Written by Aarohi
Enjoy a fragrant winter walk in Nagatoro.
What happens?
Nagatoro‘s Mt. Hodo is home to the largest wintersweet garden in Saitama Prefecture, with around 3,000 sweet-smelling trees. When in bloom, the pale yellow flowers release a gentle, honey-like scent, hence the name.
Schedule 2026
The viewing season usually runs from mid-January to early February, but in 2026, flowering is late. As a result, the annual Wintersweet Festival begins on February 1.
Unlike some previous years, there will be no evening light-up in 2026.
The Hodosan Ropeway generally runs from around 9:40 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the evening, every half hour. In case of crowds, there may be more frequent services.
How to get there
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Shōnan–Shinjuku Line or JR Saikyō Line to Ōmiya. Transfer to the JR Takasaki Line bound for Kumagaya, then change to the Chichibu Railway and get off at Nagatoro Station. There are shuttle buses from Nagatoro Station to the base of Mt. Hodo. Take the ropeway or hike up to the wintersweet garden.
A more comfortable option is the Seibu Line express rapid transit “Laview”, which departs from Ikebukuro Station and takes you directly to Seibu-Chichibu Station, in approximately 80 minutes. Once you reach Seibu-Chichibu Station, follow the signs to Ohanabatake Station and hop on the Chichibu Rail Line local towards Kumagaya or Hanyū for 20 minutes and then get off at Nagatoro Station.
Pro tip: It’s cheaper with the Seibu Pass
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
