Chichibu

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.

Nearby cities

Kawasaki

Located between Tokyo and Yokohama, Kawasaki is one of Japan's most densely populated industrial cities.

Hiratsuka

A vibrant coastal city in Kanagawa Prefecture, famous for its grand Tanabata Festival and the expansive Shonan coastline.

Chigasaki

The heart of the Shonan coast, famous for its surfing culture and Southern Beach Chigasaki.

Odawara

A historic gateway to the Hakone region, known for its impressive castle and views over Sagami Bay.

Miura

A charming port city at the tip of the Miura Peninsula, famous for its world-class tuna and scenic coastal hiking trails.

Oiso

Oiso is known as the birthplace of sea bathing in Japan and was once an exclusive retreat for the nation's political elite.

Hayama

An exclusive seaside resort on the Miura Peninsula, known for its Imperial Villa and top-tier sailing waters.

Ninomiya

A charming small town nestled between mountains and the sea, known for its stunning views and tranquil beaches.

Karuizawa

An upscale mountain resort town famous for its cool climate, world-class shopping, and scenic hiking trails.

Echigo-Yuzawa

A premier ski and onsen resort town directly accessible by Shinkansen, famous for its heavy snowfall and premium sake.

Kusatsu Onsen

One of Japan's top thermal resorts, famous for the impressive Yubatake and its highly acidic healing waters.

Nikko Kinugawa

A popular hot spring resort along the Kinugawa River, located near the historic sites of Nikko.

Nozawa Onsen

A charming historic village famous for its natural hot springs and as one of Japan's oldest ski resorts with a rich cultural tradition.

Ikaho Onsen

A historic hot spring town famous for its 365-step stone staircase and healing thermal waters.

History & landmarks

Nikko

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for lavishly decorated shrines and the beautiful Nikko National Park.

Lake Ashinoko

A scenic crater lake in Hakone that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

More places

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Japan's first open-air museum, creating a harmonic balance between nature and art, with sculptures displayed in a picturesque setting ove…

Hakone Ropeway

A ropeway that offers scenic views of the Ōwakudani volcanic valley and Lake Ashi.

Gundam Factory Yokohama

A limited-time attraction featuring a giant, life-sized, moving Gundam robot.

Port of Yokohama

One of Japan's largest seaports and a crucial hub for international trade and logistics in the Tokyo Bay.

J-POWER Isogo Thermal Power Station

A state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant in Yokohama, known for its high efficiency and advanced environmental technologies.