Located in the northwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, the Chichibu region lies at the upper reaches of the Arakawa River. Surrounded by mountains and centered around the Chichibu Basin, this area is brimming with natural beauty.
The Chichibu region boasts majestic mountains, clear streams and gorges, lush forests, and historic shrines, with breathtaking scenery at every turn.
This article will highlight must-visit attractions in the Chichibu region, along with recommendations for unmissable gourmet dishes and unique souvenirs. We hope this guide serves as a practical reference for your Chichibu journey.
Overview of the Chichibu Region
The Chichibu region is located in western Saitama Prefecture, encompassing the core areas of the current and former Chichibu District. Specifically, it includes Chichibu City, Nagatoro Town, Minano Town, Yokoze Town, and Ogano Town. The total area spans approximately 892 square kilometers, with a population of around 100,000.
Transportation
Railway: JR does not directly serve this area; instead, use the Chichibu Railway or Seibu Railway. Chichibu Railway starts from JR Yorii Station in Yorii Town, Ōri District, while Seibu Railway requires a transfer at Hanno Station in Hanno City to the Seibu Chichibu Line (Note: Ogano Town has no railway access).
Highway: Main routes include National Route 140 or the Chichibu Mountain Scenic Highway (Minano-Yorii Toll Road). It is recommended to exit at the Minano-Nagatoro or Minano-Otsuka Interchange.
Geographical Features
Situated in the Chichibu Mountains at the upper reaches of the Arakawa River, the region is predominantly mountainous, with particularly rugged terrain in the south and west, making it a favorite among climbers. The Chichibu Basin, formed along the Arakawa River and its tributaries, is the main residential area, with central Chichibu City being the most densely populated and the regional hub.
History and Culture
As a historically rich region, Chichibu has been home to many prominent figures and is renowned for the "Chichibu Three Shrines," the "Chichibu Three Mountains," and other ancient landmarks. In modern times, it thrived on limestone mining and the cement industry, but today it excels in tourism, blending historical sites with natural attractions like the Nagatoro Gorge.
Regional Division Guide
Given the vast 892-square-kilometer area spanning multiple municipalities, the tourism resources are divided into four regions:
- Chichibu City and Suburbs
Covers Chichibu City, its surrounding suburbs, and Yokoze Town, occupying the main basin area. - Okuchichibu Region
The mountainous upper reaches of the Arakawa River, including the Arakawa and Otaki areas of Chichibu City, located in the southwestern part of the region. - West Chichibu Region
Located in the northwestern part, including the former Yoshida Town area and Ogano Town. - Nagatoro-Minano Region
Comprising the two towns, located in the northeastern part, serving as the gateway to Chichibu.
Recommended Must-Visit Attractions in Chichibu City and Suburbs
Chichibu Shrine
Located in the city center, this ancient shrine, alongside Mitsumine Shrine and Hodosan Shrine, is one of the "Chichibu Three Shrines." Believed to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Sujin (10th century), the current shrine hall was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo period. It is particularly famous for the "Child-Rearing Tiger" and "Bound Dragon" wood carvings by Hidari Jingoro.
The annual "Chichibu Night Festival" in December is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, ranked among Japan's three major float festivals and most beautiful festivals, alongside Kyoto’s Gion Festival and Takayama Festival. Visiting during the festival is highly recommended to experience the blend of tradition and festivity.
- Chichibu Shrine
- Address: 1-3 Banba-machi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.chichibu-jinja.or.jp/
Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park is a 30-hectare hillside park, offering stunning views of the city and Mount Bukō. From April to May, the "Shibazakura Hill" blooms with 400,000 pink and white moss phlox, resembling a giant carpet spread across the slopes.
- Hitsujiyama Park
- Address: 1-3 Banba-machi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.city.chichibu.lg.jp/1853.html
Chichibu Fruit Farm
A popular tourist farm in the suburbs, offering strawberry picking in spring and Shine Muscat grape picking in summer. The farm also features a barbecue area, ideal for family outings.
- Chichibu Fruit Farm
- Address: 877-1 Shimosoma, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.fruit-farm.jp/
Mount Bukō
Mount Bukō, standing at 1,304 meters, is a Chichibu landmark and one of the "Chichibu Three Mountains" alongside Ryōkami and Mitsumine. Once known for limestone mining, it is now a paradise for hikers.
Routes range from beginner trails to advanced climbing paths. The Mount Bukō Museum halfway up is also worth a visit.
- Mount Bukō
- Address: Chichibu City and Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.bukohzan.jp/index.html
Recommended Must-Visit Attractions in Okuchichibu
Hashidate Limestone Cave
This vertical limestone cave at the western foot of Mount Bukō is Saitama’s only publicly accessible natural monument cave. The cool interior houses stunning stalactite formations.
The nearby Sekiryūzan Hashidate Temple, the 28th site of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage, is also worth visiting (Note: Photography is prohibited inside the cave).
- Hashidate Limestone Cave
- Address: 675 Kamisoma, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Hours: 8:30-16:30 (Closed mid-December to late February)
- Admission: Adults 200 yen / Children 100 yen
- Website: http://www.city.chichibu.lg.jp/4444.html
Urayama Dam (Chichibu Sakura Lake)
Completed over 26 years (1972-1998), Urayama Dam is a massive structure whose lakeside blooms with thousands of cherry blossoms in spring, earning the nickname "Sakura Lake."
Visiting during cherry blossom season is recommended to witness the stunning blend of engineering and natural beauty.
- Urayama Dam (Chichibu Sakura Lake)
- Address: 4041 Arakawa-Kuna, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Closed: December 29 - January 3
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed year-end holidays)
- Admission: Adults 200 yen / Children 100 yen
- Website: https://www.water.go.jp/kanto/arakawa/urayama/kengaku.html
Mitsumine Shrine
Nestled in the sacred mountains of southern Chichibu, Mitsumine Shrine is known for its unique "triple torii gate" and wolf-shaped guardian statues.
As the spiritual heart of the Chichibu Three Mountains faith, this shrine, surrounded by primeval forests, exudes a mystical energy, making it one of Japan’s renowned power spots.
- Mitsumine Shrine
- Address: 298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.mitsuminejinja.or.jp/
Misotsuchi Icicle Spectacle
A winter-exclusive marvel! The Misotsuchi Icicles are massive ice formations along the Arakawa River, illuminated at night to resemble a crystal palace.
Open only from mid-January to late February (dates vary based on temperature), with evening illuminations from 19:00-21:00.
- Misotsuchi Icicle Spectacle
- Address: 4066 Otaki, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Open Period: Winter (check before visiting)
- Hours: 8:00-17:00
- Admission: 200 yen for junior high students and above
- Website: http://www.woodroof.jp/tsurara/
Recommended Must-Visit Attractions in West Chichibu
Chichibu Muse Park
Chichibu Muse Park is a sprawling recreational park spanning 3.3 square kilometers across Chichibu City and Ogano Town, a paradise for outdoor activities. Highlights include:
- Popular "Forest Adventure" outdoor activities (perfect for families)
- Multiple hiking trails and observation decks
- Various sports facilities and dining options
Ideal for family outings, plan a full day to fully enjoy the park.
- Chichibu Muse Park
- Address: 2518 Nagaru, Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Open Period: No fixed closures
- Hours: Varies by facility, generally 9:00-21:00
- Admission: 200 yen for junior high students and above
- Website: http://www.muse-park.com/
Mount Ryōkami
At 1,723 meters, Mount Ryōkami, with its jagged peaks, is one of Japan’s "100 Famous Mountains," known for its dramatic, blade-like rock formations.
Hiking highlights include:
- Seasonal alpine flowers
- Campsites and lodges at the base
- Varied hiking routes for different skill levels
- Mount Ryōkami
- Address: Chichibu City and Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.kanko-ogano.jp/trekking/
Marugami Waterfall
The only waterfall in Saitama selected as one of Japan’s "100 Waterfalls," Marugami Waterfall is a hidden gem, offering a rare frozen waterfall spectacle in winter.
A 20-minute walk from the parking lot leads to the observation platform, with pristine forest scenery along the way.
- Marugami Waterfall
- Address: Chichibu City and Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.kanko-ogano.jp/trekking/
Futagoyama
Futagoyama, composed of two limestone peaks (West Peak at 1,165m and East Peak at 1,122m), is a rock-climbing haven, with driving access to the trailhead.
Ideal for intermediate to advanced climbers.
- Futagoyama
- Address: Chichibu City and Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.kanko-ogano.jp/trekking/
Recommended Must-Visit Attractions in Nagatoro-Minano
Nagatoro Gorge
Stretching 6 kilometers, Nagatoro Gorge is the centerpiece of Saitama’s Nagatoro Tamayodo Natural Park, designated a national scenic and natural monument.
The famous "Iwadatami" rock formation—a smooth, terraced rock surface—creates a stunning tableau with emerald waters and lush mountains.
Recommended experiences:
- Arakawa River rafting (April-November)
- Gorge hiking (multilingual guide signs)
- Autumn foliage season with exclusive nighttime illuminations
- Nagatoro Gorge
- Address: Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.arakawa-line.co.jp/
Hodosan
The most accessible of the Chichibu Three Mountains at 497 meters, Hodosan can be reached via a nostalgic cable car. Summit facilities include:
✓ 360-degree observation deck
✓ Plum garden (blooming February-March)
✓ Small zoo (goats, rabbits, etc.)
- Hodosan
- Address: Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Cable Car Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Fare: 1000 yen round-trip
- Website: http://hodosan-ropeway.co.jp/
Hodosan Shrine
A Michelin Guide-recommended shrine, just a 10-minute walk from Nagatoro Station. Highlights include:
- Relics tied to the Yamato Takeru legend
- Thousand-year-old cedar trees
- Annual January "Fire-Crossing Ritual" festival
- Hodosan Shrine
- Address: 1828 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.hodosan-jinja.or.jp/
Minoyama Park
Selected as one of Japan’s "100 Night Views," this 586-meter scenic spot offers:
🌸 Spring: 8,000 cherry blossom trees forming a tunnel
☀️ Early Summer: 3,500 hydrangea blooms
🍁 Autumn: Renowned Kanto foliage spot
🌃 Year-round: Stargazing haven
- Minoyama Park
- Address: 2372 Kuroya, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Website: http://www.minano.gr.jp/minoyama/
Must-Try Foods and Souvenirs in Chichibu
Wabei Soba (Chichibu Specialty Soba)
As a soba haven, Chichibu’s Wabei is renowned for its "walnut dipping soba," blending freshly ground walnuts into a secret sauce, perfectly paired with chewy, hand-made soba.
This century-old establishment’s craftsmanship infuses every noodle with rich nutty aromas.
- Wabei Soba (Chichibu Specialty Soba)
- Address: 1-4-13 Nakamura-machi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Hours: 11:00-18:00 (Closed Thursdays)
- Website: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/b145600/
Chihata (Pork Miso Donburi)
Chihata serves charcoal-grilled miso-marinated pork, with a crispy exterior locking in juicy flavors, paired with a sweet-spicy miso sauce.
Locals say, "You haven’t been to Chichibu if you haven’t tried Chihata’s pork miso." Expect 30-minute lunch queues.
- Chihata (Pork Miso Donburi)
- Address: 5919 Omiya, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
- Hours: 11:00-14:30 / 17:30-23:00 (Irregular closures on Mondays)
- Website: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/cy17mvrk0000/
Yasudaya (Waraji Katsu Rice)
The "Waraji Katsu," weighing 300 grams and larger than a face!
Breadcrumbs mixed with Chichibu sansho pepper coat thick-cut pork, crispy outside and tender inside, drizzled with a secret sauce. Best shared between two.
- Yasudaya (Waraji Katsu Rice)
- Address: 392 Ogano, Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
- Hours: 11:00-13:30 / 17:00-18:00 (Closed Wednesdays)
- Website: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/1ehu36b50000/
Kodai Chichibu Neri Yokan
A masterpiece from Ota Amaike-do, founded in 1803, this yokan uses Edo-era techniques to blend red beans and agar. The perfect balance of brown sugar and wasanbon sugar creates a layered amber finish.
With a 30-day shelf life at room temperature, it’s an ideal souvenir.
Shakushina Pickles
Unique to Chichibu’s mountains, these snow-white vegetables are fermented with lactic acid, offering a crisp texture with a subtle sake aroma.
Local serving suggestions:
✓ With porridge
✓ Stir-fried with pork belly
✓ Tossed with sesame oil
Vacuum-packed for easy transport and ready to eat.
