7 Must-See Attractions in Yorii Town: Experience History and Nature

Located on the border between the Kanto Plain and the Chichibu Mountains, Yorii Town serves as a literal and figurative gateway to Chichibu tourism. Yorii Station is the terminus of the Tobu Tojo Line and also connects with the JR Hachiko Line and the Chichibu Railway, making it a convenient hub for travel in the area.

Since one of the Kanto region’s major rivers, the Arakawa, flows through Yorii, you’ll find various water-related sightseeing spots scattered around town. On the opposite bank from downtown Yorii, the ruins of a castle once belonging to the Odawara Hojo clan (one of the Kanto region’s most powerful during the Sengoku period) have been developed into a historical park. In addition, Yorii offers a rich mix of old and new attractions.

Whether traveling by train or highway, Yorii is within easy reach of central Tokyo—so why not hop off for a quick visit?

1. Hachigata Castle Park

Hachigata Castle (はちがたじょう) sits atop a cliff where the Arakawa River makes a near right-angle turn. It’s recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Castles and is a designated National Historic Site. During the Warring States period, it served as a key stronghold under Hojo Ujikuni, the younger brother of Hojo Ujimasa, the head of the Odawara Hojo clan. From this base at Hachigata Castle in Yorii, Ujikuni ruled much of northern Saitama Prefecture and eastern Gunma Prefecture.

Today, the castle grounds have been developed into a historic park—a top sightseeing spot accessible on foot from Yorii Station. Let’s take a look at some of its highlights.

◆ Restored Enclosures (Kuruwa)

Hachigata Castle, once a grand residence for a high-ranking Sengoku lord, comprised multiple baileys, including the main bailey and secondary baileys. The park mainly focuses on the San-no-Kuruwa, also known as the “Chichibu Kuruwa,” which has been partly reconstructed based on archaeological findings.

While it can’t perfectly recreate the original state, you can still see restored elements like gates, fences, wooden barricades, stoneworks, and the pond that once formed part of the garden. This setup allows visitors to imagine the castle’s former layout, complete with its wide dry moats separating the various baileys.

If you’re exploring the history of Yorii, Hachigata Castle Park is the perfect first stop.

◆ Hachigata Castle Historical Museum

Before or after touring the castle grounds, be sure to visit the Hachigata Castle Historical Museum (officially the Yorii Town Buried Cultural Property Center). There’s a large parking lot, making it an ideal starting point for those arriving by car.

Inside, you’ll be greeted by a life-size reconstruction of a turret gate, along with a 1:250 scale model of Hachigata Castle—providing a clear visual of how the castle once looked. Additional features include the “Hachigata Castle Virtual Tour,” where you can explore the castle via CG, and the “Hachigata Castle History Wall,” which offers panels detailing the castle’s historical background.

◆ Fukasawa River (Fukasawa-gawa)

Hachigata Castle Park is not just about history—you can also enjoy nature here. Fukasawa River, a tributary of the Arakawa, runs along the eastern edge of the castle grounds and features a scenic spot known as the “Forty-Eight Pools” (Shijuhakkama)”—a series of 48 potholes formed in the river’s rocky stream. Each pool reportedly has a name and its own legend.

Though unrelated to the castle’s construction, this natural wonder can be seen from the bridges on your way between the castle site and the Historical Museum, as well as from the Karamete-bashi near the tip of the castle mount.

Along this route, you’ll also find clusters of katakuri (a type of lily) and a giant Edo-higan cherry tree estimated to be around 150 years old—both attract many visitors during their blooming seasons. While the Fukasawa River once served as part of the castle’s water defenses, it’s now a hidden scenic gem in Yorii.

2. Kanaoyama Azalea Park

In northwestern Yorii, Mt. Kanaoyama juts out at a bend of the Arakawa. Renowned as a top spot for azaleas, it was originally rich in wild azaleas. After Emperor Showa planted a Japanese cypress here during a national tree-planting ceremony, Yorii Town further developed the area into a park for residents and visitors.

Peak viewing season is spring, from mid-April to mid-May, when approximately 5,000 azalea bushes blanket the mountain in vibrant red. During this time, the Kanaoyama Tsutsuji (Azalea) Festival takes place, with many visitors flocking to Yorii, especially over Golden Week.

Interestingly, Mt. Kanaoyama once housed a branch castle of Hachigata Castle. A watchtower-style viewing platform now stands at the summit, offering sweeping views of Yorii Town and the Nagatoro Valley. Even outside of azalea season, it’s a great place to visit if you’re in Yorii or Chichibu.

It’s about a 15-minute walk from Hagure Station on the Chichibu Railway (one stop from Yorii Station), and there’s a parking lot for those arriving by car.

3. River Museum (Kawa no Hakubutsukan)

Nicknamed Japan’s premier river museum, the Saitama Prefectural River Museum highlights the Arakawa River and its basin. One of its star attractions is a ride simulator theater where images are synced with moving seats, offering a thrilling, immersive experience popular with tourists.

But the fun doesn’t stop inside! Outdoors, you’ll find Arakawa Daimokei 173—an enormous 1/1,000-scale geographic model stretching about 173 km from the river’s source to its mouth, said to be the largest of its kind in Japan.

Other notable features include a giant wooden waterwheel (23 meters in diameter, the second-largest in Japan), a viewing window where you can feed freshwater fish native to the Arakawa, and Arakawa Wakuwaku Land, an interactive water-play area where kids can learn about water pressure, buoyancy, and resistance through fun activities.

This engaging family-friendly museum is a must-see on any Yorii itinerary.

4. Tsuburata Lake

Tsuburata Lake (円良田湖) straddles Yorii and neighboring Misato Town to the north. It’s an artificial lake formed by the construction of the Tsuburata Dam. Known for its stocked hera-buna (a type of Japanese crucian carp), anglers come here year-round. From late autumn through early spring, the lake is also a prime spot for smelt (wakasagi) fishing, with anglers dropping lines from piers or boats.

Tsuburata Lake is also famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. In spring, about 1,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the shore come into full bloom, attracting numerous visitors. Although it’s a dam lake set among mountains, it’s within walking distance (about 15 minutes) from Hagure Station, the next station after Yorii on the Chichibu Railway—a big draw for travelers. If you’re up for more adventure, you can hike across the 156-meter-high Kanezuka-doyama (sometimes written as Kanezuka-do Yama) to reach Tsuburata Lake. It’s a great day-trip option in Yorii.

5. Chugendaira Observation Deck

Located just east of the Yorii Fuppu IC on the Minano-Yorii Toll Road, the Chugendaira Green Park is a rising star among Yorii’s scenic destinations. At an elevation of just under 400 meters, it’s not especially high, but there are no taller mountains blocking the view. As a result, you can see the entire Kanto Plain spread out before you.

While there’s an observation tower at the highest point of the park, the real gem is the Chugendaira Observation Deck, situated slightly south. It features a terrace with benches, facing east for a breathtaking vista—and it’s also popular for sunrise watching.

A parking lot near the summit makes it an ideal spot for night views too. Imagine gazing at the twinkling lights of the Kanto Plain from a peaceful perch—perfect for a romantic evening in Yorii.

6. Fuppu River & Yamato-mizu (Nihon-sui)

According to legend, when Prince Yamato Takeru (ヤマトタケルノミコト) was on an eastern campaign, he prayed for victory and thrust his sword into a rock face on the side of Mt. Kamabuse in southwest Yorii. Immediately, ice-cold water began to gush forth—so frigid it was said to be difficult even to drink. Now known as Yamato-mizu (Nihon-sui), this pure water is recognized among Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters and still flows at a rate of 5,000 tons a day from gaps in the giant rock known as Hyakujo-shiki Iwa.

Though you can’t approach the water’s source anymore due to potential rockslides, a pipeline carries the water down to the Fuppu (風布) district at the base of the mountain, where many visitors come daily to collect this “heavenly nectar.”

This area is also considered the northernmost limit for cultivating mikan (mandarin oranges) in Japan, and there are several tourist orchards for picking fruit. Mikan farming in Fuppu is said to have a 400-year history, and from late autumn to early winter, the orchards draw crowds of visitors.

Meanwhile, the clear, cool waters of the Fuppu River make it an ideal spot for a refreshing walk. Thanks to the construction of the Minano-Yorii Toll Road, access from central Yorii has greatly improved, adding to the district’s growing popularity.

7. Tamayodo Dam & Meoto Falls

Located in western Yorii, Tamayodo Dam is named after the scenic “Tamayodo,” once praised for its “pearl-like beautiful pool.” The rugged rock formations that defined the area disappeared with the dam’s construction, but the lake’s deep-green waters fill a striking gorge.

Just upstream from Tamayodo Dam—before the Fuppu River converges with the Arakawa—stands Meoto Falls (めおとだき). Considered Yorii’s new must-see attraction (in place of the once-famous Tamayodo rapids), these twin waterfalls flow side by side, as if joined in harmony. A “Locks of Love” railing was recently installed in the nearby plaza.

Visiting Yorii as a couple and attaching a lock here symbolizes a hope that you’ll “stay together in Yorii” forever—what could be more romantic? Remember to bring your padlock when you visit!

◎ Summary

Though often seen only as a pass-through point from the Hanazono IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway to Chichibu, Yorii Town actually offers a wealth of fascinating tourist spots if you stop to explore.

With the completion of the Minano-Yorii Toll Road, accessing Yorii is now even more convenient. Also note that Yorii is a stop on the popular Paleo Express, a steam locomotive operated by the Chichibu Railway—making a combined trip to Yorii and Chichibu an excellent idea for your next outing!

Search

Customer Support

7 Must-See Attractions in Yorii Town: Experience History and Nature