The Mikan Times

Stepping off the Chichibu Railway at Hagure Station and wandering toward the hills, clusters of bright orange fruit catch the eye between leafy branches. The annual mikan harvest has officially begun in the Fuppu and Kobayashi districts, drawing families and autumn day-trippers beneath crisp, cloudless skies. Although this year marks a biennial off-year with naturally fewer fruits, plentiful early autumn sunshine and devoted orchard care have yielded exceptional flavor, offering the traditional tangy-sweet zest that locals cherish.

Along the terraced slopes, children hold small shears with delighted smiles, savoring freshly picked fruit directly under the sun. Near orchard huts, handmade konjac skewers steam invitingly with sweet miso glaze, offering visitors a rustic snack while taking in sweeping views of the vibrant foliage. The deep pride and hospitality of local farming families, who have tended these hillside groves for generations, warmly embrace all who journey into this secluded autumn valley.

On November 1st, the '2026 Yorii Town Bar' festival kicked off across the central streets near Yorii Station. Featuring 38 participating eateries and establishments—the largest gathering in recent years—the event allows visitors to enjoy curated dishes and unique hospitality for a fixed 1,000 yen voucher. Armed with walking maps from the newly released 10th issue of the local gazette 'Ah LOOK,' pairs of diners and curious travelers happily wandered into charming backstreet diners and izakayas.

At counter tables across town, shopkeepers served signature autumn plates while engaging in relaxed conversations with regulars and first-time guests alike. Beyond the food, the true charm of the event lies in uncovering the warmth of the artisans and residents who call Yorii home. Radiating outward from the open wooden civic hub 'Yotteco,' the lively laughter and comforting glow of lantern light breathed gentle vitality into the brisk autumn night.

Perched upon natural cliff faces carved by the Arakawa and Fukazawa rivers, Hachigata Castle ruins stand quietly amidst changing autumn colors. At the Hachigata Castle Museum, a joint exhibition titled 'Ancient Ceramics of Saitama' with Rissho University Museum is underway, drawing history enthusiasts from across the region. Displayed artifacts from the nearby Sueno kiln site, including Nara and Heian-period Sue ware pottery and inscribed tiles, reveal the delicate craft of ancient artisans.

Within the surrounding park, families explore the grounds using the AR-guided app 'Fuun Yotte GO!,' searching for newly added quiz spots near restored gates and deep earthen moats. Pointing screens toward the ramparts overlays digital samurai battles onto the peaceful modern landscape. Overlooking the jade waters of the Arakawa, one feels the extraordinary confluence of 1,500 years of ceramic industry and the poignant defense of Sengoku warriors.

The long-vacant commercial complex beside Yorii Station's south exit, once a bustling fixture of town life, is embarking on an ambitious rebirth. Plans are now in motion to transform the expansive building into a vibrant hub combining high-tech hydroponic strawberry and melon farming with cultural craft and culinary spaces. Slated to open next year, the project promises hands-on harvest experiences and local market showcases that celebrate Yorii's storied river and festival traditions.

Taking full advantage of the station's rare three-railway junction, the project aims to entice travelers to step off the train and stay, rather than merely passing through toward Chichibu. Surrounding shop owners have voiced heartfelt encouragement, eager to see civic life return in a fresh, forward-looking form. By breathing renewed purpose into a mid-century structure, the town center is setting the stage for a sustainable gathering place where people and nature reconnect.