The geology of Nagatoro is typified by exposed terraces of chlorite schist, a type of crystalline schist. Manyother types of schist formations are found in the area and are known collectively as Nagatoro metamorphic rocks. Seen from above, the schist terraces or "tatami stones" look like tatami mats; they have been designated as a national Natural Monument. The opposite wall of the gorge is the Nagatoro Red Wall, named after the famous Red Wall cliffs of China.
The best way to see these natural wonders is to ride one of the boats, "yakata-bune", that run downstream through the gorge. The trip through the rapids in a small boat, its captain at the helm, is an unforgettable thrill. The passage through the rapids is in two segments, from Oyahana Bridge to Nagatoro and Nagatoro to Takasago Bridge; in total they cover 6 km and take about 60 minutes.

Mt.Hodo's 497m summit offers a panoramic view of the Chichibu Basin, the mountains of Oku-Chichibu, and the schist terraces. On your way up, don't miss the Hodo-san Jinja (Shrine), one of the three great shrines of Chichibu, and the Mt. Hodo Zoo, with its friendly Japanese monkeys and deer. Visitors may hike to the peak or take the 5-minute ropeway ride.

The museum displays fossils, minerals, and strata from Saitama. Divided into biological and geological sections, its collection includes fossils, plants, and animals. Its unusual exhibits include a rare fossil paleoparadoxia tabadai skeleton, one of the few known of this extinct marine mammal from 15 million years ago, and a giant 12 m long shark reconstructed from its fossil teeth. These attest that Saitama, now landlocked, was once at the bottom of the sea. Perfectly exciting place.