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Not far from Tokyo, Nagatoro in Saitama Prefecture exhibits the undeniable beauty of Japanese Nature. Especially in the fall, the area looks like something right out of a painting as the autumn colors appear. With striking geological features like jagged cliffs, a babbling river, and wooded forests, Nagatoro, Saitama is one of the best places from Tokyo to hunt for maple leaves and enjoy outdoor activities among nature.
Nagatoro Saitama Maple Hunting: A river engulfed in floral flames
Located along the Arakawa river in the mountains of the Chichibu area in Saitama Prefecture, is the town of Nagatoro, a picturesque nature paradise that flaunts its assets throughout the year. During spring, the whole town becomes one big pink fairy tale with a total of more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees, while new green leafs create an amazing contrast with the Arakawa river in summer.
In autumn, the Arakawa river will be engulfed in floral flames. Magnificent golden and crimson leafs can be enjoyed while going down the river by a traditional Japanese boat. Together with these autumn leafs, the river’s azure surface and rough cliffs and rocks along the way make for an enchanting ride through Japan’s mesmerizing nature.
Nagatoro Saitama Maple Hunting: Tsukinoishi Momiji Park
The Tsukinoishi Momiji Park, or Moon Stone Maple Park, is another popular maple tree spot around Nagatoro, Saitama. While fresh nature can be enjoyed during spring, the crimson leafs during autumn are without a doubt the biggest charm here. The surprising contrast compared to the modern landscape of Tokyo is stunning.
Surrounded by the autumn maple leaves of Tsukinoishi Momiji Park is the Saitama Museum of Natural History. If you are looking for some indoor, educational activities that the family can enjoy to go along with your maple hunting, this is the place! Be sure to stop by and enjoy learning about the natural history of the area.
Nagatoro Saitama Maple Hunting: Nighttime Autumn Leaves Illuminations
How about a romantic late-evening stroll when the maple trees are lit-up? With a name like “Moon Stone Maple Park,” you won’t be surprised to hear that this part in Saitama puts together some spectacular illuminations to cast even more of a spotlight on the area’s astonishing nature.
During the peak of the season when the maple autumn leaves are at their most magnificent, the park may charge an entrance fee of about 200 yen. Even though the area is outside of Tokyo, its events still draws some decent crowds, so you should also expect to find a lot of people walking around trying to catch a glimpse of the astonishing autumn colors of Saitama.
How to get to Chichibu, Saitama
Chichibu can be reached from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo in about 1 hour and 40 minutes by train on the SEIBU Ikebukuro Line. Along the way, there is plenty to do in the Tokyo suburbs besides just maple hunting in Saitama. Be sure to get a pass and enjoy as much as you can of the nature, history, and culture in Saitama, Japan!
