Nagatoro Hodosan Umeien (Lohbai-en), one of the best places in the Kanto region for lohbai (Japanese apricot) Light up and hiking are available during the best viewing period from mid-January to late February.

～A new species of Japanese buttercup, "Hoto no Kagayaki" was also planted this season.

2024.01.17 15:00

秩父鉄道株式会社

Chichibu Railway Co. (Head office: Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture; President: Yuji Sakurazawa) will hold "Nagatoro Hodo Sanrobaien" (Nagatoro Hodo Mountain Plum Orchard), "Nagatoro Hodo Mountain Plum Orchard" (Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture; President: Hideo Sakurasawa) in conjunction with the best viewing period of "Hodo Mountain Plum Orchard". Ropeway", "Nagatoro Hodosan Plum Blossom Lighting", and "Hiking to Enjoy Lohai" will be held.

Nagatoro Rôme-en, known as one of the best places for loubai in the Kanto region, is relatively easy to access from central Tokyo, and visitors can enjoy it by taking the Hodosan ropeway or hiking in the low mountains on a day trip. Details are as follows.

View from Nagatoro Hodosan Rope Garden 1

View from Nagatoro Hozan Ropeien 2

View from Nagatoro Rotei Roumeien 3

Nagatoro Hodosan Roumeien

Hodosan (497 meters above sea level), is planted with a total of about 3,000 waxwine plants of five varieties, including a new species of waxwine (Fukurokuju), also known as "Hodosan no Kagayaki (The Brightness of Hoto)," which has been added this season. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Takekou, Mt. Ryogami, and the town of Chichibu from the top of the mountain, and enjoy the rich sweet fragrance of the waxwind and the best location in the Kanto region.

＜What is "Lohanai"?

The Japanese waxwine is a deciduous tree native to China belonging to the waxwine family of the camphoraceae family. It has small yellow flowers with a glossy waxwork-like appearance, and as its name "Wintersweet" in English suggests, it has a sweet and rich fragrance.

Japanese Rôme image

Soshin Roume image

Full Moon Roume (Roume) image

Fukuju Roume image

Fukurokuju (Hodong no Kagayaki) image

(1) Best viewing period: mid-January to late February (blooming conditions depend on weather and other factors)

(2) Access: 20 min. walk from Nagatoro Sta. of Chichibu Railway, 5 min. by Hodosan Ropeway.

　　　　　　　2 min. walk from the summit station.

　　　　　　　Free shuttle bus service is available between Nagatoro Stn. and Hodosan Sanroku Parking Lot

　　　　　　　　Free shuttle bus service is available between Nagatoro-eki-mae and Hodosan Sanroku parking lot (see below for details).

(3) Flowering conditions (as of Wednesday, January 17, 2024)

　　West Lohanai Garden: 2 to 3 minutes in bloom

　　East Lohanai Garden: 1 to 2 minutes in bloom

　　Four Seasons Hill ... 2 to 3 minutes in bloom

Blooming as of Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Early departure of the Hodosan Ropeway and free shuttle bus service

The Hodosan Ropeway will start earlier and a free shuttle bus service will be available between Nagatoro Station and Hodosan Sanroku Parking Lot to coincide with the best time to view the blossoms.

Hodosan Ropeway Image

(1) Early departure of Hodosan Ropeway

The ropeway will start at 9:00 a.m. instead of the normal starting time of 9:40 a.m.

(The earlier departure time is limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 20 (Sat.) to February 25 (Sun.), 2024.

First departure time: Every 15 minutes after 9:00 a.m.

(2) Free shuttle bus service between Nagatoro Stn. and Hodo Sanroku Parking Lot

Period: Everyday from January 20 (Sat.) to February 25 (Sun.), 2024

Weekdays 10:00-16:15 (every 30 minutes) / Weekends and holidays 9:40-17:00 (every 15 minutes)

Please contact Hodosan Ropeway for shuttle bus service outside of the above periods.

About Nagatoro Hodo Ume Light-up

The "Nagatoro Hodosan Bai Light-up" started in 2020 and will be held for the fifth time in 2024. The candlebeams will be illuminated in their best season, and the night view of the Chichibu area will also be enjoyed.

Date and time: Saturday, January 27 through Sunday, February 25, 2024 (weekends and holidays only) Sunset to 19:00

　　　　　　On the days when the lights are on,

　　　　　　　Hodosan Ropeway will operate until 19:00 on the day of illumination.

　　　　　　The schedule is subject to change or be cancelled at short notice depending on conditions.

Nagatoro Hodosan Light-up (image 1)

Nagatoro Hodo Ropeway illuminated by Rôme (Japanese apricot) lights Image 2

3. hiking to enjoy rosobai (Japanese allspice)

In addition to taking the Hodosan ropeway, hiking is also available to reach the summit of Mt. Hodo summit can be reached by hiking from Nagatoro Station. The 4-km, 80-minute walk from Nagatoro Station to the summit is suitable for beginners.