-----------------------------------
matous
Mon Nov 28, 2005 5:01 am

Nagatoro (Chichibu, Saitama-ken) [E]
-----------------------------------
Location : Nagatoro (長瀞)
Prefecture : Saitama-ken
Attractions : Arakawa River
I recommend : Rafting & kayak, especially in May/June (high level of waters)

Access : By train, from Tokyo area to Kumagaya (for example from Shinjuku by JR Takasaki Line, 42 min, 1110 yens) and then to Nagatoro by Chichibu Line (49 min, 740 yens); the cheapest option is to take Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro to Yorii (about 90 min, 860 yens) and then change for Chichibu Line to Nagatoro (20 min, 460 yens);
By car, using the Kan-etsu Highway to Hanazono (花園IC, about 60 km from Ikebukuro) and then 18 km on a national road.
Internet : 

Nagatoro is famous for its Rock Tatami Cliff (Nagatoro no Iwadatami, 長瀞の岩畳), namely crystalline schist creating successive layers of rock overlapping each others. It seems that this geological feature was in fact created in the ocean (when the area was covered by the sea) and shaped later by the river. The name Iwadatami underlines the ressemblance with a tatami mat floor.

A very popular activity is the boat ride following the steam of the river on about 3 km (30 minutes). Those long boats seat about 20 persons and offer close view on the shores of the river! If you prefer to do some sport, then kayaking and white-water rafting are also available.

Rafting, kayak : http://forum.secret-japan.com/album_thumbnail.php?pic_id=107http://forum.secret-japan.com/album_thumbnail.php?pic_id=108http://forum.secret-japan.com/album_thumbnail.php?pic_id=109http://forum.secret-japan.com/album_thumbnail.php?pic_id=110http://forum.secret-japan.com/album_thumbnail.php?pic_id=111http://forum.secret-japan.com/album_thumbnail.php?pic_id=106

Another spot is the Mt Hodo (): from the Nagatoro station, walk away from the river for about 15 minutes; you will reach a cable car which brings you  to the top of the mountain (497 m, 720 yens return / 420 yens one-way, 

Links

[url=http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/RTG/PTG/pdf/pg-303.pdf]JNTO - Chichibu & Okutama