🗺️ Nagatoro - Hodoyama Wax Plum Garden

Mount Hōdō is located in Nagatoro Town. From late December to the end of February each year, the summit is adorned with blooming yellow wintersweet flowers. The sight of these resilient flowers blooming in the early spring sunshine is captivating. In the area of about 15,000 square meters at the top of Mount Hōdō, approximately 800 plum trees are planted, and the fragrance of around 3,000 wintersweet flowers fills the entire space. Mount Hōdō stands at an elevation of 497 meters. From the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the cityscape of Chichibu, the symbolic Mount Bukō, as well as the Chichibu and Asama mountain ranges, making it one of the best scenic spots in the Kanto region. In the early mornings from late autumn to early spring, one can also witness the dreamlike scenery of the Chichibu Basin enveloped in a sea of clouds. In addition to the cable car, there is a hiking trail leading to the summit, which takes about 3 hours round trip from Nagatoro Station. This hiking route is also quite popular during the autumn foliage season. Many people take the cable car to enjoy a sky walk, taking in the beautiful views of the red maple leaves. Visitors can also pay a visit to the Hōdōsan Shrine located at the foot of the mountain and the Okumiya at the summit. Hōdōsan Shrine is one of the well-known energy spots in Saitama Prefecture.

The rich fragrance of the wintersweet is intoxicating. Mount Boudou is one of the most popular spots in the Kanto region of Japan, offering the best views. It is also a popular energy spot. Please be mindful of the temperature changes at the summit.