Urayamaguchi Station

Urayamaguchi Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide in Chichibu, Japan

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of western Saitama Prefecture, Urayamaguchi Station (浦山口駅) is more than a rural railway stop—it’s a welcoming gateway to the Chichibu region’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and natural wonders. Serving the Chichibu Main Line, the station provides access to ancient shrines, tranquil hiking trails, and vibrant seasonal festivals. Whether you’re embarking on the Chichibu 34 Kannon pilgrimage, hiking Mount Bukō, or planning to experience the Chichibu Night Festival, Urayamaguchi Station is an essential starting point for your adventure.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Urayamaguchi Station—operating hours, ticketing, transport, nearby attractions, seasonal tips, and practical advice for a memorable and respectful visit. For up-to-date travel information, refer to official railway and tourism resources (Chichibu City Official, Chichibu Railway Official, Japan Guide).

Historical Context
Station Operations & Visiting Hours
Getting to Urayamaguchi Station
Ticketing & Rail Passes
Station Facilities & Accessibility
Nearby Attractions
Outdoor Activities & Chichibu Historical Sites
Seasonal Considerations
Cultural Experiences & Local Traditions
Practical Visitor Tips
FAQs
Conclusion
References & Useful Links

Historical Context

The Chichibu Region: Layers of History

Chichibu’s valley has been inhabited since the Old Stone Age, with archaeological sites, burial mounds, and relics from the Warring States period (Chichibu City Official). Its location along the ancient Chichibu Okan highway fostered centuries of trade, religious pilgrimage, and local traditions. The Chichibu Incident of 1884, a notable peasant uprising, unfolded along what is now the railway corridor, marking a pivotal chapter in the region’s history (Facts.net: Chichibu Incident).

Station Operations & Visiting Hours

Urayamaguchi Station operates in alignment with the Chichibu Main Line train schedule—generally from around 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. The station is unstaffed but equipped with ticket vending machines and waiting areas. Facilities are minimal, with no restrooms or shops, so visitors should plan accordingly (Chichibu Railway Official).

Getting to Urayamaguchi Station

From Tokyo and Major Cities

Via Seibu Ikebukuro Line:
Take the Limited Express “Laview” from Ikebukuro to Seibu-Chichibu Station (approx. 80 min). Transfer to Chichibu Railway at Ohanabatake Station, and board a train toward Mitsumineguchi. Alight at Urayamaguchi Station (10–15 min from Ohanabatake) (Japan Guide).
Via JR Takasaki Line:
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Station (approx. 60–70 min). Walk to the Chichibu Railway platform, then take a train toward Mitsumineguchi, alighting at Urayamaguchi (approx. 70 min from Kumagaya) (Matcha-JP).
Via Tobu Tojo Line:
From Ikebukuro, take the Tobu Tojo Line to Yorii Station (approx. 80 min). Transfer to Chichibu Railway and continue to Urayamaguchi (Matcha-JP).
By Car:
From the Kan-Etsu Expressway, exit at Hanazono IC and follow Route 140. From Ken-O Expressway, use Sayama Hidaka IC and Route 299 (Chichibu City Access Guide).

Local Transportation

Chichibu Railway: Main Line trains run every 30–60 minutes, with increased frequency on weekends and holidays (Chichibu Railway Official).
Bus & Shuttle: Limited routes; main transfers available at Chichibu or Seibu-Chichibu stations (Japan Guide).
Walking/Cycling: Ideal for accessing nearby campgrounds and trailheads (Japan Travel Note).

Ticketing & Rail Passes

Regular Tickets:
Purchase at vending machines (cash only) or counters at major stations. Fares from Urayamaguchi to Seibu-Chichibu are approx. 320 yen.
Discount Passes:
- Seibu 1-Day Pass: Unlimited Seibu Line rides (1,000–1,500 yen), available to foreign tourists (Sugoii Japan).
- Chichibu Railway 1-Day Pass: Unlimited local rides for one day.
IC Cards:
Suica and Pasmo accepted only at major stations; not at Urayamaguchi. Bring cash (Japan Guide).
SL Paleo Express:
Heritage steam train runs select days; may not stop at Urayamaguchi (Matcha-JP).

Station Facilities & Accessibility

Facilities:
Unstaffed station with a shelter and seating. No restrooms, shops, or lockers (Chichibu Railway Official).
Accessibility:
Step-free ground-level access; suitable for travelers with light luggage, but no elevators/escalators. Not recommended for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Nearby Attractions

Hashidate Mountain Campground: 5-min walk; camping and outdoor activities (Japan Travel Note).
Urayama Valley: Hiking trails and scenic walks.
Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park: Expansive natural park with forests, rivers, and mountains (Japan Whisper).
Mount Bukō: Iconic peak with hiking trails and a geology museum (Japan Rar).
Urayama Dam & Sakura Lake: Cherry blossom viewing and lake walks.
Nakatsu Gorge & Nagatoro Valley: Hiking, river boating, and scenic views (Live Japan).
Hitsujiyama Park: Famous for moss phlox blooms in spring (Tsunagu Japan).

Outdoor Activities & Chichibu Historical Sites

Hiking: Trailheads for Mt. Bukō and Urayama Valley are easily accessible; trails range from beginner to advanced (ridgelineimages.com).
Nature Walks: Birdwatching and seasonal flower viewing.
Cultural Sites:
- Chichibu Shrine: Historic site with ornate carvings (Tourist Places Guide).
- Mitsumine Shrine: Spiritual destination at 1,100m elevation (Japan Rar).
- Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage: Historic temple route (Japan Whisper).
- Hodosan Shrine: Known for fire protection blessings and mountain views.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms and moss phlox; mild temperatures; frequent rain (championtraveler.com).
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, humid, wettest months; lush greenery (triphobo.com).
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Ideal for hiking and foliage; comfortable weather (magical-trip.com).
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, dry, occasional snow; Chichibu Night Festival in early December (weather2visit.com, Japan Guide).

Cultural Experiences & Local Traditions

Chichibu Night Festival: December UNESCO Heritage festival; elaborate floats, fireworks (Japan Whisper).
Chichibu Meisenkan: Museum for Meisen silk and handicrafts (Live Japan).
Cuisine: Walnut soba, Waraji Katsudon, Miso Potato, Chichibu Mochi (Japan Rar).

Practical Visitor Tips

Carry cash: IC cards not accepted at Urayamaguchi.
No shops/restrooms: Bring supplies before arrival.
Layered clothing: Prepare for changing weather.
Translation app: Limited English signage.
No trash bins: Carry out all garbage.
Wildlife: Stay on marked trails; deer and bears present.
Quiet etiquette: Respect local peace and customs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Urayamaguchi Station’s operating hours?
A: The station is open during Chichibu Railway service hours, generally 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Q: Can I use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo?
A: No; use cash for paper tickets.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
A: Ground-level access but no elevators; not suitable for wheelchairs.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Hashidate Mountain Campground, Urayama Valley, Mt. Bukō, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, and historical shrines.

Q: Are there lockers or restrooms?
A: No; use facilities at major stations or trailheads.

Conclusion

Urayamaguchi Station is a tranquil yet vital entry point to Chichibu’s natural splendor and spiritual heritage. With its strategic location on the Chichibu Main Line, it connects visitors to hiking trails, historic shrines, and seasonal events. By planning ahead—checking train schedules, purchasing tickets in advance, and bringing necessary supplies—you can fully enjoy the serenity and cultural richness of this remarkable region. For real-time updates and local guidance, the Audiala app is recommended.

Begin your journey today and uncover the timeless allure of Chichibu through Urayamaguchi Station.