Make the Most of Your Trip with Seibu Railway's Special Passes! 2 Spring Model Courses to Experience Flowers in Spring and Local Sake in Chichibu and Nagatoro

Nagatoro is one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom viewing spots, with around 3,000 cherry trees blooming throughout the area.
Since different cherry varieties bloom at different times, visitors can enjoy the blossoms for about a month, from late March to early April.
The Hodosan Jinja Shrine approach from Nagatoro Station is lined with around 400 cherry trees, creating a picturesque scene where the sky, mountains, and cherry blossoms blend harmoniously.
Within the shrine grounds, the weeping cherry trees bloom beautifully, resembling a painting.

The Rhine Cruise the Nagatoro River boat tour offers a stunning view of the Iwadatami rock formations and the Chichibu Sekiheki Cliff cliffs, both designated as national natural monuments. From the boat, you can take in the dynamic beauty of the gorge as you glide along the river.
Before boarding, tickets must be purchased at the ticket office near Nagatoro Station. The tour features two different 3-kilometer courses, each taking approximately 20 minutes. Course A runs from Oyahana Bridge to Iwadatami, while Course B travels from Iwadatami to Takasago Bridge.
Course A includes the rapids known as "Kotaki no Se," while Course B passes through "Ookawase," a section with a wider river expanse that enhances the thrill of the ride.

After admiring Iwadatami from the boat, take a walk and experience its majestic presence up close.
Designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument in 1924, Iwadatami extends about 80 meters wide and 600 meters long.
Chichibu Sekiheki Cliff is a cliff formation carved by the Arakawa River, and its name comes from the resemblance to the famous "Red Cliffs" (Sekkakei) along the Yangtze River in China.

After enjoying the outdoors, treat yourself to galettes and Chichibu Beer at "NAGATORO et GALET", a popular spot on the way from Nagatoro Station to Iwadatami.
One of their signature items is the "Miso Pork Galette Dog," featuring a homemade pork sausage infused with Chichibu miso, wrapped in a crispy galette.
The rich miso flavor pairs perfectly with beer, and its handheld size makes it ideal for eating on the go.

Komatsuzawa Leisure Farm offers fruit-picking experiences such as strawberry picking and grape harvesting, as well as activities like trout fishing.
A free shuttle bus is available from Yokoze Station, making access convenient.
For the best deal, opt for the Seasonal Experience Set, which includes 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking along with a meal.
The farm offers three meal courses, with the most recommended option being the Fuji Rock Salt Barbecue.
This course includes pork, sausages, eight varieties of vegetables, and a homemade dipping sauce.

Once you've had your fill, head to Hitsujiyama Park to admire the breathtaking shibazakura (moss pink).
Covering approximately 17,600 square meters, the park features over 400,000 shibazakura plants across 10 different varieties, creating a vibrant landscape of pink, white, and purple hues.
Located at the base of Mt. Bukozan, the sloping hills of Hitsujiyama form an awe-inspiring scenery.
From Miharashi Hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the shibazakura fields and Chichibu’s cityscape. Take a moment to relax on a bench at the hilltop and soak in the beauty of the season.

Chichibu is home to numerous breweries producing beer, sake, and whisky.
Among them, Bukou Sake Brewery, established in 1753, is a must-visit. Its main store is designated as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The brewery offers guided tours year-round, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes.
Groups of 10 or more visitors can participate in a tour, which includes tastings of their most popular sake.
The Bukouzan spring water, essential for sake brewing, flows through the courtyard’s water source, and visitors can bottle some to take home.

Horumon (grilled offal) is a soul food of Chichibu.
Due to the area's abundance of pig farms, fresh pork intestines are readily available. At Chichibu Yakiniku Horumon Sakaba Marusuke, you can enjoy horumon alongside Chichibu’s renowned alcoholic beverages, such as Ichiro’s Malt whisky, Chichibu Gensaku Wine, and Bukou sake.
Fresh horumon is carefully cleaned and prepared, preserving its soft texture while eliminating any strong odor.
Their signature dish, Nama Motsu (raw horumon), pairs exceptionally well with spicy sauce, making it an irresistible match for a glass of sake.

After a long day of exploration, unwind at Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen "Matsuri no Yu," a multi-purpose hot spring facility designed to soothe your tired body.
The facility features open-air baths with stunning views of Mt. Bukozan, high-concentration carbonated hot springs, and private saunas. The open-air section includes six different types of baths, such as rock baths, hanami (flower-viewing) baths, reclining baths, and pot baths.
For those looking to enjoy more of Chichibu’s beverages, the onsen has a standing bar area where you can sample drinks from Chichibu Beer and Usagida Winery, as well as a craft beer bar called "Chichibu The Craft."
After your bath, raise a toast with a refreshing beer and reminisce about your day's adventures. Before heading home, don’t forget to stop by the on-site shop to pick up some souvenirs.

San Dolce, a beloved shop operating in Chichibu for over 30 years, offers gelato made with local specialties such as Ichiro’s Malt whisky and Chichibu-nishiki sake.

Located within the Chichibu Omote-Sando Lab., a multi-purpose complex featuring a guesthouse and Italian restaurant, Mahoro Bar is a beer bar offering 10 types of craft beer from Chichibu Beer, including popular choices like "Shirokuma" (Polar Bear) and "Naminori Kuma" (Surfing Bear).
If you’re unsure which to try, opt for the beer tasting set to sample a variety of flavors.

Just a 10-minute walk from Seibu Chichibu Station, Highlander Inn Chichibu is a bar housed in a renovated traditional Japanese house.
A must-try is their "Haggis & Mashed Potatoes," a Scottish dish made with minced lamb offal, which pairs perfectly with Ichiro’s Malt whisky.