Tucked into the western mountains of Saitama Prefecture, Chichibu (秩父市) is a town that feels far removed from the sprawl of Tokyo, yet it’s only about 90 minutes away. With sacred shrines, colorful festivals, scenic river valleys, and rugged mountains, Chichibu blends tradition and nature in a way that’s rare this close to the city.
Whether you’re into hiking, historic sites, or seasonal festivals, Chichibu offers a deep, slow-paced experience that still flies under the radar for most international visitors.
Chichibu Shrine
Right in the center of town stands Chichibu Shrine (秩父神社), one of the oldest and most important shrines in the region. Its colorful carvings, some designed by the same artists who worked on Nikko Toshogu, include playful monkeys, tigers, and mythical creatures.
The shrine is deeply tied to Chichibu’s identity and plays a central role in the city’s most famous event: the Chichibu Night Festival.
Chichibu Night Festival
Chichibu Night Festival (秩父夜祭) is held every year on December 2–3, this is one of Japan’s top three float festivals. Enormous, elaborately decorated floats (some over 20 tons) are pulled through the streets to the sound of taiko drums and flutes. At night, the floats are lit with lanterns and climb a steep slope while fireworks explode overhead and it’s a powerful and emotional scene.
It’s been designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and locals take enormous pride in it. Even outside festival season, you can visit the Chichibu Festival Hall next to the shrine to see the floats and learn about their history.
Nature and Hiking
Chichibu is surrounded by nature, making it a great destination for hiking, seasonal flower viewing, and scenic walks.
- Hitsujiyama Park (羊山公園): Famous in late April and early May for its shibazakura (moss phlox) fields, where vibrant pink and white flowers blanket the hillside with Mt. Buko in the background.
- Nagatoro Gorge (長瀞渓谷): A bit further out, but worth visiting for its rocky riverbanks, riverboat rides, and autumn foliage. You can also go hiking, kayaking, or ride the old-fashioned SL steam train that runs on weekends.
- Mt. Mitsumine and Mitsumine Shrine (三峯神社): A powerful spiritual site deep in the mountains, said to be one of the strongest “power spots” in the Kanto region. The drive or bus ride up offers spectacular views year-round.
Historical Pilgrimage: The 34 Kannon Temples
Chichibu is the starting point of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage, part of a larger circuit of 100 sacred Kannon sites in the Kanto region. You don’t have to complete the whole route and many people walk just a few of the nearby temples, which are often hidden in hills or forests and connected by quiet country paths.
This spiritual trail gives you a deep connection to the region and its old religious traditions, without the crowds of Kyoto or Nara.
Local Specialties
Chichibu’s mountainous setting and rural culture have shaped its food. Popular local specialties include:
- Miso Potato (みそポテト): Deep-fried potato slices topped with sweet miso glaze
- Waraji Katsu-don (わらじカツ丼): Pork cutlet twice the size of the bowl, served on rice with a sweet soy-based sauce
- Chichibu wine and craft beer: Thanks to the area’s elevation and clean air, the region has a growing wine and beer scene
- Chichibu Meisen Silk: A traditional weaving technique turned into modern accessories and clothing
You’ll find many of these foods in the covered shopping streets near Seibu Chichibu Station and the local roadside markets.
Access
- From Tokyo (Ikebukuro): Take the Seibu Limited Express “Laview” to Seibu Chichibu Station – about 80–90 minutes
- From Ueno or Shinjuku: Take the JR line to Kumagaya, then transfer to the Chichibu Railway