan Shrine may provide pamphlets in English and Chinese
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Hodosan is a scenic hiking spot in Saitama Prefecture where you can enjoy nature in every season.
It’s easy for beginners to climb, and you can conveniently reach the summit using the ropeway.
You can also enjoy attractions that blend nature and history, such as Hodosan Shrine and the Ume Hyakkaen plum garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Hodosan’s hiking courses suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. The route to the summit takes about one hour one-way and is recommended for beginners. You can also take the ropeway for an easier ascent.
Q: What are the operating hours of the Hodosan Ropeway?
A: Generally 9:40–16:30, but hours vary by season, so it’s recommended to check the official website beforehand.
Q: How crowded is it during peak seasons?
A: The red spider lily season (September), autumn foliage (November), and the wintersweet season (January–February) can be especially crowded, so visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Q: Are there places to eat nearby?
A: Near Nagatoro Station you can find restaurants serving Chichibu soba and local specialties like “miso potato.”
Enjoy the beautiful nature and power spot of Hodosan!
