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To Ume Hyakkaen at the Summit of Mount Hodo in Nagatoro: Reaching the Mountain-Top Plum Garden by Ropeway
Ume Hyakkaen, located at the summit of Mount Hodo, gathers approximately 170 varieties and 470 plum trees. This article covers the route from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway via ropeway, as well as how to find day-trip hot springs to visit on the way back.
At the summit of Mount Hodo in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture, lies "Ume Hyakkaen" (Plum Hundred Flower Garden), known as the plum garden in the Kanto region with the greatest variety of plums. Approximately 170 varieties and 470 trees bloom here, including early-blooming varieties such as Toji and Kanbain, as well as the three "Moon" varieties (Mangetsu, Tanabe no Tsuki, and Soumei no Tsuki). Information regarding fees, hours, and access is based on the official website (verified in October 2026). As details may change from year to year, please check the official website before your departure.
Mount Hodo Ume Hyakkaen
- Mount Hodo Ume Hyakkaen: The optimal viewing period is generally from mid-February to March.
- The estimated travel time from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway is approximately 25 minutes by walking and ropeway. It takes about 60 minutes if you walk the hiking course (neither estimate includes waiting times).
- There is a parking lot for 320 vehicles at the foot of the ropeway's base station. The Nagatoro Town Tourism Association advises visitors to allow ample time, as it becomes very crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Please check the Mount Hodo Ropeway guidelines for operating hours.
Visiting a Day-Trip Hot Spring on the Way Back
The Nagatoro Town Tourism Association website introduces day-trip bathing facilities around Nagatoro. Stopping by after walking through the plum garden allows you to warm up comfortably before heading home.
Example Itinerary
Walk from Nagatoro Station to the ropeway's base station, then ride the ropeway to Ume Hyakkaen at the summit. On the way back, descend to the base station and return to the area around Nagatoro Station. You can check the current blooming status for that year via the Bloom Report. This page introduces nearby accommodations for each famous spot.
