The gorge and the Arakawa
Nagatoro is a scenic gorge town in the northern part of the Chichibu Basin, in Saitama prefecture. The Arakawa River flows from north to south through the center of the town. The Nagatoro gorge is designated as both a National Scenic Spot and a National Natural Monument. Along the gorge, the river flows slowly between high rocky canyon walls.
The Iwadami rock terrace
The Iwadami is a broad natural rock terrace at the river's edge. Its exposed fault faces form a red rock wall known as the Chichibu Red Wall. The bedrock shows tiger-striped bands of rock. Circular potholes have been drilled into the bedrock by stones carried in the current. The terrace is sometimes called "the window of the Earth." It is considered the birthplace of Japanese geology. Professor Naumann of the Imperial University of Tokyo studied the terrace and helped begin the scientific study of the site.
Cherry blossoms and quieter timing
Nagatoro's cherry blossom avenue is counted among Japan's famous cherry blossom spots. Spring is the crowded season for a visit here.
The old brick railway bridge
A brick railway bridge crosses the Arakawa between Nagatoro and Minano. It is a well-known spot for photographing steam locomotives as they cross the river.
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