- 2017.10.19
- TokyoWalker
【1-Day Autumn Trip】Get on the Nearest SL From Tokyo! Food Trip in Chichibu
Autumn is the best season for going on an aimless journey. If you go to Saitama’s Chichibu area, you will be able to experience riding on a steam locomotive (SL). Also, when people talk about travelling, one of the things to look forward to is the food, correct? So, explore famous shops in the area, and make it a truly satisfying day for your stomach and spirit!
Wonderful View From the Train! Ride on the SL of Chichibu Railway
The SL Paleo Express is the steam locomotive that serves passengers between Chichibu Railway’s Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station. It mainly runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. You can purchase advance tickets or make a seat reservation up to one month prior to your desired travel date. There also many events and promotions happening on this railway, such as a stamp rally (collecting stamps at railways and other places), so check their official homepage!
Get Off at Nagatoro & Enjoy the Food and History of Chichibu!
Nagatoroya is a restaurant located in front of Nagatoro Station that is filled with a nostalgic vibe. Here, the famous dish, Okkirikomi Udon, is a local Chichibu dish consisting of wide udon boiled with vegetables and chicken broth, and then seasoned with soy sauce. It is loaded with ingredients, making it the perfect dish to fortify yourself for a long journey.
Next, transfer to the Chichibu Railway train from Nagatoro Station, and head towards Chichibu Station. When you get there, take your time to explore the historic Chichibu Shrine that is popular for its Hokushin no Fukuro (Owl of the North Star) sculpture – a symbol of wisdom – and then stroll through the town where remnants of the time when the textile industry flourished remain intact.
Finally, visit Taizando Cafe – a retro cafe that is housed in an over 80-year-old renovated kominka (old Japanese-style house) and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Indulge in delicious sweets created by the pastry chef who trained in France, and enjoy an elegant tea time with the French tea brand, Mariage Freres.
[This article was originally published in Walkerplus on 09.19.2017]
*Please note that the information in this article is from the time of writing or publication and may differ from the latest information.
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