Guida
Hodosan Roubaien is a specialized garden located near the summit of Mt. Hodosan (497m) in Nagatoro, Saitama Prefecture. The garden covers approximately 15,000 square meters and is home to about 800 plants, totaling roughly 3,000 Winter Sweet (Roubai) bushes. Known in English as "Winter Sweet," these plants are incredibly hardy and release a deep, sweet fragrance from winter through early spring. It is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Kanto region, offering a sensory experience where the scent of the flowers meets a stunning view of the Chichibu Basin and surrounding mountains.
Mt. Hodosan has long been a beloved mountain for locals, and the area near the summit has been developed into specialized gardens to enjoy seasonal flowers. The Winter Sweet plays a central role here, symbolizing the transition of seasons by blooming amidst the winter cold. The garden features three distinct varieties of Roubai, each offering unique shapes and scents, contributing to the rich botanical heritage of the area.
The garden features three main varieties of Winter Sweet: "Wa-Roubai," a small variety with a reddish-purple center; "Soshin," which has a strong fragrance and sword-shaped petals; and "Mangetsu." These varieties bloom together in the open, airy space at 497m altitude. Another major highlight is the panoramic view from the summit, which allows visitors to gaze upon the iconic Mt. Buko, the serrated peaks of Mt. Ryogami, and the sprawling cityscape of the Chichibu Basin.
The peak blooming season is typically from late December to late February. During this time, the intense fragrance and bright yellow flowers stand out beautifully against the sparse winter landscape. The flowers appear particularly vibrant under the soft sunlight of early spring. Since blooming conditions can vary depending on the weather, it is common to check the latest flowering status before visiting.
The area is perfect for nature walks and hiking. You can enjoy a scenic journey to the summit via the ropeway, which provides a wonderful view of the Chichibu region during the ascent. The surrounding area also features the Hodosan Small Animal Park and the Umekahana Garden, making it an ideal spot for a full day of nature-themed exploration.
The area around Mt. Hodosan offers diverse seasonal beauty. Nearby, you can visit the Umekahana Garden to see plum blossoms or explore the famous Nagatoro cherry blossom spots. For families, the Hodosan Small Animal Park at the foot of the mountain provides a great environment to interact with nature and animals.
Please prepare cash (Japanese Yen) for ropeway fees and parking-related costs. While some facilities may accept credit cards or IC cards, carrying cash is highly recommended for reliability.
English language support and signage are limited at the garden and surrounding facilities. Most information and staff communication are primarily in Japanese.
No advance reservations are required to enter the garden. However, it is recommended to check official information regarding ropeway operating hours and parking availability to avoid inconvenience.
Since the temperature is low from winter to early spring, please wear warm clothing such as a heavy jacket or coat. As the garden includes hiking paths with some slopes, comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Photography is permitted throughout the garden. We kindly ask that you follow etiquette to protect the plants and avoid obstructing other visitors.
The ropeway provides access to the summit area, but please be aware that parts of the garden and hiking trails contain steps and uneven terrain. Please plan your route accordingly if using a wheelchair or stroller.