Looking for a relaxing nature getaway from Tokyo?
Chichibu and Nagatoro, located in Saitama Prefecture, are popular destinations known for beautiful nature, traditional shrines, local food, and slower countryside atmosphere.
Compared to busier tourist destinations near Tokyo, the Chichibu area offers a more peaceful and local travel experience with scenic rivers, historic streets, and mountain views.
In this guide, I’ll introduce the best things to do in Chichibu and Nagatoro, including shrines, local food, scenic spots, and easy day trip routes from Tokyo.
Things to Do in Chichibu & Nagatoro
Chichibu Shrine
Chichibu Shrine is one of the most important historical sites in the Chichibu area and is known for beautiful carvings, colorful decorations, and peaceful atmosphere.
The shrine is located in central Chichibu and is easy to visit together with nearby cafés, restaurants, and shopping streets.
👉 Best for: History, shrine visits, traditional atmosphere
Banba Street
Banba Street is the approach leading to Chichibu Shrine and one of the nicest areas to walk around in central Chichibu.
The street has a relaxed local atmosphere with cafés, traditional shops, souvenir stores, and small restaurants.
Compared to larger tourist cities, the area feels quieter and more local.
👉 Best for: Local atmosphere, cafés, walking around town
Mitoya Honten
Mitoya Honten is a traditional Japanese sweets shop founded in 1875.
The shop is known for nostalgic atmosphere and local sweets that are perfect for a relaxing stop while exploring Chichibu.
👉 Best for: Traditional Japanese sweets, local food culture
Eitaro Soba Restaurant
Eitaro is a local soba restaurant in Chichibu known for handmade soba noodles and traditional atmosphere.
Soba is one of the local specialties in the area and makes a great lunch option during a Chichibu day trip.
👉 Best for: Local soba, traditional lunch experience
Hijiri Shrine (Sacred Money Shrine)
Hijiri Shrine is a unique shrine famous for blessings related to money and good fortune.
The shrine has become popular among visitors hoping for financial luck and is known as one of Japan’s “money power spots.”
👉 Best for: Unique shrine experience, spiritual spots
Nagatoro Rock Formations (Iwadatami)
The Nagatoro rock formations, known as Iwadatami, are one of the most famous sightseeing spots in the area.
Visitors can walk along the river while enjoying natural scenery, rock formations, and peaceful atmosphere.
The area is especially beautiful during spring and autumn.
👉 Best for: Nature, scenic walks, relaxing atmosphere
Hodosan Shrine
Hodosan Shrine is a historic shrine located in Nagatoro surrounded by mountains and nature.
The shrine is known for beautiful decorations and calm atmosphere away from busy city areas.
👉 Best for: Nature, traditional Japanese scenery, peaceful visits
Try Miso Dango in Nagatoro
Miso dango is one of the local foods often enjoyed while walking around Nagatoro.
The grilled rice dumplings with savory miso sauce are a popular snack among visitors exploring the area.
👉 Best for: Local snacks, food walks
Nagatoro River Boat Experience
Nagatoro is also famous for traditional river boat rides along the river.
The boat experience offers scenic nature views and is especially popular during warmer seasons.
👉 Best for: Nature experiences, sightseeing, seasonal activities
How to Get to Chichibu & Nagatoro from Tokyo
By Train
One of the easiest ways to visit Chichibu and Nagatoro from Tokyo is by train from Ikebukuro Station.
The Seibu Laview Limited Express is a comfortable and convenient option that connects Tokyo and Chichibu directly.
Compared to regular trains, Laview offers a smoother and more relaxing travel experience, making it popular for day trips from Tokyo.
From Chichibu, local trains can take you to Nagatoro area as well.
👉 Best for: Easy day trips, train travel lovers, stress-free transportation
By Car
Driving is another popular option, especially if you want to visit multiple areas around Chichibu and Nagatoro at your own pace.
Traveling by car also makes it easier to access places like Hijiri Shrine and scenic countryside areas.
However, traffic can become heavy during weekends, holidays, and autumn foliage season.
👉 Best for: Flexible travel, countryside exploration, road trips
Suggested Day Trip Route – Itinerary
Suggested Route by Train
Morning
- Arrive in Nagatoro
- Walk around Iwadatami rock formations
- Visit Hodosan Shrine
- Try local miso dango
Afternoon
- Travel to Chichibu area
- Visit Chichibu Shrine
- Walk around Banba Street
- Enjoy soba or local sweets
This route works well because Nagatoro’s nature spots are especially enjoyable earlier in the day, while Chichibu city is perfect for slower afternoon exploring.
Suggested Route by Car
Morning
- Drive from Tokyo
- Visit Hijiri Shrine
- Continue to Nagatoro
Afternoon
- Explore Chichibu city
- Visit Chichibu Shrine
- Stop by local cafés and souvenir shops
Driving allows more flexibility and makes it easier to explore smaller local areas around Chichibu and Nagatoro.
Final Thoughts
Chichibu and Nagatoro are perfect destinations for travelers looking to experience a quieter and more local side of Japan near Tokyo.
From historic shrines and traditional food to beautiful riverside scenery and relaxing countryside atmosphere, the area offers a refreshing escape from the city.
Whether you visit by train or car, Chichibu and Nagatoro make a wonderful nature day trip from Tokyo.
