Nagatoro River Boat Ride – A Hidden Scenic Spot Near Tokyo
東京駅から長瀞駅（ながとろえき）までは、乗り継いで約2時間
埼玉県の奥秩父になります。
到着駅はレトロなローカル駅という雰囲気です。
川下りは、徒歩で10分ほどのところにあります。
今回の旅は、川の水量が少ないことから周回コースとなっていましたが、本来は急流を下っていく、けっこうスリリングな体験ができます。
From Tokyo Station, it takes approximately two hours by train to reach Nagatoro Station, with one or two transfers along the way.
Nagatoro is located in the Okuchichibu area of Saitama Prefecture.
The arrival station has a charming, retro atmosphere, typical of a quiet local railway station in rural Japan.
The river boat ride departure point is located about a 10-minute walk from the station, making it very easy to access on foot.
On this visit, due to a lower water level, the boat ride followed a circular course.
However, under normal conditions, the experience includes navigating gentle rapids, offering a surprisingly thrilling and memorable ride through the scenic gorge.
訪れた季節は11月初旬でしたが、ちょうど紅葉も楽しめ、最高に雰囲気のいい時期で、お客さんもたくさんでした。
この長瀞は、ロープウェイで山頂からの景色も楽しめるほか、ミニ動物園があり、動物好きの私にとっては天国のような場所で、とくにニホンザルにサツマイモのカットしたものを投げると、上手にキャッチしてくれます。
若いころは野球でピッチャーをやっていたので、コントロールには少し自信があり、お猿さんとキャッチボールしてた感じで、とても楽しかった。
I visited Nagatoro in early November, and it turned out to be the perfect time to go.
The autumn foliage was at its peak, creating a beautiful seasonal atmosphere, and the area was lively with many visitors enjoying the scenery.
In addition to the river boat ride, Nagatoro also offers scenic views from the Nagatoro Ropeway, which takes you to the mountaintop for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
There is also a small zoo nearby, and as an animal lover, this made the area feel like a little paradise to me.
One of the highlights was interacting with the Japanese macaques. When visitors toss small pieces of sweet potato, the monkeys skillfully catch them in mid-air.
I used to play baseball as a pitcher when I was younger, so I have a bit of confidence in my throwing accuracy. It felt almost like playing catch with the monkeys, and I genuinely had a great time.
このメッセージの最後にお伝えしたいことがあります。
電車の左右にスロープが見えますが、左側には反対方向に行く電車のホームがあり、スロープのところには踏切があります。
つまり電車が出入りするときには反対の電車に乗りたくても踏切で止められて、しかもローカル線ですから次の電車まで約1時間近く待たないとなりません。
時間には余裕をもって、駅舎で待つのがよろしいかと思います。
では良い旅を！
Before closing, there is one important point I would like to share.
At Nagatoro Station, you may notice ramps on both sides of the tracks.
On the left side is the platform for trains traveling in the opposite direction, and there is a level crossing located at the ramp area.
When a train arrives or departs, the crossing is closed. This means that even if you want to board the train on the opposite platform, you may be stopped at the crossing.
As this is a local railway line, the next train may not arrive for nearly an hour.
For this reason, it is best to allow plenty of time and wait calmly at the station building rather than rushing.
I hope this helps make your visit smoother.
Have a wonderful journey.
