Plizio Visual Lab

Chichibu

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°11
Chichibu (Japan)
ℹ️

Practical info — Chichibu

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

Positioned in western Saitama, Chichibu is a scenic gateway for nature lovers and culture seekers alike. It is internationally famous for the Chichibu Night Festival (Yomatsuri) held in December, featuring towering, ornate floats and a spectacular winter fireworks display. Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the area has excellent hiking, while the nearby Arakawa River provides thrilling white-water rafting opportunities in Nagatoro. In late spring, the city's Hitsujiyama Park transforms into a pink wonderland as hundreds of thousands of moss phlox (shibazakura) bloom across its hillsides. The historic Chichibu Shrine, with its intricate carvings said to be by the same master who decorated Nikko, serves as the town's spiritual heart. The region is also home to a famous 34-temple pilgrimage circuit, attracting those seeking a quiet, meditative atmosphere away from the capital's bustle. Don't miss the local buckwheat soba or the 'Waraji-Katsudon', named for fried pork cutlets shaped like traditional straw sandals. For spirits enthusiasts, the award-winning Chichibu Distillery is a must-mention. The city is easily reached from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station on the sleek Seibu 'Laview' express in about 80 minutes. Visit in spring for the floral carpets or December for the unforgettable festival energy.

Geography

Population
61,159 (2022)
Coordinates
35.99178, 139.08547

Facts

  • The December Night Festival is a UNESCO-listed event.
  • Famous for the vibrant moss phlox in Hitsujiyama Park.
  • Home to the world-renowned Chichibu Whisky Distillery.
  • Chichibu Shrine features carvings by Hidari Jingoro.
  • Center of a historic 34-temple pilgrimage route.
  • Waraji-Katsudon is a unique sandal-shaped pork dish.
  • The Paleo Express steam locomotive runs through here.
  • Located within the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Chichibu (11)

Pink Moss Hill📍 landmark

This hill in Chichibu is famous for its massive carpets of pink moss phlox that bloom in spring.

Chichibu No.08 Saizen-ji⛪ religious

A Buddhist temple in Chichibu known for its massive maple tree that is over 600 years old.

Chichibu No.15 Shorin-ji⛪ religious

A temple on the Chichibu pilgrimage route known for its distinctive white-walled main hall.

Chichibu Festival Hall🏛 museum

This museum in Chichibu displays ornate festival floats and multimedia shows about the city's famous Night Festival.

🕒 09:00-17:30

Chichibu18 Goudo-ji Temple⛪ religious

The 18th station of the Chichibu pilgrimage, a temple known for its classic wooden architecture and serene atmosphere.

Ohanabatake🌿 nature

A hot spring bath in Chichibu near Ohanabatake station, handy for relaxing after a hike.

Hitsujiyama Park🌳 park

This park in Chichibu is famous nationwide for its extensive fields of pink and white moss phlox.

Mt. buko Museum🏛 museum

This museum in Chichibu is dedicated to the geology and natural history of the iconic limestone Mount Buko.

🕒 Mo 10:00-16:00; We-Su 10:00-16:00

Chichibu No.12 Nosakadera-Temple📍 landmark

A Buddhist temple in Chichibu featuring a serene garden and views of the nearby mountains.

Chichibu No.10 Daiji-ji📍 landmark

The tenth temple of the Kannon pilgrimage, known for its historic gate and peaceful atmosphere.

Seibu-Chichibu🌿 nature

A popular hot spring complex located directly at Seibu-Chichibu station, themed after local festivals.

Frequently asked questions

Chichibu: where is it located?
Chichibu is located in Japan.
Chichibu: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pink Moss Hill, Chichibu No.08 Saizen-ji, Chichibu No.15 Shorin-ji.
Chichibu: why is it worth visiting?
Positioned in western Saitama, Chichibu is a scenic gateway for nature lovers and culture seekers alike.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Japan →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

More places