Enjoy the autumn leaves in Nagatoro and Kawagoe in one day｜Private Jumbo Taxi for Large-Group Day Trips

”Let’s all go to Nagatoro or Kawagoe this autumn,” they said, and as we realized, the group had grown in size. We had luggage to carry, and we were worried about whether we could sit in the train. Driving a car is a disadvantage if you have to drive yourself. Don’t you have that “official thing” problem that keeps you scratching your head?
In this article, we will introduce the use of a charter jumbo taxi for touring the two major autumn leaves spots in Saitama, "Nagatoro" and "Kawagoe," along with a model course. For groups of 4 to 9 people, you can move together in a single charter taxi, making the planning much simpler.

That problem is common — the “large-scale group travel” phenomenon that occurs during the autumn leaves season

During the autumn season for sightseeing, especially the peak period of autumn leaves in November, both Nagatoro and Kawagoe become crowded with tourists. Each mode of transportation—train, bus, or car—has its own unique “difficult points” that are unique to large groups. Let’s take a look at them honestly.

If you are traveling by train or bus

It is common to use the Chichibu Railway to get to Nagatoro, but on weekends during the autumn leaves season seats are often sold out, and it can be more than an hour of standing. This is even more so if you have a lot of luggage. Combining with Kawagoe means more transfers, and traveling with older people or small children is physically exhausting. The return journey is often a grueling experience, with a packed train and exhausted state.

If you are traveling by car (multiple vehicles)

With a private car, you can move around freely, but the Red Leaf Season around Nagatoro tends to be a battle for parking spaces, and you might even have to spend time searching for a parking spot right after you arrive. If you take two cars, it becomes a hassle to coordinate with the group to find a parking spot. Moreover, the members who are driving are not allowed to drink alcohol, so it takes a lot of effort to keep everyone focused throughout the entire journey.

Reviewing the highlights of autumn in Nagatoro and Kawagoe

Before you visit both spots in one day, be sure to check the peak season and the main attractions of each.

1-day model course: Autumn Sawayaka in Saitama Prefecture by private taxi

The following is a model course based on the starting point in Saitama City. You can customize it according to your departure point, number of people, and preferences.

1. 8:00 AM / Pick-up at home
   A private taxi picks you up right outside the entrance. Large luggage (folding chairs, insulated bags, camera equipment, etc.) is also loaded into the luggage compartment. You can also stop at convenience stores and rest stops along the way as needed.
2. Around 10:00 a.m. / Arrive in Kawagoe
   Stroll through the traditional townscape of the sake breweries, the confectionery alley, and the Yoshino trees at Kitcho-in Temple. Even if you end up with more bags of souvenirs, you can leave them in your car, so you can walk around with both hands free.
3. 12:00 noon / Transfer to Nagatoro
   It takes about an hour to an hour and 20 minutes by car from Kawagoe to Nagatoro (the upper Nagatoro area). For lunch, you can eat at a restaurant along the river in Nagatoro, or you can simply take it out in Kawagoe in advance.
4. 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM / Enjoying Nagatoro
   Take a stroll along the stone slabs, go down the river (pre-reservation required), or take it easy at the Moon Stone Maple Park. You can also park your car nearby to get your luggage back quickly if you want to go to an area that is likely to get crowded.
5. After 4 p.m. / On the way home/disbanding
   Everyone departed when they were satisfied. The journey from Nagatoro to downtown Saitama takes about an hour and a half to two hours. If you plan to return after watching the evening lights, it is best to let the driver know in advance about your departure time for a smooth trip.

List of potential stopover spots

Try adding stopover spots based on the group's lineup and interests.

I will answer the points you are interested in.

How many people can be included in a private charter?

The Jumbo Taxi (Hiace Wide-Super Long) can accommodate up to 9 people. We cater to a wide range of groups, from small groups of 4 to 5 people to large families of 9 people across three generations. If you have fewer people, you can also choose a Wagon Taxi (Granace Alphard, up to 5 people).

Can reservations be made for the autumn leaves season?

For the November holiday season, especially weekends, we recommend that you contact us early. Two to three weeks in advance is ideal, if possible a month in advance. Weekdays tend to be easier to book.

I'm curious about the parking situation in Nagatoro

During the peak season for autumn leaves, the parking lot around Nagatoro gets crowded. With a private taxi, you don’t have to wait in a parking lot queue; the driver will wait for you and park your car for you while you enjoy your sightseeing. This is a huge benefit for groups who want to make the most of their time after arriving.

Can you visit Kawagoe and Nagatoro on the same day?

The Kawagoe route is a historically easy route to follow in the morning, while the Nagatoro route is more suitable for afternoon activities. Depending on the traffic situation, you can enjoy the evening illumination with plenty of time to spare if you leave at 8 or 9 a.m. Please ask us for more information about your preferred route and duration of the journey when making your reservation.

You can also view the usage records for related Kawagoe sightseeing activities:[Kobe Gojo Kawagoe Tourism] Tour the Chidori Temple and the townscape of traditional warehouses with a Jumbo Taxi

Reservation Flow

1. Contact us through the web form
   Please let us know the date, departure point, destination (Nagatoro, Kawagoe, etc.), number of people, and the condition of your luggage. We accept requests 24 hours a day.
2. Suggesting a route and price estimate
   Our staff will guide you through the optimal vehicle, route, and pricing options. We can accommodate any pattern, whether it’s “only Kawagoe,” “only Nagatoro,” or “both at once.”
3. Confirm content and finalize reservation
   Once you are satisfied with the conditions, we will confirm the reservation. We will fine-tune the exact time and location of the meeting on the day of the event.
4. On the day, I picked you up at the designated location.
   The driver will pick you up at the front door or at the nearest pickup location. We will also deliver you back to your home.

Summary: Make your autumn trip to Saitama for autumn leaves even more free with a private rental

Iro-tada (stone pavement) in Nagatoro, autumn leaves in Kawagoe, and Kadojo and Kashiya-yokocho in Chuo. These are all autumn attractions that Saitama is proud of, but when you try to travel together in large numbers, the reality is that it can be a real “minor stress” for each individual to travel by train or car.

The advantage of the private jumbo taxi is that its combination of "everyone rides together, luggage is handled collectively, driver is not present, and doors are opened one by one" makes it a solution that can be achieved in one go. If you split the cost with a group of 4 to 9 people, the burden per person often falls within a more realistic range than you might expect.

If you’re thinking of going this year, we recommend contacting us early before the autumn leaves season.