Greater Tokyo

SAITAMA

SUSABINO TERRACE

A mountaintop terrace inviting visitors to relax and savor Chichibu’s scenery

Reached by a short ropeway ride up Mount Hodosan, the new SUSABINO TERRACE introduces “susabi time,” a gentle way of lingering in the landscape through thoughtfully designed spaces, seasonal drinks, and nearby mountaintop attractions.
Nature & Views Experience & Activities

After a brief ropeway ascent above Nagatoro, SUSABINO TERRACE reveals a mountaintop paradise where time is meant to be spent without agenda.

Newly opened in July 2025, SUSABINO TERRACE is an observation terrace located at the summit of Mount Hodosan in Nagatoro, Saitama. Reached by a five-minute ropeway ride from the mountain’s base, the terrace sits at an elevation of 497 meters, offering sweeping views over the Chichibu region. SUSABINO TERRACE takes its name from susabi, an ancient concept describing a gentle, free-spirited way of passing time that is playful and deeply attuned to nature. Rather than focusing solely on panoramic views, the terrace invites visitors to slow down and experience wind, light, and quiet as they are, creating space for reflection and simple enjoyment amid the mountains.
The experience begins at the Hodosan Ropeway, which carries visitors 832 meters up the mountainside in a smooth, direct ascent. In just five minutes, the scenery shifts from riverside town to open sky and forested slopes. From the ropeway’s summit station, a short five-minute walk leads to the terrace itself. This ease of access makes SUSABINO TERRACE an inviting destination for a wide range of travelers, from families and couples to solo visitors seeking a moment of calm.
SUSABINO TERRACE is designed around four distinct terrace spaces, each offering a different way to engage with the landscape. The Photo Field frames Mount Buko, the symbolic peak of the Chichibu region, and includes a monument designed for scenic photo opportunities. The View Counter resembles a bar suspended in the sky, an ideal place to pause and quietly admire the landscape. Chill-out Benches encourage guests to lean back and gaze upward, while the Retreat Lounge offers a front-row seat for relaxed conversation. Original drinks deepen the sensory experience, including a honey-lemon “Hodoade” inspired by Hodosan’s wintersweet flowers and a blue muscat “Toroade” reflecting the emerald waters of the Arakawa River.
Beyond the terrace, Mount Hodosan’s summit area offers additional attractions worth exploring. Hodosan Shrine, a sacred site tied to ancient mountain worship, lies just a short walk away, and its Okumiya (inner shrine) stands at the summit. Nearby, a small animal park welcomes visitors of all ages for a casual stop, while the rest area, SUSABINO KITCHEN, offers simple meals and sweets for a midday break. Together, these elements make SUSABINO TERRACE not just a viewpoint, but the heart of a mountaintop experience that invites visitors to linger and relax.

Photo courtesy of Chichibu Railway
Contact
soumuka@chichibu-railway.co.jp
Business hours
Hodosan Ropeway: From 9:40 a.m. (Seasonal operation)
SUSABINO TERRACE: Open 24 hours
SUSABINO KITCHEN: From 11:00 a.m. (Until sold out)
Hodosan Small Animal Park: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.