Numata City
Numata is a city in Gunma prefecture known for its huge Tengu masks, outdoor parks, ski slopes, the Numata festival, and Numata fireworks.
Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi
ミツマタ群生地 (茂木町）
Witness an amazing sight of Mitsumata (paper bush) in morning sunlight.
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
We're sure this is happening, but 2024 dates and times are not confirmed.
DATE
2024 : 9th March (Sat) to 24th March (Sun)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 26th Feb 2024
TIME & SCHEDULE
First Bus 7:30 am – Last Bus 3:00 pm (every 30 min)
– The route to the forest is protected, so visitors are encouraged to walk from the parking lot close by or to take a shuttle for 100 yen from the Iisato Sakagawa Kan (いい里さかがわ館) parking lot.
(Buses return from the forest from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm every 30 min)
* Infomation last checked on 26th Feb 2024
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
COST
Entry: 500 yen per person (An environment protection fee)
*Free for junior high school students and younger
Cash only
* Information last checked on 26th Feb 2024
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How to enjoy the Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi
Picturesque scenery
(Insta worthy!)
Walking in Nature
Fun for the family
Romantic Date
Fun for a group of friends
Girl's Day Out
Solo Traveler
Enjoy 1-3 hours
💫 Step into a Fairytale: Experience Enchanting Mornings in the Paper Bush Forest ✨
✨ Discover this paper bush (Mitsumata) forest, where early mornings reveal a spectacle of vibrant yellow blossoms.
🌅 From mid-March to early April, the forest comes alive with these luminous blooms, and the morning sun casts a mystical glow on the flowers, creating a striking contrast against the dark cedar trees. 🌲 Don’t miss this tranquil haven, offering an immersive experience amidst nature’s artistry.😍
🥾 Visit this living fairytale, a serene retreat where nature’s harmony resonates with every step.
What else to do near the Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi
- Eat
- Try the delicious Yuzu Ramen famous local ramen
- Culture
- Take a ride on the Steam Train
- Visit Mashiko Potttery town
- Attractions
- Mobility Resort Motegi offers an Outdoor park with nature and zip lines for families and Honda Car Museum, Racing Circuit, Glamping site.
Honda Collection Hall
Newly renovated in 2024, the Honda Collection Hall is a must-visit museum for travelers interested in cars, motorcycles, racing machines, and the innovation and history of Honda. Visitors can now see a model of the ‘HondaJet Elite II’ and try out ‘UNI-ONE’.
Access (How to get to Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi)
From Tokyo
- There is a special buses from JR Utsunomiya station & Nanai station during the Mitsumata Flower blooming. Please see details for train access below.
- 2hrs 30mins drive from Tokyo by car.
Address
Iisato Sakagawa Kan
いい里さかがわ館
362-1 Ii, Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Pref. 321-3626, Japan
栃木県芳賀郡茂木町飯362-1
By Train
via JR Utsunomiya Station (Total from Tokyo 3hrs 30min)
– 2024 Information –
Take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo to JR Utsunomiya station (50min from Tokyo) and use the Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus(ミツマタ特急バス) to Iisato Sakagawa Kan(いい里さかがわ館).
*Bus runs on 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 23rd, 24th only
*Bus costs Adult 1,120 yen, Child 560 yen each way. (The shuttle bus to the venue is another 100 yen)
*Bus Departs JR Utsunomiya Sta (bus stop ) once a day at 8:45 am
*Return Bus to JR Utsunomiya Sta leaves Iisato Sakagawa Kan at 2:00 pm
*For 2024 official Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus information, see here.
via Nanai Station (Total from Ueno 3hrs 10min)
– 2024 Information –
From JR Ueno station, take the JR train to Oyama Sta and change to the JR Mito Line. Get off at Shimodate Sta and change to the Moka Line, and get off at Nanai Sta. From there, change to the Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus(ミツマタ特急バス) to Iisato Sakagawa Kan(いい里さかがわ館).
*Bus runs on 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 23rd, 24th only
*Bus costs Adult 320 yen, Child 160 yen each way. (The shuttle bus to the venue is another 100 yen)
*Bus Departs Nanai Station (bus stop ) once a day at 9:20 am
*Return Bus to Nanai Station leaves Iisato Sakagawa Kan at 2:00 pm
*For 2024 official Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus information, see here.
Use the Japan Transit Planner to find trains.
By Car
via Tomobe IC on Kita-Kanto Expressway (2hrs 30min)
Approximately 2 hr 30 min (126 km) via Jyoban Expressway & Kita-Kanto Expressway from Tokyo. It’s a 30-minute drive from Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway (toll road).
Parking :
Mitsumata Parking Lot / No.1 & No.2 parking lot (MAP *Around here)
In 2024, you can now park closer to the venue. However, please note that the roads are narrow and some are unpaved. *Camper vans and other large vehicles cannot park here.
Iisato Sakagawa Kan (いい里さかがわ館) (MAP)
You can also park here. You will need to take the shuttle bus or hike to the venue.
*Hiking from Iisato Sakagawa Kan: From Iisato Sakagawa Kan to the forest where Mitsumata grows is about 4km one way. You will be going through Tatsuzawa forest road (辰沢林道) and then a hiking trail. You can take the shuttle bus there or back if you want.
Places to STAY in Motegi Town
Hotels (Western Style)
There are two new Western-style Hotels (Fairfield by Marriott and Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel) in Motegi and other budget-style Business Hotels in Motegi.
Glamping & Camping
This area is rich in nature and has a few glamping and camping sites such as Showa Furusato Mura and Mori to Hohshizora no Camp Village.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event, please contact the Motegi Town Tourist Association directly.
Tel: +81 (0)285-63-5644
Websites
Motegi Town Tourist Association Website (External Link – Japanese)
