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January 21, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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February 28, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Wintersweet Festival, held annually on Mt Hodo in Saitama Prefecture, celebrates the early blooming wintersweet trees, known in Japanese as Robai. These bright yellow flowers are the first to bloom each year, often appearing as early as the first week of January, long before plum blossoms or cherry blossoms.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Wintersweet trees are admired for their vibrant yellow buds and distinctively sweet fragrance. The festival has a long-standing tradition of attracting nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families who want to witness the mountainside illuminated with these early blooms.
Over the years, Mt Hodo has become famous for its wintersweet garden near the summit, offering scenic hiking trails and ropeway access for visitors. The festival not only highlights the flowers but also the surrounding natural beauty of Chichibu District in winter.
Overview
The 2026 Wintersweet Festival will take place from late January to late February 2026. Visitors can enjoy the brilliant yellow blooms along the side of Mt Hodo’s summit, accessible either by hiking or the Hodosan Ropeway.
The festival provides a unique opportunity to see wintersweet in full bloom, with a few weekends featuring illuminations of the flowers in the evening. The festival occasionally overlaps with the plum blossom festival on the mountain during the last weekend, offering a rare combination of early and late winter blooms.
Highlights
- Early blooming wintersweet flowers in bright yellow
- Scenic hiking trails along Mt Hodo’s summit
- Ropeway access for easy summit visits
- Evening illuminations of the blooms on weekends and holidays
- Festival overlap with plum blossoms during the final weekend
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Witness one of Japan’s earliest and most fragrant winter blooms
- Enjoy hiking or ropeway access for panoramic mountain views
- Weekend illuminations create a magical evening atmosphere
- Perfect for photography and nature enthusiasts
- Combines with plum blossom viewing for a unique winter experience
If you are visiting Japan or already in the country, and need any help—from custom tours and experiences to transportation, booking tickets, and more—contact us using the Contact Us page at Jasumo.
Schedule
Late January – Late February 2026
Ropeway Hours: Check Chichibu Railway for operating times (weekend evenings may have extended hours during illuminations)
Pricing
Free entry to the wintersweet garden and festival area.
Ropeway Fee: Separate cost applies for the Hodosan Ropeway (recommended to reach the summit quickly). Hiking is free but takes approximately one hour.
Location
Mt Hodo, 1738 Kanasaki, Minano, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1621, Japan
How to get there:
- By Train: Approximately a 20-minute walk from Chichibu Tetsudo Nagatoro Station to the ropeway or hiking trailhead. Weekend shuttle bus services are often available during the festival.
- By Car: Parking available at the foot of Mt Hodo; the summit is accessible via ropeway or hiking.
Accommodation Options
Visitors can stay in nearby Minano or Nagatoro towns, which offer hotels, ryokans, and guesthouses. Staying nearby allows for easy access to the festival and scenic winter landscapes.
Budget accommodations typically range from ¥6,000–¥12,000 per night, while mid-range hotels or traditional inns cost ¥12,000–¥20,000 per night. Early booking is recommended due to high seasonal demand.
FAQs
When is the Wintersweet Festival held?
The 2026 festival runs from late January to late February, with exact dates depending on the bloom schedule.
Is there an entry fee for the festival?
Entry to the wintersweet garden and festival area is free.
How can I reach the summit?
You can hike for approximately one hour or take the Hodosan Ropeway for faster access.
Are there evening illuminations?
Yes, illuminations are held on weekends and public holidays during the festival period, usually from early February.
Is the festival suitable for families?
Absolutely! The festival is family-friendly, offering safe trails, ropeway access, and beautiful scenic views.
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