Nagatoro, a charming town in Saitama Prefecture, is celebrated for its stunning cherry blossom displays that draw visitors from across Japan. Featuring over 3,000 cherry trees, the town bursts into shades of pink and white from late March to late April. As one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, Nagatoro offers an idyllic hanami experience with a unique combination of nature, history, and vibrant festival culture.

Why Nagatoro is Worth Visiting

• Kitazakura Street Tunnel: This 2.5-kilometer avenue is lined with approximately 400 cherry trees, creating a magical sakura tunnel that is especially mesmerizing during peak bloom in early April.
• Hodosan Shrine Cherry Blossoms: A historic shrine surrounded by 500 cherry trees of 30 varieties, offering a unique hanami experience enhanced by nighttime illuminations.
• Tōrinuke no Sakura: A collection of 500 yaezakura trees, known for their late blooms and vibrant double flowers, perfect for mid-April visits.
• Arakawa River Boating: Enjoy cherry blossoms from a different perspective by taking a boat ride along the scenic river.

Nagatoro Cherry Blossoms

Kitazakura Street

One of Nagatoro’s most iconic cherry blossom spots is Kita Sakura Street. Stretching from Nagatoro Station to Takasago Bridge, this 2.5-kilometer tunnel of cherry trees offers a truly immersive hanami experience. During peak bloom in early April, visitors can walk, drive, or even view the blossoms from the river, making it a versatile and accessible spot. Evening illuminations from late March to early April add a magical glow, transforming the avenue into a tunnel of light.

Hodosan Shrine

Hodosan Shrine’s cherry blossom displays are particularly diverse, with 30 varieties of cherry trees creating a vibrant mix of colors and forms. The approach to the shrine is lined with sakura, and the grounds feature double-flowered cherry blossoms that peak in mid to late April. The nearby Hodosan Ropeway provides panoramic views of the blossoms and surrounding mountains, making it a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Tōrinuke no Sakura

Located at the base of Mt. Hodo, Torinuke no Sakura is known for its 500 yaezakura trees. These double-flowered cherry trees bloom later than other varieties, offering a brilliant display well into mid-April. The site’s evening illuminations create an enchanting ambiance, perfect for romantic walks and nighttime photography.

Nagatoro Facilities & Amenities

Nagatoro caters to visitors with various amenities to enhance their experience. Rental bicycles, including electric models, are available for convenient exploration of the town’s attractions. The Hodosan Ropeway offers a quick ride to the summit of Mt. Hodo, providing sweeping views of the cherry blossoms and beyond. River boating services along the Arakawa River, including traditional “kotatsu boats” during cooler months, offer unique perspectives of the sakura.

Accommodations in Nagatoro range from traditional ryokans like Nagatoro Choseikan to modern guesthouses such as Nagatoro Nemaki, catering to diverse preferences. Visitors can also enjoy local produce and seasonal specialties at the “Toretate Marche” shop, making for a delightful souvenir or snack.

Dining Options

Nagatoro’s culinary scene highlights local flavors and ingredients. Yurin Pork Rice Bowl, located near Nagatoro Station, is famous for its buta miso don, a pork bowl seasoned with Chichibu miso. Otofudokoro Umedaya offers healthy okara doughnuts, a treat made from soy pulp, while Teras serves hearty local dishes like miso pork bowls and Waraji cutlet bowls with stunning views of Mt. Hodo.

Garden House Yurin specializes in soba and udon dishes, alongside the regional specialty waraji katsudon. For those seeking something different, Chill 3lute provides a fusion of Italian and French cuisine in a relaxed setting. The wide variety of dining options ensures a memorable gastronomic experience for all visitors.

Travel Tips

• Visit on weekdays to avoid peak crowds during the cherry blossom season.
• Wear comfortable footwear for walking and exploring outdoor attractions.
• Plan your trip between late March and early May to catch the three peak blooming periods.
• Consider purchasing a SEIBU 1Day Pass for cost-effective and convenient travel from Tokyo.
• Check the weather forecast to avoid disruptions to activities like the Rhine Cruise.

How to Get to Nagatoro

Nagatoro is easily accessible from Tokyo, making it a popular day trip destination. From Ikebukuro Station, take the Seibu Chichibu Line to Seibu-Chichibu Station, then transfer to the Chichibu Railway at Ohanabatake Station for Nagatoro Station. The total journey takes approximately two hours. Alternatively, from Ueno Station, take the JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Station, and then switch to the Chichibu Railway for Nagatoro. Note that IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are not accepted on the Chichibu Railway, so ensure you purchase a separate ticket.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

Hitsujiyama Park

Located in Chichibu, this park is renowned for its shibazakura (moss phlox) in spring, The blooming season for moss phlox does not usually coincide with cherry blossoms, but you might see them starting to bloom. You’ll also find barn animals like goats and sheep as well as local produce in this area.

Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi

This location features a 2-kilometer stretch of cherry blossoms along the Arakawa River, complemented by vibrant yellow rapeseed blooms.

Omiya Park

A historic park in Saitama City with over 1,000 cherry trees, offering spacious grounds for picnics and leisure activities.

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Top Photo Source: Tedd Okano via Flickr (Creative Commons License 2.0)