Location: Chichibu
Top Things to do in Chichibu
- 1. Mitsumine Shrine
- 2. Michi-no-Eki Kaju Park Ashigakubo
- 3. Chichibu Shrine
- 4. Ashigakubo no Hyochu
- 5. Hitsujiyama Park
- 6. Terasaka Rice Terraces
- 7. Chichibu Muse Park
- 8. Misotsuchi Icicles (Misotsuchinotsurara)
- 9. The Seizenji Temple on Mt. Seitaisan - 8th Pilgrimage Site
- 10. Chichibu Satsusho Meguri
What to do and see in Chichibu, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Chichibu, Japan including Mitsumine Shrine, Michi-no-Eki Kaju Park Ashigakubo, Chichibu Shrine, Ashigakubo no Hyochu, Hitsujiyama Park, Terasaka Rice Terraces, Chichibu Muse Park, Misotsuchi Icicles (Misotsuchinotsurara), The Seizenji Temple on Mt. Seitaisan - 8th Pilgrimage Site, Chichibu Satsusho Meguri.
Restaurants in Chichibu
1. Mitsumine Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By StewieTokyo - Saitama, Japan
This shrine is very old and looks / feels it. It probably dates back about 2,000 years but since the founder is the reputed son of a legendary figure, it is not certain. It is also one of the few shrines in Japan where wolves were enshrined as the local deity. This is clear from the entrance, where the usual guardian foxes or dogs have been replaced by wolf statues.
Good points
1) The atmosphere is wonderful. Huge cedar trees that line the approach along with four sacred trees that form a 'power spot' in front of the shrine in which visitors are encouraged to take life force from the trees by touching them and praying.
2) The history - mentioned above but there are many little points of interest, e.g. a marble paving stone that shows up the profile of a dragon when wet (bamboo scoops provided) and is said to have first appeared in the year of the dragon.
3) Views - you are on top of a mountain and you can see great views from all angles, including sitting in the restaurant near the top.
4) Autumn leaves - this place would be amazing in the fall (and very crowded) - there is a special fall walk around the mountain top.
4) Wolf stuff - a souvenir shop with lots of wolf related stuff - not the average shrine souvenirs.
Comments
1) Access is not easy - this is a day trip to see the one shrine. It is an hours drive from Chichibu town (which I did) or there are only three buses a day (5 at weekends).
2) Small - you can see the whole of the shrine in one sweep of the eyes once you get to the top. This is despite it being a training shrine for young Shinto priests.
3) In winter I would guess this to be inaccessible (I noted a helicopter pad near the top for emergencies)
4) Car parking it 510 yen (but the shrine is free)
2. Michi-no-Eki Kaju Park Ashigakubo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 48 reviews
3. Chichibu Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 194 reviews
4. Ashigakubo no Hyochu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
5. Hitsujiyama Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By YTCHENG - Hong Kong, China
Whenever we visited Japan in springtime, we would try to spare the morning session to take the direct express train from Ikekukuro to Hitsujiyama Park and spend at least three hours there to see the beautiful shibazakura and took pictures around the park. There were many temporary stalls selling food and souvenirs including shibazakura at the entrance of the park. Payment of fee was required since the past few years and it was still considered worthwhile. Recommend you to come here and have a view but bear in mind to check whether the shibazakura were still in full bloom there or not.
6. Terasaka Rice Terraces
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
7. Chichibu Muse Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 17 reviews
8. Misotsuchi Icicles (Misotsuchinotsurara)
Overall Ratings
4 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By Erik T - Veszprem County, Hungary
I was just staring at this beautiful phenomenon (there are two big places, one of them is partly artificial by flowing the water to specific spots) for a long time. It was a perfect end after hiking nearby. I arrived in good time to see in natural light and with the unbelievable illumination. Try to come by car or do some fine planning for public transport and some walk. One can only see this miracle in February, but try to manage to catch it.
2月以外に見られないもので、本当の限定です。にぎやかな場所と離れて、行き方が難しいかもしれませんけど、いつか是非見てください。16時前に着いて日が差す時とライトアップの時にも見るのはきっと忘れられない経験になると思います。こういう所が日本の自然を美しくするので、皆は大切にしてください。
9. The Seizenji Temple on Mt. Seitaisan - 8th Pilgrimage Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By AllanMurphy - Tokyo
It is very pleasant to wander around he Yokose area in any season, but in November, the leaves are in their glory. There is no place better to see them than Seizen-ji Temple. It is a 2 km walk from Yokose station. It is the #8 temple on a pilgrimage route and, so, is well signposted.
10. Chichibu Satsusho Meguri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Coconeal - Tokyo, Japan
I've just visited some of this pilgrimage temples and strongly been interested in. This historical Japanese pilgrimage is still working. I saw some dressed in white with canes. It was sincere and touching. Traditionally, we must walk through. But Modern pilgrimage can be done by bicycle, bus, car or taxi. To do as a day trip from Tokyo is possible. But to complete 34 temples must take time.
Temples are situated by Mountains or villages. You can experience pristine Japan which might be difficult to find out at city.
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