Chichibu Geopark

This is a deep V-shaped valley carved into the Chichibu belt and a sightseeing spot of autumn leaves that is representative of Okuchichibu. The large maple tree in front of the Mochioke Tunnel is particularly famous.

Because it is a valley made of hard rocks, Nakatsukyo is highly resistant to erosion. Due to the steep landform, the area has not been afforested, and natural forests cover a large area. During the foliage season, visitors can view a spectacular contrast of mountains dyed in red and yellow and the rough landform of the valley.

This is a Shioji (Fraxinus platypoda) grove inside a forest that has untouched nature. Shioji are distributed along the mountainous stream of the Pacific Ocean, and Chichibu is known as a representative habitat. It is also considered academically valuable.

This is one of the largest natural habitats of setsubunso (Eranthis pinnatifida) in Japan. Setsubunso blossoms around late February to mid-March, and the delicate white flowers that are about 2cm in diameter look like a blanket of snow. They are jun-zetsumetsu kigu shu (near endangered), but preservation activities are being carried out locally.