2026 Minano Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

If you need MAJOR chill vibes near Chichibu, Mission Hills Country Club is the spot! 🗻 The whole place is a dreamy blend of sleek Chinese architecture and insane nature views. Walk up those wooden stairwells (they look straight outta a Pinterest board!) and soak in some happy sunshine through big windows overlooking the trees. It's literally a vibe. The hilltop views? 🤯 So worth every step. You get to live that chalet life—cozy rooms, peace, and quiet, just far enough from city buzz to totally unwind. But hold up, the best part? The onsen here is a game-changer. Relax in those steamy hot springs with panoramic mountain scenery... talk about cloud nine! Surrounded by all that gorgeous outdoor landscape and the chill sounds of nature, it’s the ultimate reset. Address: Mission Hills Country Club, near Chichibu, Saitama (check trip.com for up-to-date details and bookings) Opening hours: Typically 8am–8pm for the country club; onsen hours may vary If you want a pure getaway—awesome chalet stay, epic panoramas, and an onsen experience to remember—Mission Hills Country Club is a total must. Let the zen times roll! 🌳✨

1. Nagatoro Line Boat Ride Address: 369-1305 Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture 489-2 Nagatoro Nagatoro Line Boat Ride Information Center Recommended Points: A popular tourist activity, sailing down Nagatoro Town's clear Arakawa River on a traditional Japanese boat. 🚣♂️ Depending on the season, special boats like the "Kotatsu Boat" are available. 2. Chinbata Address: 368-0023 Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 5919 Omiya Recommended Points: "Pork Miso Bowl," made with miso-marinated pork grilled over charcoal. They also serve another Chichibu specialty, "Waraji Katsudon," so you can enjoy both at once with the "Wadon"! 3. Asami Refrigeration Address: 369-1305 Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture 781-4 Nagatoro Recommended Points: Natural ice boasts a "light, fluffy, and melts quickly" texture. Established in 1890, this ice storehouse boasts a long history as a natural ice manufacturer. 🍧 Their syrups include additive-free fruit juices and a "secret syrup" made with wasanbon sugar. They also offer seasonal fruit and bean paste toppings, making them a must-visit! ✨ The closest location to Nagatoro is the Takara Mountain Trail store! #SaitamaTourism #DomesticTravel #NagatoroTourism #0YenTravel2025Autumn

Minano-Chichibu’s twinkling nighttime magic? 🌃✨ From the summit of Mt. Minoyama to the serene vibes of Minoyama Park, this little trip is a total escape from the city rush. Top Spots to Visit: 1. Mt. Minoyama Address: 4138-3 Minano, Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun 369-1412, Saitama Prefecture Head up this mountain for one of the best night views in all of Saitama! As the sun sets, the valley below glows with thousands of lights—seriously peaceful and just plain beautiful. If you go after sunset, pack a jacket and take a few minutes to soak in the scenery. *Personal tip: The calm here is unreal—bring a tripod for pictures, and don’t rush!* 2. Minoyama Park Address: Saitama, Japan Open: Year-round, all day If you love outdoor landscapes and modern design, stroll through Minoyama Park before heading up to the mountaintop. It’s open 24/7 and super convenient for relaxing or snapping some quick cultural pics before your night view adventure. Getting Around: Train is your best bet! Take the Chichibu Railway to Minano Station, and then it’s a short taxi or local bus ride to the base of the mountain. Walking to the summit is possible, but be prepared for some uphill hiking. Food: Bring snacks for your night hike—the area around Minoyama isn’t bursting with restaurants, so grab a bento at the station or a convenience store. Key Tips: – Dress warmly for the nighttime chill. – Cash is king in some local cafés. – Local buses stop running early, so arrange your ride ahead! #ChichibuNights #SaitamaViews #JapanTravel #MinoyamaPark #TripCom

Chichibu and Nagatoro are a quick ride from Ikebukuro on the Laview Express. Enjoy the natural scenery, cool river breezes, and refreshing Asami Reizo shaved ice. A little summer treat, a getaway from the busy everyday. 📍 Minoyama Observatory A magnificent panoramic view of the Chichibu Basin! The air is clear in the morning, and on some days you can even see a sea of ​​clouds. ☁️ The drive to the summit is pleasant, and Mount Buko is clearly visible from the observation deck. 🕓 Opening Hours: Open year-round, admission free 🚗 Access: Approximately 90 minutes on foot from Minano Station on the Chichibu Railway / Approximately 40 minutes by car from Hanazono IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway 💡 Parking available (free, approximately 100 spaces) 📍 Hodosan Shrine A symbol of Nagatoro. The approach to the shrine, surrounded by trees, and the vermilion-lacquered main building are beautiful. ✨ This historic shrine is said to offer protection from fires and thefts. 🕓Shrine Office: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (until 4:30 PM from October through March) 🚶♀️Access: Approximately a 10-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway 💡Parking available / Ropeway to the summit (¥1,200 round trip) 📍 Asami Reizo Kanazaki Main Branch A mecca for natural ice! This is the place to be in Chichibu in the summer. 🍧 Fluffy ice topped with plenty of homemade syrup. Enjoying it in a garden surrounded by nature is the ultimate relaxation. 🕓 Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Irregular holidays, beware of crowds during summer) 🚗 Access: Approximately a 3-minute walk from Kami-Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway 💡 Parking available. Numbered tickets are required on some days, so arrive early. 📍 Iwadatami (Rock Beds) A spectacular spot where the clear waters of the Arakawa River intertwine with the massive rock formations. 🌊 Iwadatami Street is lined with local gourmet food and souvenir shops, making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. 🕓 Free to view (always open) 🚶♀️ Access: Approximately a 5-minute walk from Nagatoro Station 📍 Nagatoro Line Rafting End your Chichibu trip with an exhilarating riverboat ride! 🚤 A popular activity that offers both thrills and relaxation. The boatman's talk is also fun ♪ 🕓Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Mid-March - Early December) 💰Price: 3km Course - Adults from ¥2,000 🚶♀️Access: Right next to Nagatoro Station. Pick-up service available from the reception desk. ⚠️May be suspended due to weather or water level. #0YenTravel2025Autumn #DomesticTravel #Chichibu #ChichibuTourism #ChichibuGourmet

Asami Reizo is a long-established ice shop in Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture, that shaved ice lovers should visit at least once. Founded in 1890, it boasts a long history and is known for still preserving the traditional "natural ice" 🧊 The biggest attraction is the unique fluffy texture of the shaved ice made with natural ice ♡ The natural ice is made slowly and carefully in the cold of winter, melting softly the moment you put it in your mouth, and has a gentle texture like light snow. This famous shop is visited by many people from far away for its exquisite texture that they have never tasted before. The syrup is also one of the attractions. There is a wide variety of handmade syrups made with seasonal fruits and ingredients, and the natural sweetness of strawberry, matcha, brown honey kinako, plum, etc. matches exquisitely with the ice ◎ It makes use of the deliciousness of the ingredients as they are, and it feels luxurious like a dessert. Some of the rare flavors are original to Asami Reizo, and are popular with repeat customers! The charm of Asami Reizo is in the quaint storefront and the surrounding nature. Enjoying shaved ice in a relaxed atmosphere while looking out at the gardens will let you fully experience the rich nature and history of Chichibu. Since it is open all year round, not just in summer, you can enjoy visiting as the scenery changes with the seasons. There is always a line, but the shaved ice is one you will want to line up for again 🎶 📍Address: 27-1 Kanazaki, Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1621 🕰️Business hours: 10:00-16:30 (closed on Thursdays) #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Chichibu

Azami Reizo Kanazaki Main Store is a shaved ice specialty store using natural ice located in Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture. It started as an ice manufacturing business in 1890 and began serving shaved ice in 1992. Natural ice made by freezing spring water with the natural cold during the winter has a smooth texture and a fluffy texture. The wide variety of menu items using homemade syrups and sweet bean paste are popular, and there are often long lines in the summer.    ⸻ Basic information • Location: 27-1 Kanazaki, Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture • Access: About 3 minutes walk from Kami-Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway • Business hours: 10:00-16:30 (orders stop around 15:00 when crowded) • Closed: Thursdays (open every day in July and August), irregular holidays (announced on the official website) • Parking: Available (several spaces). When it gets busy, please use the nearby paid parking lot. • Number of seats: Approximately 110 seats (terrace seats available) • Payment method: Cash only (cards and electronic money not accepted)      ⸻ Main menu • Brewery Secret Mitsu Kiwami Special: 1,500 yen. Comes with bean paste, white bean paste, and matcha bean paste • Strawberry milk: From 1,000 yen • Matcha azuki: 1,300 yen • Sweet potato shaved ice (with shiratama and condensed milk): 1,500 yen • Earl Grey tea and milk caramel: 1,300 yen *Prices include tax. Seasonal menus and new items are also available from time to time. ⸻ Characteristics and highlights • Use of natural ice: Natural ice made by freezing spring water in the winter with the natural cold is used. It melts easily in the mouth and has a fluffy texture. •Homemade syrup and bean paste: The gentle sweetness of the ingredients is made with additive-free homemade syrup and bean paste. •Location surrounded by nature: Enjoy shaved ice in nature on the terrace surrounded by trees. •Media coverage: Featured in many media outlets, this popular store has many fans from all over the country.    Asami Reizo Kanazaki Main Store is a famous store that serves the finest shaved ice made with natural ice and homemade syrup. Enjoy a special moment in a location rich in nature. #Asami Reizo #Kanazaki Main Store #Natural Ice #Shaved Ice #Chichibu Gourmet #Nagatoro Sweets #Kuramoto Secret Honey #Summer Tradition #Stores with Queues #Saitama Tourism #0 Yen Travel

This time, we will introduce the popular spot "Azami Reizo" in Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture 🍧 Please take a look😊 ---------------------------- Tourist spot: Asami Reizo Azami Reizo 🍧 is a famous shaved ice shop in Nagatoro! You can enjoy fluffy shaved ice made with natural ice ☺️ - Shaved ice made with natural ice ❄️: The ice made with natural water from Chichibu is characterized by its smooth texture and gentle sweetness. We also recommend the classic strawberry and matcha, as well as seasonal syrups! - A shop surrounded by nature 🌳: The shop is located in a natural environment, so you can enjoy shaved ice while enjoying the scenery of the four seasons! - Popular spot 🌟: There are often long lines, but it is said to be worth it! You can spend the waiting time enjoying the scenery! - Cafe time 🍰: Not only shaved ice, but also a wide variety of snacks and desserts are available, making it perfect for a quick cafe time! Asami Reizo is a special place where you can enjoy exquisite shaved ice while feeling the nature of Nagatoro☺️ Please come and visit! ---------------------------- We would be happy if you could like or follow us🙇 We will deliver new information and great travel ideas to you! #summerevents #Nagatoro #shavedice #triptoJapan

Mangan Village Auto Campsite in Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture Not only are there full-fledged tent sites, but there are also American trailer houses and cottages, making it a campsite that even beginners can enjoy easily. We stayed in a standard wood type cottage. It was a compact cottage, but the room was very convenient as it was equipped with a kitchen, refrigerator, toilet, and air conditioner. There is also a set of barbecue ingredients, and anything you need can be rented or sold, so you can come empty-handed. And it comes with a hot spring ticket that you can walk to! A hot spring after having a lot of fun is the best, isn't it? It is a campsite that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind, so it is highly recommended for your first camping experience. Mangan Village Auto Campsite Address: 3902-1 Shimohinosawa, Minano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture TEL: 0494-62-4726 #Domestic travel #Saitama #Saitama sightseeing #Camp #Campsite #Hot spring