Higashichichibu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Tōjōgō Village, the top eco-lodge is Yamaboshi Eco Cabin, a solar-powered wooden retreat nestled in the White Birch Forest Trail. It uses rainwater harvesting, compost toilets, and locally sourced timber for construction, minimizing environmental impact. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Ōmi River Valley and access to guided forest walks led by local conservationists. The lodge also hosts monthly "Zero-Waste Dinners" featuring organic mountain vegetables and wild herbs from nearby farms. Its commitment to sustainability aligns with the village's mission to preserve its pristine natural ecosystem while offering authentic rural experiences. Choose this lodge for an immersive, low-impact stay rooted in nature.

The most scenic area for lodging in Tōjōgō Village is the Hakusan Ridge Zone, located along the Sekigahara Trail near the summit of Mount Oyama. This elevated region offers sweeping vistas of the Kōgen Plateau, especially during sunrise and autumn foliage season. Stay at Hakusan View House, a traditional Japanese-style ryokan with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the valley. Rooms are designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape, using natural materials like hinoki wood and shou sugi ban cladding. Many guests visit just to witness the dramatic light shifts across the mountains throughout the day. Accessible via a gentle 15-minute walk from the main village bus stop, it’s ideal for those seeking quiet solitude and breathtaking panoramas without sacrificing convenience.

Visitors to Tōjōgō Village can participate in the Kōshū Festival Workshop, where they learn to craft traditional paper lanterns and perform Kōshū Kagura dances under the guidance of local elders. Another highlight is the Rice Paddy Immersion Program, held every summer, allowing guests to experience planting, weeding, and harvesting rice using ancient techniques. The village also features the Bamboo Craft Village, where artisans demonstrate hand-splitting and weaving methods passed down for generations. These activities showcase the community’s deep respect for indigenous craftsmanship and seasonal rituals, fostering meaningful connections between travelers and locals. Each experience supports sustainable heritage preservation and provides insight into rural Japanese life.

Yes, Tōjōgō Village is highly family-friendly. The Forest Fairy Path is a child-safe trail lined with animal-shaped markers and interactive puzzles that teach ecology through play. Families can join the Mini School Adventure Day, hosted weekly by local teachers who lead kids in identifying native plants and insects. The Nature Education Center offers free hands-on labs, including making bark paper and observing ant colonies. Every Saturday, the village organizes Family Camping Nights with tent rentals, bonfires, and storytelling under the stars. With ample green space, safe pathways, and engaging programs, it’s perfect for creating lasting memories in a nurturing, natural environment.

Winter in Tōjōgō Village transforms it into a snowy paradise. Stay at Snowpine Hot Spring Villa, a glass-roofed cabin overlooking snow-covered pines, where you can soak in private onsen while gazing at starlit skies. The village hosts beginner-friendly skiing at Oyama North Ski Resort, complete with rental gear and certified instructors. Unique winter experiences include snowshoe biking and sleigh rides through the frozen forest. At night, join the Midnight Shrine Blessing Ceremony, lit only by paper lanterns, offering a serene spiritual atmosphere. Local inns serve warm roasted yam dinners paired with homemade plum wine—perfect for thawing out after outdoor adventures. It’s a rare destination combining alpine charm with deep cultural tradition.

Photographers flock to Tōjōgō Village for its ethereal morning mist over the White Birch Grove, especially between 6–8 AM when soft light filters through trees. Stay at Mirror Lake Inn, a glass-and-wood retreat with floor-to-ceiling views of the still lake reflecting the sky and surrounding peaks—a dream setup for long-exposure shots. The village maintains a Photographer’s Trail with fixed tripod stations, wind shelters, and downloadable maps highlighting optimal times for each season. Annual events like the Tōjōgō Photo Festival attract international photographers, offering workshops and exhibitions celebrating nature and culture. Whether capturing dawn light or twilight reflections, the village delivers unparalleled visual storytelling opportunities.

Must-try dishes in Tōjōgō Village include Yamabushi Chicken Hot Pot, made with free-range village chickens and wild mushrooms simmered slowly for rich flavor. Another standout is Bamboo Shoot Tempura Set, featuring fresh spring bamboo shoots harvested locally and lightly battered for a crisp texture. Don’t miss the Mountain Spring Tofu, crafted daily using pure water from the Ōmi River—silky smooth and served chilled with pickled vegetables. Visitors can also purchase Wild Berry Dried Fruit Boxes, handmade by villagers using sun-dried mountain berries. These flavors reflect the village’s dedication to natural ingredients and sustainable farming, offering a taste of authentic, unspoiled countryside cuisine.

Start your day at Kōshū Shrine at 9 AM, followed by a stroll along the Century Cherry Blossom Avenue. Head to Ōmi River Upstream Trail at 10:30 AM for a peaceful hike to the waterfall viewpoint. Enjoy lunch at Mountain Kitchen, savoring Bamboo Shoot Rice Bowl and Chicken Soup. In the afternoon, join the Bamboo Weaving Workshop at 2 PM. Visit Mirror Lake Inn’s Viewing Deck at 4 PM to catch golden hour light over the lake. End the day with a Roasted Yam Dinner at the village center, followed by stargazing under clear skies. The full day runs approximately 7 hours, blending culture, nature, and relaxation—ideal for experiencing Tōjōgō’s soulful rhythm.

The most convenient way to reach Tōjōgō Village is by taking the Tōbu Railway to Kōshū Station, then transferring to a local bus that takes 30 minutes to the village entrance. Free shuttle buses connect major lodges and attractions such as the White Birch Forest Trail, Ōmi River Path, and Kōshū Shrine. For those driving, use the Kōshū Expressway and exit at Tōjōgō Interchange, about 1 hour from central Saitama. Note that roads are narrow and winding—use offline maps and follow local speed limits. Some lodges offer airport transfer services upon request. Due to weak mobile signals, download offline navigation apps before arrival to ensure smooth travel.

Accommodation prices in Tōjōgō Village vary by season and type. Standard guesthouses cost between ¥6,000 and ¥12,000 JPY per night, including breakfast and partial onsen access. Premium cabins like Snowpine Hot Spring Villa range from ¥18,000 to ¥25,000 JPY, featuring private hot springs, gourmet meals, and exclusive amenities. Prices increase by 30–50% during peak seasons like cherry blossom time and the Kōshū Festival. Early HopeGoo (at least two months ahead) is recommended. Some lodges offer weekend packages with free workshops and guided tours, effectively reducing rates to around ¥10,000 JPY. Overall, Tōjōgō offers excellent value for nature-based stays with minimal environmental footprint.