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

In Koshi Town, the top family-friendly option is Koshi Town Stay, a cozy homestay nestled near the Ogasawara Mountains. It offers Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and modern amenities, including a garden for children to play. Guests can join hands-on workshops like traditional paper umbrella making and enjoy breakfast using local ingredients. The property is just a 10-minute walk from Koshi River Path, ideal for nature walks and birdwatching. Accessible via a 1-hour train ride from Tokyo Station, it’s perfect for families seeking an authentic rural retreat away from urban noise.

The best area for sightseeing in Koshi Town is around Koshi Station, where several boutique lodges and guesthouses are located. This central hub connects directly to Seibu Railway, allowing quick access to Koshi Shrine and Koshi Town Cultural Hall. Evening strolls along the Koshi River Promenade offer scenic views illuminated by lanterns. Nearby, the Oshu Road Farm Experience Park invites visitors to participate in rice harvesting and local cooking classes. Choose accommodations with a private courtyard or garden for a serene atmosphere, ideal for morning tea and quiet reflection.

In Koshi Town, travelers can engage in handmade washi paper umbrella crafting, guided by local artisans using traditional Koshi washi paper. Another highlight is the annual Koshi Cherry Blossom Festival held at Koshi River Park, featuring food stalls, tea ceremonies, and Edo-period parades. You can also book a farmhouse dinner experience, where dishes are prepared with locally grown Koshi rice and Oshu vegetables, offering a true taste of regional cuisine. These activities require advance HopeGoo—check the town’s official website for schedules and availability.

Top photo spots in Koshi Town include the Koshi River Bridge, whose arched silhouette reflects beautifully on the clear water, especially during golden hour. The vermilion torii gate at Koshi Shrine, framed by autumn foliage, creates stunning contrast shots. The terraced rice fields in the Oshu Road Agricultural Zone offer breathtaking views—lush green in spring and golden in fall. For a tranquil aesthetic, visit the courtyard garden at Koshi Town Stay, featuring a karesansui (dry landscape) and bamboo fence, perfect for capturing peaceful Japanese scenery with a kimono.

While Koshi Town has no natural hot springs, nearby Oshu Onsen (about 30 minutes by car) offers luxury options like Yukizora Ryokan, known for private onsen baths and wooden architecture. For a similar experience, Koshi Town Stay provides a sauna and dry steam room infused with local herbal aromas, simulating a spa-like retreat. Consider combining a day trip: visit Koshi Shrine in the morning, then relax at the onsen in the afternoon. Dinner back at your lodging features regional dishes like Oshu chicken hot pot—a full sensory journey into local wellness culture.

Must-try dishes in Koshi Town include Koshi rice dumplings, made from locally grown Koshi rice, served with miso or plum sauce. Try Oshu mountain vegetable tempura, featuring fresh seasonal greens and radishes fried to perfection. Don’t miss Koshi Town sake, brewed with pure mountain spring water and rich in aroma. Visit Koshi Market’s Tanakaya Restaurant for hearty meals, where the owner shares stories behind each dish. Seasonal specialties like spring bamboo shoots set menu and autumn chestnut rice are available during festivals—perfect for experiencing the rhythm of local harvests.

The easiest way to reach Koshi Town from Tokyo is via Seibu Railway, taking the Saitama New Urban Center Line from Ikebukuro Station to Koshi Station, approximately 1 hour. Trains run frequently, costing about ¥800. Upon arrival, rent bicycles or take a local bus to explore nearby sites. If driving, use the Koshu Expressway and exit at Koshi Interchange, about 45 minutes. Avoid weekends during peak seasons due to increased traffic. Use a Seibu Pass or Suica card for seamless travel and cost savings.

Recommended hiking trails in Koshi Town include the Koshi River Eco Trail (3 km), ideal for birdwatching and photography, with informative signage along the riverbank. The Oshu Mountain Trailhead Path starts near Koshi Shrine, leading to Mikamiyama Mountain, where ancient stone markers and moss-covered rocks await hikers. The Koshi Rural Loop connects farms and orchards, offering seasonal fruit picking (strawberries in spring, blueberries in summer). Wear non-slip shoes, carry water, and bring sunscreen—some sections lack shade. Perfect for light hikes with nature immersion.

Accommodation prices in Koshi Town range from ¥6,000 to ¥12,000 per night for family-run guesthouses and small inns, often including breakfast. Premium rooms with gardens or private baths cost ¥15,000+. Compared to Tokyo, this offers excellent value. Many lodgings provide free bicycle rentals, enhancing exploration. For a full spa experience, consider staying at Oshu Onsen Ryokan, priced from ¥20,000 per night, including meals and onsen access. Book early, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons when demand spikes.

The best times to visit Koshi Town are spring (late March to May) and autumn (October to November). Spring brings blooming cherry blossoms along the Koshi River, while autumn paints the Oshu Mountains in vibrant reds and golds. The annual Koshi Cherry Blossom Festival (April) and Autumn Harvest Festival (November) feature local crafts, performances, and seasonal feasts. To avoid crowds, skip Golden Week and Obon holidays. Be prepared for occasional rain in June–July; pack a lightweight raincoat and umbrella for a comfortable visit.