Chichibu

City

Last updated September 07, 2026 Reviewed by the Japan Voyage editorial team

Prefecture

Saitama

Type

City

N/A

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Train Access

About This Destination

Chichibu is a mountain town famous for its December night festival with towering floats, a 34-temple pilgrimage circuit, and seasonal scenery.

Chichibu's Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri), held on December 2-3 each year, is one of Japan's three greatest float festivals, featuring massive illuminated floats weighing up to 20 tons paraded through the streets alongside spectacular fireworks. The Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage is one of Japan's oldest temple circuits and can be completed in about five days on foot or by car, with each temple offering unique stamps and peaceful mountain settings. Hitsujiyama Park draws visitors in spring for its carpet of shibazakura (moss phlox) flowers covering an entire hillside in pink, white, and purple. The area is also a gateway to Nagatoro, where visitors can enjoy river rafting through dramatic rock formations. Easily reached from Ikebukuro in about 80 minutes by Seibu Railway, Chichibu offers a surprisingly rural escape from Tokyo.

Location

Prefecture: Saitama

Address: Chichibu, Saitama, Japan

Nearest Station: Seibu-Chichibu Station

Best time to visit: April for the shibazakura moss phlox and December for the Chichibu Night Festival; autumn foliage in the valleys

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Local restaurants serve waraji katsu (giant pork cutlets), Chichibu soba noodles, miso potatoes, and local sake from historic breweries

Official Website

Access

Saitama, Japan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Chichibu?

The Seibu 'Laview' limited express from Ikebukuro reaches Seibu-Chichibu in about 80 minutes. JR and Chichibu Railway routes also run via Kumagaya.

What is Chichibu famous for?

Chichibu is known for the Hitsujiyama Park shibazakura (pink moss phlox) carpet in April to early May, the UNESCO-listed Chichibu Night Festival of ornate floats and fireworks on December 2-3, and the 34-temple Kannon pilgrimage.

What else is there around Chichibu?

There is Mitsumine Shrine high in the mountains, whisky pilgrimages to the Ichiro's Malt distillery area, riverside walks at Nagatoro's rock terraces, and easy onsen day-trips from Tokyo.