Are there any entrance fees for visiting the Hodosan Shrine?

No, entrance to Hodosan Shrine is free.

How can I get to Hodosan Shrine from Tokyo?

You can take a train to Nagatoro Station and then a short bus or taxi ride to the shrine.

Are there any special events or festivals held at Hodosan Shrine?

Yes, the shrine hosts several festivals throughout the year, including New Year's celebrations and the Hodosan Fire Festival.

Can visitors participate in any rituals or ceremonies at the shrine?

Visitors can participate in common rituals like offering prayers and making wishes on ema (wooden plaques).

What is the best time to visit the Hodosan Shrine?

The best times to visit are during cherry blossom season in spring and foliage season in autumn for the most picturesque views.

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine stands surrounded by trees. The ornate building features intricate wooden carvings, a curved roof, and stone lanterns, with a red umbrella and offerings visible to the right.

A small Japanese shrine surrounded by lush greenery, with two fox statues wearing red bibs at the entrance and red banners hanging from the roof. The shrine features wooden details and decorative ropes.

A small wooden Shinto shrine with a slanted roof stands among green trees, with a rope and bell hanging in front, and stone steps leading up to the entrance.

Ornate roof of a traditional Japanese temple with intricate wooden carvings and colorful decorative details, set against tall green trees and a bright sky.

Two traditional Japanese wooden buildings surrounded by lush green trees and plants, set on a gentle hillside under a bright sky.

Saitama

Hodosan Shrine

4.3 (5849)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 29, 2026

Hodosan Shrine, found in Saitama's Chichibu area, has a long history dating back to 110 CE. It sits on Hodo Mountain and offers a mix of nature and tradition. The shrine is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. One of its key features is the intricate wood carvings that decorate the buildings, showcasing excellent craftsmanship.

Visitors can also enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them. The area is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. The shrine hosts several annual festivals, attracting many visitors who come to experience the cultural events and scenic views.

Hodosan Shrine is also known for its "miraculous fire," which is said to have protected the area from a wildfire in ancient times. This story adds to the shrine's rich cultural heritage and makes it a significant site for both locals and tourists.

Phone

+81 494-66-0084

Website

www.hodosan-jinja.or.jp

Overview

Address

1828 Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305, Japan

Traveler reviews

Absolutely worth coming to see the plum blossoms! It was my first time witnessing such beautiful and fragrant plum blossoms – truly delightful. Taking the ropeway round trip costs 600 yen, and if you come by car, parking is 500 yen. I highly recommend coming here to relax; starting from January, you can enjoy the plum blossoms, and they should be in full bloom by February.

Ambrose Song

Jan 16, 2024

Hodosan Shrine is an old Shinto shrine that is within walking distance of the Nagatoro station. It is a serene place.

Asiya Mehtar

Apr 15, 2026

Chasing autumn leaves, arrived around 6 PM. The temple was lighted up and we had the rare pleasure of sharing this with just a few others. Only November!

Celia

Nov 4, 2024

Large beautiful shrine in Nagtoro. You can climb the mountain as well or take a gondola up. Big old trees, nice ponds with koi and turtles. Free parking and a lovely 10 minute walk to the Arakawa river and Ginza street with all the shops.

brokenwing bird

Jan 15, 2026

A must visit shrine when going to Nagatoro. Was a little hike up the mountain but it’s worth the walk. Has a variety of omikuji and especially pretty when lighted up during the evening.

Khanh Linh Nguyen

Nov 28, 2025

Places & attractions near Hodosan Shrine

A clear river flows between rocky cliffs and lush green trees under a bright blue sky. Small groups of people stand on the rocks and swim in the water, surrounded by natural scenery.

Nagatoro Valley (Iwadatami)

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with ornate wooden architecture, surrounded by lush green trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A stone path leads to the shrine’s entrance.

Chichibu Shrine

A scenic field of vibrant pink and white moss phlox flowers in full bloom, with people walking along paths and lush green trees and a forested mountain rising in the background under a clear blue sky.

Hitsujiyama Park

A wooden bench sits on a patch of dirt in a grassy park, with sunlight streaming through trees in the background. Another bench is visible farther away under the shade of the trees.

Akigase Park

Places & attractions near Hodosan Shrine

Nagatoro Valley (Iwadatami)

Chichibu Shrine

Hitsujiyama Park

Akigase Park

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A modern stadium with a distinctive roof design featuring large, white supports. The structure has extensive glass facades and a wide entrance area. The sky is clear, and there are a few people near the entrance and green foliage in the top right corner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Saitama

Hodosan Shrine

4.3 (5849)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 29, 2026

Phone

+81 494-66-0084

Website

www.hodosan-jinja.or.jp

Overview

Address

1828 Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305, Japan

Phone

+81 494-66-0084

Website

www.hodosan-jinja.or.jp

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Traveler reviews

Ambrose Song

Jan 16, 2024

Hodosan Shrine is an old Shinto shrine that is within walking distance of the Nagatoro station. It is a serene place.

Asiya Mehtar

Apr 15, 2026

Chasing autumn leaves, arrived around 6 PM. The temple was lighted up and we had the rare pleasure of sharing this with just a few others. Only November!

Celia

Nov 4, 2024

brokenwing bird

Jan 15, 2026

A must visit shrine when going to Nagatoro. Was a little hike up the mountain but it’s worth the walk. Has a variety of omikuji and especially pretty when lighted up during the evening.

Khanh Linh Nguyen

Nov 28, 2025