Saitama is quite far, but definitely a unique experience! Its beauty and simplicity makes the place even better. It’s also a great place for adventure, as there are many different things to explore.

もはや説明不要ですが極彩色で彩られた拝殿は見応え抜群です。 御祭神は神武天皇・大山祇神・火産霊神であり、日本武尊が降り立ち身を清めた泉も残っているとんでもないパワースポット。 (Translated by Google) There is no need for any explanation, but the richly colored worship hall is a sight to behold. The deities enshrined here are Emperor Jimmu, Oyamazumi, and Fire God, and it is an incredible power spot where the spring where Japan Takeru descended to purify himself still remains.

Lots of steps to get there, but the view from the mountain is worth the effort. Marvelous!

Lots of steps to get there, but the view from the mountain is worth the effort. Marvelous!

Lots of steps to get there, but the view from the mountain is worth the effort. Marvelous!

The megalodon figure that greets you at the entrance is gave me the first life size comparison. The many tactile displays made for a very engaging visit. About 70% of the displays came with English explanation. The museum focuses on geology and fauna in various environments found in Japan. Definitely a good place to visit. Plus, there's also a good macha drink shop to visit within walking distance.

Nice view

Recommended. 360 degree view after a 30 minute climb. On a clear winter day you can see Mt. Haruna to the north and Onishi to the south.

The Former Arai Family Residence is a beautiful and well-maintained silkworm raising farmhouse (古民家 kominka). It’s very worthwhile to get a guided tour, which is free as long as the museum staff have time to take you around. It’s ¥200 entry and located behind the Nagatoro Town Museum which is included in the price. There is parking right outside which is shared with Nagatorogura, the sake brewery which is across the carpark. This farmhouse was originally located on the other side of town closer to Nogami I believe, but was donated to the town and moved to this location for public display. When the authorities discovered the Arai farmhouse had been renovated three times they restored it to its original condition. The Arai family were silkworm farmers and the history is fascinating. Imagine the whole first floor covered in silkworms munching away at a whole bunch of leaves! During this period the family slept upstairs. The farmhouse looks out over an aspect of farmland and has a stand of bamboo next to it, so it’s very natural and serene. In spring the farmland is dotted with cherry trees in bloom between the fields. See if you you find where the hidden newlyweds bedroom is - let’s just say that the door that looks like a cupboard well, it’s not a cupboard! Well worth a visit.

You should have visited/seen the falling cherry blossom trees in this season!

(Translated by Google) This is my family's family temple 😃 The cherry blossoms at the Sanmon gate are stunning 😉 (Original) わが家の菩提寺です😃山門の桜が見事です😉

(Translated by Google) Visited during Nagatoro autumn's Nanakusa tour. It was a temple of Obana, but the tall and magnificent Obana welcomes us. Everyone at the temple was kind and gave us a detailed explanation of the seven herbs. (Original) 長瀞秋の七草巡りで訪問。尾花のお寺でしたが背が高く立派な尾花が迎えてくれます。お寺の皆様も親切でイロイロと七草の説明を頂きました。

Nice ryokan for the stay in Nagatoro and everyone was very kind to us. We largely stayed in our rooms so there’s nothing much to say about the amenities like the dinners or the bath. Check in was smooth, and they very nicely held our bags pre and post stay.