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2024 Chichibu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)
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Mitsumine shrine
Getting There - 〒369-1902 埼玉県秩父市三峰298-1
TEL 0494-55-0241 FAX 0494-55-0328
Attractions - shrine
Fees - free
The mountain top shrine can be reached out by bus or private car. This shrine is famous for it’s wolf praying shrine and well known among local Japanese.
Take a bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station and alight at the final stop, Mitsumine-jinja (75 minutes, 950 yen one way). Using the same bus route, it is also possible to board the bus from Mitsumineguchi Station to Mitsumine-jinja (55 minutes, 690 yen one way).
Chichibu - a city for all seasons
Train Station 🚉: Chichibu
Where is it 🗺️: Saitama Prefecture, east-western Japan
Famous for ✨:
🎏 various festivals throughout the year, like the light festival in the winter and fire festival in spring
🧊 having 3 Big Icicles - super stunning and highly recommended
🍡mochi
Big tourist spots 👀:
🌸🌲Hitsujiyama Park with amazing flowers
⛩️Chichibu Shrine
🕳️ Hashidate Cave
Chichibu Trip🫶Shibazakura and Pork Miso.
At Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, you can see shibazakura (moss phlox).
April is the best time to visit.
The local specialty is pork rice bowl,
and this time we bought a bento from Nosaka
and enjoyed the shibazakura in the park.
We also visited Mitsumine Shrine nearby! There was a bit of traffic, but it was a fun drive after a long time!
Next, I want to see the nemophila in Ibaraki!
Chichibu is a great place, so definitely visit! It's about a two-hour train ride from Tokyo, so I recommend it🫶
Yamanaka Park
Located on the eastern side of Chichibu City and included in the northwestern part of the Prefectural Bukou Natural Park, Yamanaka Park is a beloved relaxation spot for citizens, surrounded by lush nature. The park welcomes visitors with its seasonal natural scenery, including the springtime moss phlox.
For those coming by train
Approximately 1.5 km walk from Seibu Chichibu Line Seibu Chichibu Station (taxis available within the station) · Approximately 1.4 km walk from Yokose Station · Approximately 1.5 km walk from Chichibu Railway Ohana Batake Station (Shibazakura Station).
Chichibu Station Front Onsen - Matsuri no Yu.
Chichibu Natural Hot Spring — A comprehensive hot spring facility consisting of three areas: 'Onsen Area,' 'Food Court,' and 'Shopping Area.' The complex features 'Chichibu Souvenir Market,' offering Chichibu specialties and famous sweets, and 'Sake Master Stall,' where you can enjoy local Chichibu sake.
Restaurant in the Onsen Area. We offer a variety of meals such as Chichibu's specialty Waraji Katsudon and Mori Soba, along with draft beer, sours, other alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and many side dishes.
We have original gourmet dishes from Matsuri no Yu, Chichibu's classic souvenirs, famous sweets, and also sell seasonal agricultural products.
We offer a wide range of carefully crafted alcoholic beverages from Chichibu breweries such as 'Chichibu Beer Brewery,' 'Usada Winery,' 'Chichibu Nishiki,' 'Bukou Masamune,' and 'Ichiro's Malt.'
🌟 Chichibu's Cultural Retreat: Yu No Yado Wadoh 🏯✨
Craving a slice of authentic Japan? 🍣 Yu No Yado Wadoh in Chichibu offers a blend of tradition and tranquility. Choose between tatami rooms for that timeless feel or modern designs for a sleek stay. Just note, some modern rooms are sans bath – but who needs one when you can soak in the communal onsen for free? 💦 Or, for a bit of privacy, splash out ¥3000 for your own serene soak.
Foodies, rejoice! The breakfast spread here is a cultural feast. 🍱 Expect to be tantalized by flavors you've never encountered, all served up with impeccable hospitality. And when the day heats up, the staff's kindness extends to a pick-up from the nearby convenience store – talk about service with a smile! 😊
As night falls, the ryokan remains a hushed haven, perfect for unwinding. And the view from the open-air bath? Simply unforgettable. 🌄 Whether you're here to chill or to explore, Yu No Yado Wadoh is more than just a stay – it's a taste of Japan you'll want to savor again and again.
📍 Kuroya 813, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
A traditional Japanese house bar with a wide variety of whiskies in Chichibu
This is the Chichibu branch of the whisky bar 'Highlander Inn,' which has its main store in the UK.
You can enjoy a wide range of whiskies and various other drinks in the nostalgic atmosphere of the old house.
Highlander Inn Chichibu
📍Location: 16-1 Higashimachi, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, 368-0042
Business Hours
Tue - Fri 15:00 - 23:00
Sat, Sun & Holiday 12:00 - 23:00
※ Closed: Monday (if Monday is a holiday, it will be closed the next day)
🍖 Food Last Order: 21:00
🍺 Drink Last Order: 22:30
Chichibu Shibazakura
During the spring season in Japan, foreign tourists tend to focus only on the famous cherry blossoms at tourist spots, but in reality, there's more to see than just cherry blossoms.
From April to May each year, there is another equally stunning flower called Shibazakura (Pink Moss).
In this post, I would like to introduce a spot to view Shibazakura at Hitsujiyama in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, which is not far from Tokyo. It is mostly visited by Japanese locals, and you hardly see any foreigners here. During the festival, you can enjoy both Pink Moss and various local foods offered by the local Japanese vendors. It's a real treat for both the eyes and the palate.
The Taiyoji Temple
#cherryblossom2024
Our experience in Japan was truly extraordinary as we delved into the vibrant city ambiance and discovered the captivating Taiyoji Temple. The arrival of spring added an enchanting element to the surroundings, and the serene landscapes surrounding the shrine left us in awe. The breathtaking views created lasting memories that will forever be etched in our minds.
Indulge in a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern world by retreating to the serene mountains of Chichibu, where the ancient Taiyoji Temple, with its rich 700-year history, beckons tired souls to find solace. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this sacred place, savoring healthy Buddhist cuisine, engaging in peaceful meditation, and luxuriating in a restful night's stay at the temple for a mere ¥9,500 per night. Upon your arrival at Mitsumineguchi Station, the esteemed resident monk of Taiyoji Temple will graciously welcome you and escort you on a picturesque 25-minute drive up the majestic mountain, offering you a glimpse of the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds this spiritual sanctuary.
The indulgent opulence and mesmerizing allure of this retreat have engraved a vibrant memory in the depths of my recollection. The immense satisfaction of revisiting and immersing myself in every captivating moment within this distinctive sanctuary is unmatched by any other experience.#familytrip
Power Spots Accessible from Chichibu Station in Saitama
In Chichibu, visit the Chichibu Shrine ⛩️
Chichibu Shrine is one of the three major shrines of Chichibu, along with Mitsumine Shrine and Hodosan Shrine, and is a prominent ancient shrine in the prefecture with a history of over 2,100 years.
The annual grand festival 'Chichibu Night Festival', which has a history of more than 350 years, is registered as UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage 📝
While Nikko is known for the three wise monkeys, Chichibu Shrine also has its own set of three monkeys 🐒
However, these monkeys are famous as the 'energetic three monkeys' that 'see well, listen well, and speak well'!
Try your luck with the water fortune-telling available on the shrine grounds!
Saitama: Japan's First Sugar House for a Cafe Time
Located in Chichibu Muse Park, 'MAPLE BASE' is the first sugar house in Japan.
A 'sugar house' refers to a cabin in Canada where maple syrup is produced🛖
They conduct research on the production of maple syrup, and you can tour the manufacturing machinery. In the attached cafe, you can enjoy sweets made with Chichibu's maple🍽️
The interior has a warm wooden atmosphere, offering a relaxed space.
I had pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, and they were exquisite😋
Maple products are also available for purchase, making them perfect souvenirs!
Mount Kumotori
The two main characters of Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado and Nezuko Kamado, have their home on Mount Kumotori. This location serves as the starting point of the story, where Tanjiro's family is attacked by demons. The scene where Tanjiro carries Nezuko through the snowy mountains seeking help is inspired by the winter scenery of Mount Kumotori. As a fan of Demon Slayer, it's a must to make a pilgrimage here, and also to absorb the spiritual energy of Tokyo's highest peak. With an altitude of 2,017 meters, Mount Kumotori spans Tokyo, Saitama, and Yamanashi prefectures, and is listed as one of Japan's 100 famous mountains. The name is simple and easy to understand; it was named by the ancients who believed its peak was high enough to 'pick' the floating clouds. Apart from Demon Slayer, Mount Kumotori is a popular hiking and camping hotspot in the Kanto region. From the summit, one can enjoy the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the sea of clouds, and on clear days, even the majestic Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance.
There are multiple hiking routes, with the Okutama hiking trail being the more flat and easy one. Along the way, there are rest stops like the Nanatsuishi hut and mountain huts for refuge, where hikers can rest or stay overnight before summiting the next day. Of course, it's also possible to reach the Kumotori Mountain Lodge at the summit on the first day and stay overnight before descending the next day. Generally, for non-advanced hikers or those who start in the morning, planning a two-day, one-night trip to conquer Mount Kumotori is more reasonable. The trail is well marked and it's unlikely to get lost, but be aware that there are aggressive brown bears in the area. For personal safety, it is best to hike in groups and be sure to carry a bear bell.
Mount Kumotori
Address: Nishitama District, Okutama Town, Tokyo Prefecture
Chichibu Railway to Chichibu for Flower Viewing.
I took advantage of the holiday to ride the Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro for a river trip to see the rock formations in mid-April, then went to the Shibazakura Hill at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu's Makkaji area. Chichibu also has a whisky distillery, and the Chichibu Shrine features richly colored carvings. This trip was a very satisfying nature journey, during which I also enjoyed a variety of delicious foods. The hotels there are affordable, grateful!
【Saitama】A Power Spot in Kanto! Mitsumine Shrine.
A prestigious power spot in the Kanto region, Mitsumine Shrine⛩
The moment you pass through the torii gate, you can feel the atmosphere change to something more tense and solemn.
Within the shrine grounds, there are places called sessha and massha, where gods related to Mitsumine Shrine, such as Amaterasu Omikami (Ise Grand Shrine) and Tokugawa Ieyasu (Toshogu Shrine), are enshrined.
I made sure to pay my respects and received some power.
Interestingly, Mitsumine Shrine has unique features such as wolf-shaped komainu (guardian dogs) and a triple torii gate, which are different from other shrines⛩
Despite being located at an altitude of 1100 meters and having difficult access, I understood why so many people visit✨
Hitsujiyama Park
#springblossom Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu, is known for its attractive moss-pink field. Open hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the festival from mid-April to early May. The ticket price was just 300 yen per adult, and it’s really worth it. The ticket counter staff and other staff were really kind and friendly. The park is well maintained, and they have some beautiful flower decorations too. They had 10 types of flowers there, and those flowers are lovely and take away all stress. This hillside park is pretty crowded during festival season, but you can still enjoy it. You can enjoy a variety of foods from stoles in addition to the moss pink yard.There are plenty of food styles, which include Japanese traditional cuisine. The food was really yummy, and the vendors were really nice. When you go a few steps further, you can see a few sheep on their small farm. Sometimes we can’t actually watch sheep at the zoo, so I feel so happy. However, take my advice: if you go during peak season, please be ready to walk, or else you can get on a taxi too. I walked from Chchibu station to Hitsujiyama Park, and it took me 20 minutes, but it was a nice experience. This gorgeous park gives you fresh air to breathe. It was worth visiting this garden again, and I hope to go there next year too.
Japan motorcycle trip, MotoGP at #motegi, followed with a bike trip to the twisty #irohazaka and onsen hostle stay at #chichibu, really enjoyed every moment! #freehotelstay
Mitsumine shrine museum
Address - 298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, 369-1902
Attractions - shrine, mountain, national park
A visit to the shrine can easily be done as a day trip from Tokyo. Take the Seibu Line train to Chichibu - the Red Arrow Express going straight from Ikebukuro Station is advertised as covering the distance in a mere 78 minutes. Right outside Seibu Chichibu Station, you can hop on the bus to the shrine. The bus will take a little more than an hour to reach the Mitsumine Shrine.
chichibu dam
more fun in kawa 🏊♂️🏊♂️🏊♂️
Beautiful Fall Foliage around Chichibu Shrine
#fallingforfall
Address: 1-3 Banbamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0041, Japan
Nearest Station: Chichibu station, Chichibu Railway line
Located 2 hours away from Tokyo by train, Chichibu is a city in the Saitama prefecture. It's a beautiful city with lots of impressive and beautiful shrines. The fall foliage can be seen around the city and the popular Chichibu Shrine. There are also a lot of shrines and temples around Chichibu and due to the popularity of the Anohana anime, there's a lot coming over the city for an anime pilgrimage (travel around places as depicted in the anime).
As we went on a weekday, there weren't a lot of people around and we are able to take a leisurely stroll around the city.
Have you ever seen a vast field of flowers? Yes, I did. And it was in Chichibu's Hitsujiyama Park. This picturesque view is blooms during the end of Spring around April and early May. The park is quite big, and these moss pink fields are located at the southern part of it. What's also great when visiting this park is that, you won't starve. They also have a lot of food stalls around.
#wintergetaway
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