What is Mount Hodo?
Mount Hodo is a beautiful mountain with an elevation of 497 meters located in Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture.
It is a representative tourist spot in the Nagatoro area, offering routes that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced hikers.
At the summit, you will find attractions such as the Hodosan Shrine, the Hodosan Ropeway, and the Hodosan Plum Garden, where you can enjoy seasonal flowers all year round.
With plum and cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and fragrant wintersweet in winter, it is a popular spot worth visiting throughout the year.
In particular, the wintersweet that blooms in winter is among the largest in the Kanto region, attracting visitors even during the cold season.
The Charm of Mount Hodo
1. Enjoy Scenic Views in Every Season
Mount Hodo offers different landscapes to enjoy throughout the year.
① Spring – Famous for Plums and Cherry Blossoms
At the summit of Mount Hodo, the Hodosan Plum Garden boasts about 170 varieties and 500 plum trees in full bloom.
In late March, cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino bloom, decorating the mountain with pink flowers.
② Summer – Refreshing Greenery Hiking
In summer, the lush green trees provide a beautiful backdrop for hiking in relatively cool weather.
There are many easy routes for beginner climbers to enjoy the nature of Nagatoro.
③ Autumn – Spectacular Fall Foliage
From early to mid-November, the entire mountain is enveloped in red and yellow autumn leaves.
The view of the autumn foliage from the ropeway is breathtaking, especially during the early morning or evening.
④ Winter – Enchanting Wintersweet
From January to February, wintersweet blooms, characterized by its translucent yellow flowers.
The delicate, wax-like flowers and sweet fragrance paint a picturesque winter scene at Mount Hodo.
2. Easy Climb with the Hodosan Ropeway
With the Hodosan Ropeway, you can reach the summit in just 5 minutes!
It is recommended for those who find hiking challenging or families with small children.
- Operating Hours: 9:40–16:30 (subject to change by season)
- Fare: Adults one-way 490 yen, round-trip 830 yen / Children one-way 250 yen, round-trip 420 yen
3. Power Spot "Hodosan Shrine"
Hodosan Shrine is a shrine with over 1900 years of history, believed to offer protection against fires, theft, and various calamities.
- Visiting Hours: Open 24 hours
- Highlights of the Grounds: Beautifully carved main hall, kagura hall, guardian dogs
During the autumn foliage season, the red torii gates harmonize beautifully with the yellow and red leaves, creating a magical scene.
Access to Mount Hodo
Access by Train (Recommended!)
- Tokyo Station → Nagatoro Station (JR Takasaki Line → Chichibu Railway, about 2 hours)
- About a 15-minute walk from Nagatoro Station to the ropeway station
Access by Car
- About 40 minutes from the "Hanazono IC" on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- Free parking available near the ropeway station
Useful Information for Travelers
Recommended Clothing
While Mount Hodo is relatively easy to climb, having the following gear will ensure a comfortable hiking experience.
- Comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes
- Bring warm clothing in spring and autumn (mornings and evenings can be chilly)
- In winter, it is especially cold, so gloves, scarves, and a thick jacket are recommended
Admission Fees
- Hiking is free
- For using the Hodosan Ropeway, adults round-trip 830 yen
Wi-Fi Information
- Free Wi-Fi spots are available around Nagatoro Station
- Signal may be weak near the summit, so downloading maps in advance is recommended
Language Support
- Some tourist information centers have staff who speak English
- Hodosan Shrine may offer pamphlets in English and Chinese
Summary and FAQs
Summary
Mount Hodo is a scenic hiking spot in Saitama Prefecture, offering the charm of nature in every season.
Easy for beginners to climb, and accessible to the summit with the ropeway.
You can also enjoy attractions where nature and history blend, like Hodosan Shrine and the Plum Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the hiking course at Mount Hodo suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! The course to the summit takes about 1 hour one way, recommended for beginners. You can also easily reach the summit using the ropeway.
Q: What are the operating hours of the Hodosan Ropeway?
A: Usually from 9:40 to 16:30, but it varies by season, so it is recommended to check the official website in advance.
Q: How crowded is it during the tourist season?
A: It is particularly crowded during the seasons for spider lilies (September), autumn leaves (November), and wintersweet (January to February), so visiting early in the morning is recommended.
Q: Are there places to eat nearby?
A: Around Nagatoro Station, you can enjoy Chichibu soba and Nagatoro's specialty "Miso Potato."
Enjoy the beautiful nature and power spots at Mount Hodo!
