Chichibu Steam Locomotive and Nagatoro River Cruise Day Trip

Duration10h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Group sizeUp to 42 travelers

Overview

Travel back in time aboard the historic Chichibu SL Paleo Express, a steam locomotive that glides through the picturesque countryside of Saitama. This day tour continues to Nagatoro, where you can enjoy a riverboat cruise through breathtaking gorges and explore the iconic Iwadatami Rock Terraces, a designated place of scenic beauty. A visit to the serene Hodosan Shrine, surrounded by nature, offers a peaceful escape. Delight in a delicious local lunch featuring Chichibu's famous rice bowl topped with miso-marinated pork, a must-try specialty.

- Ride the nostalgic Chichibu SL Paleo Express steam train
- Experience a scenic boat cruise in Nagatoro Gorge
- Explore the stunning Iwadatami Rock Terraces
- Enjoy a local lunch featuring Chichibu's specialty rice bowl

Options

Depart from Shinjuku

Starting point:
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Large Bus Parking Lot Entrance, 2-chōme-2-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan

Depart from Ikebukuro

Starting point:
Ikebukuro Sunshine Bus Terminal, Japan, 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3-chōme−1−１サンシャイン文化会館 1F

Depart from Ueno

Starting point:
Parks Ueno Store, 7-47 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

Depart from Tokyo

What's included

Boat and SL rides
Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
Rice bowl topped with miso-marinated pork (boxed meal)
Round-trip bus transportation

Food and drinks (unless specified)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)

What to expect

30m · Admission ticket included

After meeting your tour conductor travel approximately 3 hours by comfortable sightseeing bus to Yorii Station.

Board the nostalgic Chichibu SL Paleo Express, a steam locomotive that recreates the atmosphere of Japan's classic railway era. The train travels through the scenic countryside of the Chichibu region, offering a relaxing journey and a chance to experience one of Japan's few regularly operated steam trains.

The train ride lasts approximately 26 to 30 minutes. Please note that the boarding section may be adjusted depending on operating conditions.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through late November.
2h

Arrive in Nagatoro, a scenic area renowned for its striking river gorge and beautiful natural landscapes.

During your stay, enjoy a boat cruise along the river, where you can admire the dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and seasonal scenery from the water. The river journey offers a different perspective of the gorge and is one of Nagatoro's most popular experiences.

You will also have free time to explore the famous Iwadatami Rock Terraces, a remarkable geological formation designated as a National Natural Monument. The broad rock surfaces along the river create one of the most distinctive landscapes in the region.

An included lunch features a local specialty rice bowl topped with miso-marinated pork, a popular dish in the Chichibu area.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through late November.
1h

Continue for 10 minutes by bus to Hodosan Shrine, one of the three major shrines of the Chichibu region.

Surrounded by nature and seasonal colors, the shrine has long been known as a place of worship and is regarded as one of the Kanto region's notable spiritual sites. Enjoy free time to explore the shrine grounds and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere.

Autumn foliage is typically at its best from mid-November through late November.

After sightseeing, begin the return journey to Tokyo.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet inside the bus terminal on the first floor of the Bunka Kaikan Bldg. inside Sunshine City. Approx. 20 min walk from Ikebukuro Station. Please arrive at least 10 min before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet at Terminal Tokyo Yaesu (B1F), near the restrooms located beside Bus Stop A05 on Basement Level 1 of TOFROM YAESU TOWER. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet near the "Parks Ueno Store" Park Information kiosk at JR Ueno Station Park Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

Meeting point

Meet inside the Metropolitan Government Large Bus Parking Lot at JR Shinjuku Station West Exit. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Ikebukuro it will end also near Ikebukuro Station. Arrival expected around 5:55 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Tokyo it will end also near there. Arrival expected around 5:40 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Ueno it will end also in Ueno. Arrival expected around 5:30 PM.

End point

The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark. If the tour departs from Shinjuku it will end also in Shinjuku. Arrival expected around 5:35 PM.

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
Infant (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no arrangement
Delays, shortenings or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 5 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed and the bus arrival may be delayed
The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as in the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves. If the conditions of the autumn leaves are poor, visiting times may be shortened. Typical Peak Season: mid to late November.
Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
Delays or non-participation due to public transportation delays will be subject to cancellation fees. The tour will depart at the scheduled time listed.
The boarding section of the Chichibu SL Paleo Express may be changed depending on reservation availability.
The order of the itinerary may be adjusted based on the scheduled boarding time of the steam locomotive.
In the unlikely event that the steam locomotive (SL) becomes inoperable due to mechanical issues, the train will be pulled by an electric locomotive (EL) instead. In such cases, the reserved-seat fee of ¥900 will be refunded.
Your tour conductor will provide information regarding the designated boarding section of the SL. The itinerary and schedule may be adjusted according to the train's operating schedule and boarding time.
Reserved seats will be provided; however, seat assignments will be determined by the tour operator. You may be asked to share a table or seating area with members of another group.
Please note that we are currently unable to accept reservations from residents of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) due to reservation system restrictions related to data protection regulations (GDPR). Country of residence will be confirmed after booking. If we are unable to process your reservation, it will be rejected and a full refund will be provided.
Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, it has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.