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February 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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March 20, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Event end:
History
Mount Hodo (Hodosan, 497 m) has been a sacred peak in the Chichibu region for over 1,300 years. The Hodosan Shrine at its summit—dedicated to the deity of fire prevention and family safety—was founded in 585 CE and remains one of Saitama’s most revered spiritual sites.
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The Mt Hodo Plum Blossom Festival began in 1992 under the Nagatoro Tourism Association, timed to overlap with the Wintersweet Festival (late Jan–late Feb). This intentional scheduling allows visitors a brief window—usually mid-to-late February—to witness yellow wintersweet and red/white plum blossoms blooming simultaneously, a phenomenon unique in Japan. The festival celebrates Chichibu’s rugged natural beauty and the mountain’s role as a spiritual and seasonal beacon.
Overview
The Mt Hodo Plum Blossom Festival 2026 runs from late February to mid-March at the summit plum grove of Mount Hodo, accessible via the Hodosan Ropeway or a 60-minute hike. Approximately 500 plum trees in red, pink, and white burst into bloom around the shrine, mingling with lingering yellow wintersweet (robaibai) for a surreal dual-color spectacle in mid-to-late February.
Festival events include guided summit hikes, plum-themed food stalls (ume onigiri, umeshu, plum mochi), and cultural performances at the shrine. The ropeway offers panoramic views of the Arakawa Valley and distant Tokyo skyline. Free entry to the grove and shrine grounds makes it an accessible mountaintop hanami experience.
Highlights
- 500 Plum Trees + 3,000 Wintersweet: Rare yellow + red/white bloom overlap in mid-to-late February.
- Hodosan Ropeway Ride: 5-minute ascent with 360° views of Chichibu mountains.
- Summit Shrine Setting: Ancient torii and lanterns framed by blossoms.
- Guided Hikes & Food Events: Weekend treks and seasonal mountain cuisine.
- Dual-Flower Magic: Only place in Japan where plum and wintersweet share the same peak.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- 500 Plum Trees + 3,000 Wintersweet: Rare yellow + red/white bloom overlap in mid-to-late February.
- Hodosan Ropeway Ride: 5-minute ascent with 360° views of Chichibu mountains.
- Summit Shrine Setting: Ancient torii and lanterns framed by blossoms.
- Guided Hikes & Food Events: Weekend treks and seasonal mountain cuisine.
- Dual-Flower Magic: Only place in Japan where plum and wintersweet share the same peak.
If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can secure ropeway priority tickets, private dual-flower hikes, shrine blessing sessions, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.
Schedule
Late February – Mid-March 2026
- Wintersweet Overlap: Mid-to-late February
- Peak Plum Bloom: Late February to mid-March
- Ropeway Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (extended weekends)
- Events: Weekends & holidays
Pricing
- Grove & Shrine: FREE
- Hodosan Ropeway (Round-Trip): Adults: ¥1,200 Children: ¥600
- Parking: Paid lots at base
Location
Mt Hodo Plum Blossom Grove (Summit of Hodosan) 2195-2 Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305, Japan
How to Get There
- By Train + Ropeway: – Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro Station → 20-min walk or festival shuttle (weekends) to Hodosan Ropeway Base → 5-min ride to summit
- By Car: – 40 min from Hanazono IC (Kan-Etsu Expressway) – Paid parking at ropeway base
- From Tokyo: ~2 hrs via Seibu Ikebukuro Line + Chichibu Railway
Accommodation Options
Nagatoro offers riverside onsen ryokan with Arakawa views from ¥18,000–¥50,000/person (many include ropeway shuttle). Chichibu city has business hotels from ¥8,000.
Book early for mid-to-late February—the brief dual-bloom window is highly sought after.
FAQs
When is the exact 2026 festival period?
Announced in early February 2026 based on bloom progress. Aim for mid-to-late February for plum + wintersweet overlap.
Is the ropeway running daily?
Yes—but weekends are busiest. Arrive before 10 AM.
Can I hike instead of the ropeway?
Yes—60-minute moderate trail from base. Sturdy shoes required; not stroller-friendly.
Are food stalls every day?
No—primarily weekends. Bring snacks or eat in Nagatoro town.
When do cherry blossoms start on Hodo?
Mid-April at lower elevations—too late for plum overlap, but perfect for a return trip.
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