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Kanto

Chichibu x Summer

Chichibu is located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, just north of Tokyo. It is home to stunning mountains, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Chichibu is also famous for its temples, shrines, and festivals.

Chichibu x Summer
Nagatoro River Boating

Chichibu is located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, just north of Tokyo. It is home to stunning mountains, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Chichibu is also famous for its temples, shrines, and festivals.

Chichibu is a popular destination for Tokyo urbanites for a weekend escape, but not as well-known to non-Japanese tourists. You may struggle to find English menus or guides. I hope this doesn't discourage you from going, though. I believe your visit will help Chichibu locals widen their perspective :)

Below are some suggestions when visiting Chichibu during the summer months (June-August). Japanese summers are notorious for their hot and humid days. Remember to keep hydrated and cool!

After arriving at the Seibu Chichibu Station, make your way toward the Chichibu Station (operated by Chichibu Railway), a 15-min walk. From the Chichibu Station, take the Chichibu Railway to Kami-Nagatoro & Nagatoro Station to visit the following spots.

Asami Reizo

Cool off with shaved ice served in a tranquil Japanese garden (indoor seating options also available) at Asami Reizo, with a rich history dating back to 1890. Since 1992, they have been serving shaved ice made from natural ice sourced from Hodosan. The dessert will simply melt in your mouth. You can select from a wide range of standard and seasonal flavors.

  • 3 min walk from Kami-Nagatoro Station (Chichibu Railway Line)
    • Note: They also have another branch with only indoor seating near Nagatoro Station.
  • Hours: 10:00 - 16:30
    • Last order at 15:00 if too busy
    • It can get quite busy, so weekday mornings are the best times.
  • Closed on Thursdays
  • Website **Japanese only

Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan

Enjoy "nagashi somen" near the Arakawa River. "Nagashi somen" is a fun summer activity in which noodles are sent down a bamboo chute in a stream of water for you to catch with chopsticks.
Note: The video clip of Nagashi Somen is to illustrate the activity, not actual footage from Choseikan.

  • 3 min walk from Nagatoro Station (Chichibu Railway Line)
  • 2023 Operations
    • Days: ONLY Sat/Sun from 5/13-6/25; everyday from 7/1-10/1
    • Hours: 10:30 - 14:00
  • No reservations; first come, first serve
  • Website **Japanese Only

Nagatoro River Boating

Travel down the Arakawa River on a Japanese-style boat through rapids and gentle currents while taking in the picturesque Nagatoro valley.

On your way back to Seibu Chichibu Station, visit the following locations:

Chichibu Shrine

Chichibu Shrine has a history dating back over 2,000 years. The shrine is a focal point for the Annual Night Festival (December) and Kawase Festival (July).

  • 10 min walk from Seibu Chichibu Station (Seibu Line)
  • 3 min walk from Chichibu Station (Chichibu Railway Line)
  • Website **Japanese only

Sun Dolce - Banbamachi

A gelato shop in Chichibu since 1991, it is renowned for its handcrafted gelato made with unique and locally-sourced flavors, such as Chichibu Sake.

  • 10 min walk from Seibu Chichibu Station (Seibu Line)
  • 3 min walk from Chichibu Station (Chichibu Railway Line)
  • Hours: 11:00 - 17:00
  • Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
  • Website **Japanese only

Nipponia

If you decide to stay the night, consider Nipponia. Nipponia offers a unique experience by renovating historic buildings into charming and individualized rooms, each with a distinctive interior design.

  • 15 min walk from Seibu Chichibu Station (Seibu Line)
  • 5 min walk from Chichibu Station (Chichibu Railway Line)
  • Website **Japanese Only
    • Reservations through the official website is a bit tricky. I suggest using booking.com

Additional Spots

For those comfortable with bus transportation or longer walking

Mitsumine Shrine

Nestled atop a mountain at an elevation of 1,100 meters. Mitsumine Shrine's rare triple torii gates and intricately carved and colorful shrine buildings are a testament to its rich cultural heritage.

  • 75 min bus ride from Seibu Chichibu Station
    • Seibu Bus: Stop "Mitsumine Shrine"
  • Website **Japanese only

Hodosan Shrine

Located at the foot of Mount Hodosan, the Hodosan Shrine is known for its serene setting and beautiful carvings. You can also visit its rear shrine at the top of the mountain, which is accessible by the nearby Hodosan Ropeway.

  • 15 min walk from Nagatoro Station (Chichibu Railway Line)
  • Website
The Chichibu Shrine, Mitsumine Shrine, and Hodosan Shrine are collectively known as the "Three Main Shrines" of Chichibu.

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