Hodosan Shrine & Ropeway — Mountain Summit Views

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

mountainropewayshrinepanoramic viewNagatoro

Hodosan Shrine & Ropeway — Mountain Summit Views

Mt. Hodo (宝登山, 497m) rises steeply above Nagatoro town, its summit accessible by a 5-minute ropeway ride that climbs 320 vertical meters through forests of maple and cedar. The summit hosts Hodosan Shrine — a branch of the main shrine at the mountain base, dedicated to fire prevention and established in 110 CE according to shrine records. The mountaintop shrine offers 360° views over the Chichibu Basin, Arakawa River valley, and surrounding mountain ranges.

The summit area includes plum groves (1,500 trees, blooming February–March), azalea gardens (blooming May), and hiking trails leading deeper into the Chichibu mountains. The ropeway upper station features an observation deck and small zoo (Japanese monkeys and small deer). The combination of shrine visit, panoramic views, and seasonal flowers makes Hodosan a natural complement to Nagatoro river activities.

Opening Hours

Ropeway 9:00–17:00 (hours vary seasonally). Summit shrine and facilities open during ropeway hours.

Closed: Ropeway may close for maintenance — check seasonal schedule. Generally open year-round.

Entrance Fee

¥990 round-trip ropeway. One-way (hike up, ropeway down) ¥500. Summit shrine entry free.

Best Season

February–March for plum blossoms; late April–May for azaleas; November for autumn foliage in maple forests

Visit Duration

1.5–2 hours including ropeway, summit shrine, and views; add 60–90 minutes if hiking up

Getting There

Access Information

Hodosan Ropeway, Nagatoro. 15-min walk from Nagatoro Station to ropeway base station. Ropeway: 9:00–17:00 (varies seasonally), ¥990 round-trip. Summit facilities open during ropeway hours. Visit duration: 1.5–2 hours including ropeway, shrine, and summit walk. Combine with river rafting (morning rafting, afternoon mountain visit).

Insider Guide

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**Seasonal timing:** The mountain transforms seasonally. Plum blossoms (February 15–March 15) bring pink and white flowers covering the hillside — among Kanto's earliest spring blooms. Azaleas (late A