Nagatoro's location makes it a perfect destination even for day trips. You can save money on transportation with the SEIBU 1-Day Pass, which allows unlimited train travel on the Seibu Line.

When you get off at Nagatoro Station, the first order is to grab a bite! On your left will be Ajinoshinise Wakamatsu, standing prominently with its green signboard.

They open their doors from 10 a.m. onwards, so it’s fine to come in the morning and at lunchtime. They are most renowned for their miso katsu bowl, depicted in the picture above. For those who prefer a lighter meal, they also serve soba noodles popular.

While the cut is thick, the taste is not overly bold and goes down very easily due to being chicken meat. The miso is hand-made as well and is bursting with flavor.

For the best experience, eat half of the dish on its own, and for the other half, pepper it with the ichimi pepper provided on the table. The faint spice will rouse any appetite and is a good choice for those who aren't accustomed to spicy foods.

Ajinoshinise Wakamatsu doesn’t only carry full meals. They also sell meat buns and ice cream, not to mention a wide collection of drinks, making it a great spot to take a breather. The establishment is a prime recommendation, whether for a respite in the middle of your touring or killing time as you wait for the return train.

Nagatoro is home to one of Japan’s National Designated Scenic Spots, the Iwadatami rock formations, where people all over Japan and beyond gather to see with their own eyes.

The “tatami” in the name Iwadatami is a namesake for how the formation was flattened to such a strange degree due to erosion by the river.

The thrill of the vast expanse of natural beauty can only be experienced here at Kawakudari, Nagatoro.

Around the station are three different transport companies, but their route is generally similar, so you don’t have to worry about checking the differences in each. Reservation is not necessary either, so you can pick whichever course you like at your own convenience.

You can enjoy the beautiful orange leaves in fall, while in the winter, you can enjoy a boat ride in the unusual “kotatsu boats” along the river. Experience a warm and toasty winter downstream boat right while blanketed by Japan’s famous heating appliance, the kotatsu.

The course is about half an hour long but is worth every minute. With the boatman sharing Nagatoro’s history as they row from bank to bank, you might become an expert by the time the downstream trip is over!

Once you’re done with your downstream tour, you will arrive at Nagatoro’s renowned Hodosan Shrine - or at least its doorstep. We recommend dropping by the nearby eatery to replenish your reserves with some sweets.

The inside is Japanese-styled, austere, and calming. Alongside the soft and relaxing background music, it’s completely normal if you find yourself making a small gasp involuntarily.

To try out the menu, we ordered their special warabi mochi, and their bittersweet caramel shaved ice. The mochi was served with copious amounts of kuromitsu and kinako sprinkles, and the rice cake itself was chewy and jiggly. It’s just the right size to eat whole as well, and you’ll feel like you could just keep popping them into your mouth.

The shaved ice comes in 6 different flavors, and during our visit, they had the seasonal mango flavor as well. The standard matcha kintoki is popular, but the unconventional bittersweet caramel seems to be the bestseller.

The caramel is intentionally roasted for a bit longer to give that bitter later that’s a hit with adults. Combined with the sweetness of the condensed milk, you get a dessert that will loosen a smile on your face.

The shaved ice here uses Nagatoro’s natural ice provided by “Asami Reizo,” a supplier who delivers the ice in its purest form. Enjoy shaved ice that slides smoothly down your throat.

Be it right smack in the middle of brunch or in the middle of entering/leaving the shrine, Urushi Kobo Yamashita is perfect for anyone eager to try Nagatoro’s famed shaved ice.

Once you pass through the giant torii near Nagatoro Station, make your way up the gentle hill, and eventually, you’ll see Hodosan Shrine.

Hodosan Shrine is one of Chichibu’s three and has a prestigious lineage dating to 1900. The name Hodosan comes from when Yamato Takeru, legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty, climbed this mountain on his expedition and encountered a mountain blaze.

According to legend, due to the fire being extinguished by giant wolves who leaped into the flames, the mountain was initially called “Hotozan.” Eventually, the name “Hodosan” took root instead.

With such a history, the shrine is famous for warding off fire-related mishaps. Otherwise, the place is a famed power spot as well, and many ask for marriage blessings and safety within the family. We hope that you visit this famous shrine at least once.

Once you’ve paid your respects at the shrine, don’t head back just yet, and instead push on ahead a little more to arrive at the Hodosan Ropeway.

The rear shrine of the Hodosan Shrine is located at the mountaintop, as well as a plum garden consisting of around 3000 plum trees and even a small zoo with monkeys and deer. Depending on the season, you’ll see a regal forest of crimson or a sea of white snow amongst the trees.

Moreover, the mountain even has a 1-hour long hiking course up to the mountaintop. Visitors with confidence in their stamina are encouraged to climb the mountain as they take in the sights.

After an eventful trip via the ropeway, we recommend ending your visit with some of Chichibu’s numerous savory star dishes.

True to the establishment’s namesake, the place offers a splendid view overlooking Hodosan, complete with a kid’s corner and complimentary Wi-Fi. Menus come in English, Mandarin, and Korean as well.

We ordered the immensely popular “Otakara Lunch” from their menu, filled with Chichibu’s specialties. Warajidon, miso potato, miso tofu, and pickled veggies make this a full-course meal packed with the region’s specialties.

The warajidon is an exquisite dish steeped in savory-sweet gravy. Despite its size, the meat is tender and goes well with the side dishes, and this set meal alone allows you to have a bite of every specialty in Chichibu.

The set is not available at dinnertime, but you can order a mini warajidon or butamiso don on the side to compare the two star dishes.

Nagatoro, a hop away from Tokyo, has refreshing natural scenery and good food. Cherry blossoms in spring, verdant greenery and water activities in summer, fading orange in fall, and the kotatsu boat in winter. No matter the season, the charm of Nagatoro never fades.

Written by Toshiki Nichiro