Surrounded by mountains, “Chichibu” in Saitama Prefecture is not only known for natural scenery such as moss phlox and icicles, but also for a faith culture with a history of over 2,000 years, making it one of the leading “power spots” in the Kanto region! This article introduces the Three Shrines of Chichibu and nearby sightseeing spots, as well as Chichibu’s seasonal events, local specialties, and transportation guide, making your Chichibu day trip even more meaningful and interesting!
Chichibu is located in western Saitama Prefecture, and the majestic “Mount Buko” is the spiritual symbol of the area. The towering mountains surrounding Chichibu have brought this region more than 2,000 years of faith culture and magnificent natural landscapes. Transportation from central Tokyo to Chichibu is very convenient, and with its rich sightseeing resources, Chichibu is known as one of the best-value day-trip destinations near Tokyo and a place where visitors can fully absorb the energy of nature.
Chichibu Transportation Guide
Getting to Chichibu from Tokyo
To travel from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro to Chichibu, the most recommended option is to take the all-reserved limited express train “Laview” on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Laview features spacious and comfortable luxury carriages with huge panoramic windows, allowing travelers to fully enjoy charming town and mountain scenery along the roughly 1 hour and 20 minute journey. Of course, if you want to save on transportation costs, you can also choose a regular train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
| Route | Required Time | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Seibu Ikebukuro Line Laview “Chichibu” | Approx. 1 hour 20 min | Approx. 1,700 yen including 900 yen limited express fee |
| Seibu Ikebukuro Line Local / Express | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 800 yen |
Money-Saving Guide to Chichibu Railway One-Day and Two-Day Passes
After arriving at Seibu-Chichibu Station, it is recommended to transfer to the “Chichibu Railway” to visit major local attractions. By choosing an unlimited-ride pass according to the number of days in your itinerary, you can save even more on travel expenses.
These value-for-money passes include the one-day “Chichibuji Yu-yu Free Kippu,” the two-day “Seibu Chichibu Free Kippu,” and the “Seibu Chichibu Manyu Kippu.” Among them, the most recommended is the “Seibu Chichibu Free Kippu.” By purchasing round-trip limited express tickets additionally, you can ride the luxury Laview train between Ikebukuro and Chichibu for 4,340 yen and enjoy exclusive discounts at multiple attractions and shops along the Chichibu route!
Comparison of Three Chichibu Railway Passes
| Pass | Type | Valid Area | Adult Fare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chichibuji Yu-yu Free Kippu | One-day pass | All Chichibu Railway lines | 1,700 yen | Those already in Chichibu who want to visit multiple spots |
| Seibu Chichibu Free Kippu | Two-day pass | Round trip on Seibu Line and designated Chichibu Railway sections | 2,540 yen | Travelers departing from Tokyo Ikebukuro |
| Seibu Chichibu Manyu Kippu | Two-day pass | Round trip on Seibu Line + one selected benefit such as hot spring, bus, or car rental discounts | 2,380 yen | Those who want to enjoy hot springs, take buses, or drive for sightseeing |
※ The above prices may change. Please refer to the official websites of Seibu Railway and Chichibu Railway for the latest information.
Recommended Must-Visit Attractions in Chichibu
When visiting Chichibu, you absolutely should not miss the famous Kanto power-spot combination known as the “Three Shrines of Chichibu,” consisting of Chichibu Shrine, Mitsumine Shrine, and Hodosan Shrine! In addition to visiting ancient shrines, Chichibu also has beautiful scenic spots such as Hitsujiyama Park and Nagatoro. When you get tired from sightseeing, you can relax at “Matsuri no Yu,” a hot spring complex directly connected to the station.
Chichibu Shrine
The grand guardian shrine of the Chichibu region with over 2,100 years of history
Chichibu Shrine has a history of more than 2,000 years and is the “grand guardian shrine” of the Chichibu region. Visitors can pray here for blessings, good relationships, academic progress, and business prosperity. Its annual grand festival, the “Chichibu Night Festival,” is famous throughout Japan. The main shrine building features gorgeous carvings with a strong Toshogu-style influence. Among them, the delicate carvings such as the “Tethered Dragon” and the “Tiger Raising Cubs” are must-see highlights.
・Address: 1-3 Banbamachi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
・Shrine Grounds Opening Hours: 5:00–20:00, or 6:00–20:00 in winter
・Shrine Office Hours: 8:30–17:00
・Transportation: About a 3-minute walk from “Chichibu” Station on the Chichibu Railway, or about a 15-minute walk from “Seibu-Chichibu” Station
Chichibu Mitsumine Shrine
The most mysterious power spot among the Three Shrines of Chichibu
Mitsumine Shrine is located deep in the mountains of Okuchichibu at an altitude of 1,100 meters. It is an ancient shrine full of mystery and is also known as one of the largest power spots in the Kanto region. Unlike ordinary shrines, Mitsumine Shrine is an extremely rare shrine in Japan that uses wolves as divine messengers. At the entrance to the shrine grounds, two wolf statues welcome worshippers. The shrine’s “Ki no Omamori” amulet contains a small piece of the huge sacred tree in front of the main hall. When visiting, consider receiving one to carry with you and strengthen your energy!
・Address: 298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
・Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for free worship
・Shrine Office: 9:00–17:00
・Transportation: About 80 minutes by Seibu Express Bus from “Seibu-Chichibu” Station
Chichibu Hodosan Shrine
Take a ropeway and enjoy beautiful views
Located in the Nagatoro area of Chichibu, Hodosan Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to Emperor Jinmu, Oyamazumi-no-kami, and Homusubi-no-kami. The shrine grounds extend across a large portion of the mountain and are very spacious. After worshipping, visitors can continue by taking the Hodosan Ropeway to the inner shrine at the summit. From above, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the Nagatoro area. You can also visit the “Japanese Allspice Garden” on Mount Hodo and the “Maple Valley” along the Arakawa River, experiencing the distinct seasonal charm of the area.
・Address: 1828 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
・Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for free worship
・Shrine Office Reception Hours: 9:00–16:30
・Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from “Nagatoro” Station on the Chichibu Railway
Seibu-Chichibu Station Front Onsen Matsuri no Yu
Chichibu hot spring complex facility
Directly connected to “Seibu-Chichibu Station,” “Matsuri no Yu” is the most convenient hot spring option for a Chichibu day-trip itinerary. This hot spring facility is themed around Chichibu’s “festivals” and is divided into three main areas: hot springs, food, and shopping. The food and shopping areas can be entered for free, making it a great choice for shopping and dining beside the station. The hot spring area features a variety of comfortable baths, including open-air baths, natural hot springs, and high-concentration artificial carbonated springs, allowing travelers to wash away their fatigue before heading home.
Seibu-Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu
・Address: 1-16-15 Nosakamachi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 10:00–22:00, final entry at 21:30
・Hot Spring Admission: Weekdays, adults 1,100 yen, children 700 yen; weekends and holidays, adults 1,380 yen, children 800 yen
・Transportation: In front of “Seibu-Chichibu” Station
Matsuri no Yu Shopping Area “Chichibu Miyage-ichi”
・Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00–18:30; weekends and holidays 9:00–19:30
Matsuri no Yu Food Area “Matsuri no Utage”
・Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00–18:30; weekends and holidays 11:00–19:30
Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park
A must-visit moss phlox hill in spring
Hitsujiyama Park, about a 15-minute walk from Seibu-Chichibu Station, is an excellent spot for viewing Mount Buko. From late April to early May each year, the 17,600-square-meter “Moss Phlox Hill” is filled with blooming pink, white, and purple moss phlox, looking like a vivid carpet spread across the ground. It is one of Chichibu’s most iconic spring views.
Admission fee during the Moss Phlox Hill flower season
・500 yen per person
・Junior high school students and younger, as well as seniors aged 75 and above, can enjoy a discounted price of 250 yen. Chichibu residents aged 75 and above may enter free of charge, but identification must be shown according to regulations.
Chichibu Nagatoro
Boat rides and natural ice shaved ice
The Nagatoro area is famous for its spectacular gorge scenery formed by the Arakawa River flowing through crystalline schist rock formations known as “Iwadatami.” In spring, the most recommended experience here is taking a traditional Japanese boat ride, the “Nagatoro Line Kudari,” while drifting downstream and admiring the pink mountain cherry blossoms blooming on both banks. Of course, the brilliant autumn leaves along the riverbanks are also a feast for the eyes. After the boat ride, you can also stop by the famous long-established natural ice shaved ice shop “Asami Reizo” for a refreshing treat.
Nagatoro Town
・Address: Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
・Transportation: “Nagatoro” Station on the Chichibu Railway
Nagatoro Line Kudari Boat Ride
・Opening Hours: 9:00–16:00
・Boat Fare: From about 2,000 yen
・Ride Duration: From about 30 minutes
Seasonal Events and Experiences in Chichibu
Chichibu Night Festival, Winter in December
The annual grand festival of Chichibu Shrine, the “Chichibu Night Festival,” held in early December every year, is said to date back more than 300 years. It was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 and is also counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Float Festivals, along with Kyoto’s Gion Festival and the Hida Takayama Festival. The dazzling floats covered with lanterns and the fireworks in the winter night sky create an extremely impressive visual spectacle. Since crowds are very large during the festival, travelers planning to attend are strongly advised to check traffic restrictions in advance and depart early.
・Event Period: Every year on December 2, the eve festival, and December 3, the main festival
Chichibu Icicles, Winter in January
Located in the mountains, Chichibu offers spectacular icicle scenery every winter. Three icicle sites are open to visitors from early January to late February each year: the easiest to reach “Icicles of Ashigakubo,” the most dreamlike “Icicles of Misotsuchi,” and the largest “Onouchi Hyakkei Icicles.” Beautiful illuminations are also held at night. Opening dates and illumination information may change each year depending on weather and other conditions, so be sure to check the latest updates on the official websites before departure to avoid disappointment in the cold wind.
Overview of Chichibu’s Three Major Icicle Sites
| Icicle Site | Features | Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Icicles of Ashigakubo | Most convenient access reachable on foot night illuminations available | Ashigakubo Station 10-minute walk |
| Icicles of Misotsuchi | Natural icicles dreamlike scenery night illuminations available | Seibu-Chichibu Station about 50 min by bus |
| Onouchi Hyakkei Icicles | Largest scale about 250 meters in circumference night illuminations available | Seibu-Chichibu Station about 40 min by bus |
Chichibu’s Three Major Icicle Sites
・Opening Period: Early January to late February every year, with the 2026 season from January 8 to February 23
・Night Illumination Hours: 17:00–20:00
・Notes: Night illuminations are limited to Thursday through Sunday and public holidays. On weekends and public holidays, advance online reservation is required.
Chichibu Whisky Festival, Every February
The “Chichibu Whisky Festival,” held every February, is an annual event bringing together many whisky brands from Japan and overseas, allowing whisky lovers to enjoy tastings and exchanges. The locally famous Chichibu Distillery is generally not open to ordinary visitors. Only around the festival period does it hold a special “Distillery Open Day.” This is one of the few opportunities to glimpse the brewing process of top-quality whisky. Since spots are limited and advance application is required, interested whisky fans should closely follow the latest information on the official website!
・Event Location: Around Chichibu Shrine
・Event Time: One day every February. The 2027 event has already been confirmed for February 21.
・Distillery Open Day: The day before the Chichibu Whisky Festival
Chichibu Moss Phlox Festival, Spring from April to May
Every year from late April to early May, when the “Moss Phlox Hill” in Hitsujiyama Park turns into an endless pink carpet, the park also holds the grand “Moss Phlox Festival.” The venue is filled with food stalls where visitors can taste various local snacks, and there are also activities such as horseback riding, geological guided tours, and live performances, creating a very lively atmosphere.
Chichibu Autumn Leaves, Autumn from October to November
Chichibu’s autumn foliage season is roughly from late October to late November. During this period, the forests around Mitsumine Shrine, Nagatoro, and Okuchichibu are dyed in charming golden yellow and fiery red colors. Among them, the reflections of autumn leaves along Nagatoro’s “Iwadatami” rock formations on both riverbanks are especially spectacular, making it one of the most recommended spots to visit in Chichibu during autumn.
The Kanto region has a convenient transportation network, making it an excellent choice for quickly visiting and photographing beautiful autumn foliage spots. Compared with Tokyo’s autumn foliage spots, which are mainly centered around urban parks and traditional gardens, autumn foliage spots near Tokyo are often located by rivers and waterfronts, similar to Chichibu Nagatoro, bringing travelers a more layered visual experience. Want to know where these beautiful spots are and what special scenery they offer? Check out the Kanto autumn foliage recommendations carefully compiled by the “Let’s Go Japan” editorial team!
Recommended Souvenirs from Chichibu
Chichibu Whisky “Ichiro's Malt”
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“Ichiro's Malt,” produced by Chichibu Distillery, also known as Venture Whisky, has repeatedly won top honors at the World Whiskies Awards. Its greatest feature is the use of locally grown barley from Saitama and aging in precious Japanese-style casks such as mizunara oak. Travelers who love whisky can purchase this dream bottle at the “Matsuri no Yu” shopping area in Seibu-Chichibu Station or at liquor stores within Chichibu City.
Must-Eat Chichibu Foods and Recommended Shops
Takasago Horumon
“Takasago Horumon” is an extremely popular pork offal yakiniku restaurant in Chichibu. The restaurant marinates fresh pork offal in a special miso sauce and slowly grills it over charcoal on a shichirin grill, making it perfect to enjoy with local Chichibu sake. Since popular items often sell out early, it is recommended to go as early as possible. Please also note that the restaurant currently operates by reservation only, so be sure to call and book before visiting!
・Address: 30-3 Higashimachi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, near the “Fudasho 13-ban” bus stop
・Opening Hours: Weekdays 17:00–20:00; Saturday 16:30–20:00; Sunday 16:30–19:00; closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays
・Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from “Seibu-Chichibu” Station
Yasudaya Hinoda Branch
“Yasudaya” is recognized as the original birthplace of Chichibu’s famous specialty, “Waraji Katsudon,” a pork cutlet rice bowl named after its pork cutlets, which are as large as straw sandals. The menu is very simple, offering only waraji katsudon, with a choice of one to three pork cutlets according to your appetite. On holidays, the waiting time may exceed one hour, so it is recommended to arrive before opening time and wait in line.
・Address: 1-6-9 Hinodamachi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 11:00–14:00, until sold out; closed on Wednesdays
・Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from “Seibu-Chichibu” Station
Soba Restaurant Omura
At “Soba Restaurant Omura,” you can taste Chichibu’s hidden must-eat dish, walnut soba. The restaurant uses locally produced Chichibu walnuts to make a fragrant and rich walnut dipping sauce served with soba noodles, creating an excellent flavor. In addition, it also serves filling waraji katsudon and the local snack “miso potatoes,” allowing you to taste several Chichibu delicacies in one stop.
・Address: 17-3 Miyasakacho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 11:00–14:30 / 17:00–19:30; closed on Wednesdays
・Transportation: About a 3-minute walk from “Ohanabatake” Station on the Chichibu Railway, or about a 5-minute walk from “Chichibu” Station
Chichibu Shokuhin Direct Sales Store
Located about a 5-minute walk from Nagatoro Station, “Chichibu Shokuhin Direct Sales Store” mainly sells various kinds of konjac specially made from fresh local Chichibu agricultural products, and free samples are available. The shop also has a dining area serving simple snacks such as oden and raw egg over rice, making it a great stop for shopping and satisfying your appetite after visiting the Nagatoro Gorge.
・Address: 822-1 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District
・Opening Hours: 10:00–16:00
・Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from “Nagatoro” Station on the Chichibu Railway
Saitama Prefecture, located north of Tokyo, is the hometown of many well-known anime characters. In addition to the Chichibu and Nagatoro areas with their rich natural environments, classic must-visit Kawagoe, known as Little Edo, Nordic-style Hanno, and the stylish Tokorozawa and Musashino areas can all satisfy travelers’ desire for beautiful photos and delicious food. They are excellent destinations for planning trips near Tokyo. Follow the travel guide carefully prepared by “Let’s Go Japan” and arrange a relaxing independent trip to Saitama!
Located in the mountains, Chichibu has magnificent natural scenery and a deep faith culture rooted in the forests and mountains, along with plenty of local food. It is also very convenient to travel between Chichibu and Tokyo, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing trip near Tokyo. The next time you plan a trip around Tokyo, why not hop on the limited express train and enjoy a Chichibu day trip that will recharge both your body and mind with energy!
Chichibu Travel FAQ
1. When is the best season to visit Chichibu?
Chichibu has unique charm throughout all four seasons and is never dull! In spring, from April to May, you can enjoy the moss phlox at Hitsujiyama Park and experience a Nagatoro boat ride. In summer, from July to August, you can cool off with river boating and natural ice shaved ice. In autumn, from October to November, you can admire the brilliant autumn leaves around Mitsumine Shrine and Nagatoro. In winter, from December to February, there are the impressive Chichibu Night Festival, the three major icicle sites, and hot springs to warm your body. Among them, spring, autumn, and winter are the three most recommended seasons for a special visit.
2. Is Chichibu suitable for a day trip or an overnight stay?
Chichibu is very suitable for a day trip! From Tokyo Ikebukuro, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by limited express Laview, and the attractions around central Chichibu and Nagatoro alone are enough for a very fulfilling trip. It is a high-value short-trip destination near Tokyo. However, if you want to go deeper into Okuchichibu to visit Mitsumine Shrine, or participate in night events such as the Chichibu Night Festival or icicle illuminations, it is recommended to stay one night so your itinerary can be more relaxed and comfortable.
3. Is Chichibu worth making a special trip for?
Chichibu’s “Three Shrines of Chichibu” form one of the strongest power-spot combinations in the Kanto region, where you can recharge your energy and pray for good fortune. The internationally renowned whisky brand “Ichiro's Malt” from Chichibu Distillery can be easily purchased near the station. The World Cultural Heritage “Chichibu Night Festival,” winter icicles, spring moss phlox, and autumn leaves all offer stunning photo opportunities that may fill up your memory card. Travelers who love food can also find local snacks rarely seen in Tokyo, such as “waraji katsudon” and “miso potatoes.” With so many exciting travel resources, Chichibu is absolutely worth a special trip!