Top 7 Sightseeing Spots To Visit In Chichibu In Winter

1. Chichibu Night Festival

The Chichibu Night Festival has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Held on December 2-3 every year as an annual festival of Chichibu Shrine. It is counted as one of Japan’s three major float festivals, along with the Kyoto Gion Festival and the Hida Takayama Festival. The highlight of the festival is the parade of floats that can be seen on the night of the 3rd.

Chichibu Night Festival

Website: Chichibu Night Festival

2. Icicles of Ashigakubo

Icicles are a popular winter attraction in Chichibu. Icicles of Ashigakubo are one of the three major icicles in Chichibu and are easily accessible by train and on foot. The whole family can enjoy the experience.

3. Icicles of Onouchi Gorge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Icicles of Onouchi Gorge is the only place among the three major icicles in Chichibu where you can enjoy a spectacular collaboration of waterfalls and icicles. The icicles of Onouchi Valley originate from Mt. Ryokami, one of the 100 famous mountains in Chichibu. It is open during January and February, and on a few days, the spot is lit up.

Icicles of Onouchi Gorge

Address: Kawarasawa, Ogano, Chichibu District, Saitama 368-0113, Japan

Website: Icicles of Onouchi Gorge

Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 2.97 USD

4. Icicles of Misotsuchi

Icicles of Misotsuchi are the only natural icicles among the three great icicles in Chichibu. The site is located at the foot of Mt. Mitsumine, where the famous Sanmine Shrine is also founc. The natural icicles created by natural spring water are truly works of art with breathtaking scenery.

Icicles of Misotsuchi

Address: 4066-2 Otaki, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1901, Japan

Website: Icicles of Misotsuchi

5. Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This multi-purpose facility is directly connected to Seibu Chichibu Station, the gateway to Chichibu. The two-story building, inspired by the stalls of the Chichibu Night Festival, is filled with Japanese-style charm. The first floor has a souvenir area, food court, and an area where you can enjoy sake and whiskey. The second-floor onsen area offers a bedrock bath and a premium lounge (reservation required) where you can also stay overnight. When your body gets cold during winter sightseeing, warm up at the conveniently located onsen near the station.

Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

Address: Chome-16-15 Nosakamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0033, Japan

Website: Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu Hot Spring

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 6am - 9am and 10am - 10pm; Mon - Fri: 10am - 10pm

6. Michi-no-Eki Ryokami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Michi-no-Eki Ryokami Onsen Yakushi-no-Yu is a hot spring in the town of Ogano. In addition to the hot springs, there is also the Regional Resource Utilization Center where you can taste handmade soba noodles in limited quantities, and the Agricultural and Forest Products Market where fresh local vegetables are sold.

7. Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen Yuyukan

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Michi-no-Eki Otaki Onsen Yuyukan is located along the national highway heading to Icicles of Misotsuchi. It is said to be one of the best hot springs for beautiful skin in the Kanto region, and is also close to Mitsumine Shrine, making it a recommended spot for a break during sightseeing. There is also a log restaurant where you can taste Chichibu’s specialty, soba noodles, and the Otaki Museum of History and Folklore.

Enjoy winter attractions in Chichibu

Chichibu is full of winter fun in winter, with plenty of spectacular spots and sights. If your body gets cold after sightseeing in the cold, warm up in the hot springs. Visit Chichibu in winter for some unique attractions.