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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Chichibu.
Nestled in the heart of Japan, Chichibu is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Like a shimmering diamond in the rough, this charming town offers a plethora of experiences that will dazzle the senses and warm the heart.
From the lush greenery of its mountainous terrain to the rich cultural heritage of its temples and shrines, Chichibu is a place that beckons visitors to explore its many wondrous sights and sounds.
So come, be enchanted by the magic of Chichibu and discover a world of adventure, culture, and beauty that awaits.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Chichibu:
1. Mitsumine Shrine
Mitsumine Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in Chichibu city, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
It is one of the three shrines in Chichibu, and is considered one of the most important shrines in the region.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine’s beautiful buildings, including the main hall, prayer hall, and gate.
The surrounding nature is also worth exploring, with hiking trails leading up to the shrine and stunning views of the surrounding forests.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of the shrine is the annual Nogi Shrine Autumn Festival, which takes place in late October and features colorful traditional parades and performances.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike up to the shrine.
2. Chichibu Shrine
A popular Shinto shrine located in Chichibu, a city in the Saitama Prefecture of Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds of the shrine, which includes a number of torii gates and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The shrine is also home to an annual festival known as the Chichibu Night Festival, which features ornate floats and attracts thousands of visitors from all over Japan.
Don’t miss: The Chichibu Shrine’s Haiden, or worship hall, which dates back over 900 years and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Be sure to also visit the Yagura, a cylindrical tower that was once used for defense purposes.
Insider travel tips: If you’re visiting during the Chichibu Night Festival, be sure to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
Additionally, the shrine can get crowded during peak travel times, so consider visiting early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved when exploring the shrine grounds.
3. Chichibu Night Festival
Chichibu Night Festival is an annual Japanese festival held in Chichibu, Saitama prefecture. Also called Chichibu Yomatsuri, it is one of the most popular nighttime festivals in Japan.
What to see or do: The festival features mesmerizing floats decorated with elegant lanterns and intricate ornaments, paraded throughout the city by kimono-clad locals. The floats are pulled by groups of men, women, and children, chanting traditional songs along the way.
Don’t miss: The climax of the festival is a spectacular display of fireworks lighting up the sky over the Arakawa River, perfectly timed with the music.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot as the streets can become very crowded.
4. Hodosan Shrine
Hodosan Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the summit of Mount Hodo in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a cable car or hike up to the summit to visit the shrine and enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
The shrine also houses a small museum with artifacts related to the history of the area.
Don’t miss: The autumn foliage season is the most popular time to visit Hodosan Shrine as the mountains are ablaze with vibrant colors.
Additionally, the night-time illuminations during winter are also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, it’s recommended to visit Hodosan Shrine during weekdays or early in the morning. Also, wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as it can get chilly at the summit.
Don’t forget to try the local specialty, Chichibu Soba (buckwheat noodles) at nearby restaurants.
5. Nagatoro River Cruise
A scenic river cruise along the Nagatoro River, in the beautiful town of Chichibu, located in the Saitama prefecture of Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the towering cliffs, see the highlights of the stunning scenery, such as the famous “Lion Rock,” and marvel at the impressive natural landscapes, like waterfalls and rock formations.
Don’t miss: The traditional Japanese boatman’s song, unique to the area, performed by the skilled captain of your vessel, along with the opportunity to feed the carp that swim in the river.
Insider travel tips: Book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment and bring a light jacket or sweater, as it can get chilly on the water.
It’s also worth visiting in spring when the area is adorned with cherry blossoms, enhancing the beautiful views.
6. Hashidate Tsuribashi suspension bridge
Hashidate Tsuribashi is a suspension bridge that spans the mountainous terrain of Chichibu, Japan. It is 126 meters in length and rises 25 meters above the ground.
What to see or do: Visitors can cross the bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and Saiko-ji Temple in the distance.
Don’t miss: For thrill-seekers, the bridge is popular for bungee jumping opportunities. Jumpers can free fall from the bridge while taking in the spectacular natural scenery around them.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit the bridge is during the autumn months, when the leaves begin to change color, creating a stunning backdrop for the bridge.
Visitors who are afraid of heights may want to avoid walking across the bridge and instead enjoy the view from a distance.
7. Chichibu Festival floats exhibition hall
The Chichibu Festival floats exhibition hall is a museum located in Chichibu, Japan, that houses beautiful, ornate floats used in the Chichibu Night Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of floats from the festival, including the yatai, which features lavish carvings and decorations, and the yama, which is a huge float adorned with gold leaf and intricate paper decorations depicting scenes from Japanese mythology.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the floats up close and appreciate their detailed designs and history.
Insider travel tips: Plan a visit during the first weekend of December when the Chichibu Night Festival is held, and witness the magnificence of the floats in their full glory.
You can also buy a miniature replica of the floats as a souvenir to take home.
8. Mount Buko
A popular hiking destination located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a breathtaking hike, explore stunning mountain views, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Don’t miss: The beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and Chichibu city from the mountain peak.
Insider travel tips: Bring plenty of water and snacks for the hike, wear comfortable shoes, be prepared for varying weather conditions, and visit during the autumn months to see the stunning changing leaves.
Additionally, consider taking the train to the trailhead station as parking can be limited.
9. Icicles of Misotsuchi
A unique natural phenomenon of Misotsuchi, Chichibu where the icicles hanging from a cliff turn blue in color due to the reflection of the winter sunlight.
What to see or do: Witness the breathtaking view of blue icicles that can be up to 30 meters long. Visitors can take a short hike to the observation deck and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Don’t miss: The Night lighting event where the icicles are illuminated with colorful lights creating a magical atmosphere. It is held annually from mid-January to late February.
Insider travel tips: Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and plan to arrive early to avoid crowds. The path to the observation deck can be slippery, so taking caution is advised.
Also, try the local Chichibu specialty, grilled miso-gratin oyaki (Japanese dumplings).
10. Minano Kumano Shrine
Minano Kumano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Chichibu, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and its buildings, including the honden (main hall), haiden (worship hall), and kaguraden (music hall).
The shrine also has a beautifully landscaped garden that is worth a visit.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Minano Kumano Shrine is the annual fireworks display that takes place in August.
Visitors can also experience various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Setsubun festival in February, when visitors can help drive away evil spirits.
Insider travel tips: – Take a scenic train ride to Chichibu and walk to the shrine from the train station (approximately 30 minutes).
11. Chichibu Yomatsuri Museum
Chichibu Yomatsuri Museum is a small museum located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan that highlights the annual Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival, one of the most famous festivals in the country.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the festival through various exhibits, such as floats, traditional costumes, and festival music instruments.
There’s also a video presentation that showcases the festival’s grandeur.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the miniature replicas of the gorgeous festival floats on display at the museum.
These intricately designed models are priceless works of art, and it’s amazing to see how much detail is put into them.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning to visit Chichibu during the festival season or Christmas, the Chichibu Yomatsuri Museum is a must-visit spot. The museum provides deeper insight into the festival’s cultural background, which will help you appreciate the festival even more.
12. Yokoze Station
A small train station located in Chichibu, Saitama, Japan.
What to see or do: Yokoze Station is surrounded by scenic natural views of mountains and rivers, making it a great spot for a peaceful getaway.
Visitors can take a walk around the surrounding hills, enjoy the fresh air, indulge in local cuisine, and explore the region’s history.
Don’t miss: The station’s unique architecture that has been preserved since 1913, including the old-fashioned ticket booth and benches.
Also, take a stroll through the famous “Tunnel of Trees” nearby, which is a stunning path lined with sakura and maple trees.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the autumn season to view the breathtaking foliage.
Tasting the region’s famous sweet potatoes is a must-do activity, and make sure to take a ride on the local train that passes through the station, which offers stunning views of the surrounding areas.
13. Chichibu Railway
a scenic railway line located in Saitama prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Take a ride on the train and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Chichibu Mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass by quaint towns, lush countryside, and stunning mountain views.
Don’t miss: The annual night festival held in December, where the train is illuminated by thousands of LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to book your tickets early, especially if you plan on riding during peak seasons. Also, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
14. Hitsujiyama Park
A beautiful and colorful park located in Chichibu, Japan.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning pink and white Shibazakura flowers (phlox moss) in bloom during springtime. Stroll through the park and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: The Shibazakura Hill, a stunning display of over 400,000 Shibazakura flowers in various shades of pink and white. The Moss Phlox Festival held annually from late April through early May.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the week to avoid the crowds. Arrive early in the morning to fully enjoy the park at its quietest.
Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of the flowers and the scenic views of the park.