Chichibu (秩父) - Saitama Travel Trip Ashigakubo / Onouchi Icicles

In this blog post, I report on my two-day trip to Chichibu and share my experiences. I tell you how I traveled from Tokyo to Chichibu and what I experienced at the station and in the city. I also give you tips on some attractions, such as the temples in Chichibu and the Icicles of Ashigakubo and Onouchi Gorge. I also talk about my hotel, the traditional food and cafés, and wine tastings I visited. Read on to learn more about my travel experience in Chichibu!

From Tokyo to Chichibu

If you want to travel from Tokyo to Chichibu by train, the Limited Express train is a good option. The ticket costs 710 Yen, and it's important to note that a special ticket and Pasmo (or another IC card) are required. Fortunately, you can buy the special ticket at the counter after passing through the gate. If you're worried about getting around, you can use Google Maps to find a convenient route.

Here is the Chichibu station (be careful, there are two!): https://goo.gl/maps/PQaKACMa3wCQXP6h9

The Chichibu Station

The Chichibu station is a beautiful place that you can visit both during the day and at night. At night, the lights in front of the station are especially beautiful and contribute to a magical atmosphere.

The station is a successful blend of modern and traditional elements. The architecture is impressive, and the furnishings offer both comfort and style.

Next to the station, there are many shops where you can enjoy delicious food or buy souvenirs. The selection is large, and there is something for every taste.

There are two stations in Chichibu, but Seibu-Chichibu Station is the one you should visit. You can find it via this link: https://goo.gl/maps/PQaKACMa3wCQXP6h9

A visit to Chichibu station is an experience you should not miss.

The Icicles of Ashigakubo (Icicles of Ashigakubo)

Are you a nature enthusiast looking for a unique experience? Then the Icicles of Ashigakubo are just right for you! The entrance fee is only 500 Yen, and you can enjoy the beauty of the icicles for about 30 minutes to an hour.

If you plan to arrive by train, you should note that trains only run until around 19:30. The train station is located directly at the entrance of the icicles, so you don't need to worry if you're coming by train, as no reservation is required. However, if you plan to arrive by car or taxi, you should make a reservation.

To ensure that the icicles are open, you should visit the official website, as they may be closed in bad weather. The website provides daily updates and can be found at the following link: https://www.yokoze.org/hyouchuu/

You can also easily find the Icicles of Ashigakubo on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3XmLR9sVHjesjL7U6?g_st=ic

The Icicles of Onouchi Gorge (Icicles of Onouchi Gorge)

The Icicles of Onouchi Gorge are a beautiful natural spectacle that you definitely should visit. The gorge is about 1 hour and 20 minutes by bus from Chichibu Station. Although it is somewhat remote, it is worth traveling there to enjoy the beauty of nature.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, from the bus stop, you need to walk about 15 minutes up a mountain to reach the gorge. Secondly, the bus only runs about four times a day, which means you should plan according to the departure times.

Once you arrive at the gorge, you can stay there for about an hour to admire the icicles and have a little something to eat. However, it is important to make sure you don't miss the return bus, as this could lead to a longer wait time.

There are also a few things to be aware of when visiting the Icicles of Onouchi Gorge. For example, in bad weather, the gorge may be closed. It is therefore important to check the current conditions in advance. You can find more information on the website: https://www.nishichichibu.or.jp/onouchi-turara/

If you plan to visit the Icicles of Onouchi Gorge, it is also advisable to use Google Maps to find the exact location. Here is the link to the map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gHDXyEjne3EeVzDX9?g_st=ic

The Hotel / Ryokan - Echigoya in Ogano

I had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Echigoya in Ogano and can recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Japanese experience. The traditional hotel includes dinner and breakfast in the price, allowing you to enjoy traditional Japanese dishes, including the popular Konyaku. The hotel also has a traditional bath, similar to an onsen, but smaller. Here you can relax and enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and I felt almost at home. Although the hotel is somewhat secluded, it is more affordable and very accessible by bus. Additionally, the surrounding area is beautiful and offers many opportunities for hiking and exploring. I highly recommend Hotel Echigoya and would love to stay there again. At the time of the trip, I paid 24,000 Yen for two people.

Link to the hotel (Google Maps): https://goo.gl/maps/gVZwRS3WUYDaboyc9

Link to the hotel (Booking.com): Booking.com*

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Affiliate Link: If you book a hotel on Booking.com through my widget or my link, I receive a small commission. There are no additional costs for you, and you support my blog. I am very grateful and wish you lots of fun traveling (^_^) .

Deer Park (Ogano Deer Park)

Ogano Deer Park is a beautiful place that invites relaxation. With free admission, it is a great place for a short stop on your journey. If you are an animal lover, you will be delighted by the many deer in the park.

In addition to watching the deer, there is the option to buy food for the deer for only 50 Yen.

If you want to visit the park, I recommend using Google Maps. Just follow this link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vP9hELYahuQu2EYx7?g_st=ic .

Santa Café

Santa Café is a cozy café that offers coffee and cake. It is perfect for a relaxed afternoon in the sun. Although there was snow on the ground, the terrace was very pleasant thanks to the warm sun. The location of the café is very convenient, as it is near public transportation and there is also parking available in the area. If you want to visit Santa Café, you can simply use Google Maps to get there. Here is the link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VZKHdDguihnJKLrf9?g_st=ic

Chichibu Wine

Chichibu Wine is a wine made from local grapes. The grapes are grown and harvested on site. The local brewery is also on site and is open for tours. There is also the option to taste the wine. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the local wine production and learn more about it. If you want to visit the brewery, you can find the location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGvJ4KBw3zsErzrn6?g_st=ic

Conclusion of the Trip to Chichibu

Visited places and saw amazing natural wonders (although I must admit that the icicles were artificially enlarged). The city is also known for its traditional culture and food. The hotel where I stayed was also a highlight of my trip, as I had an authentic Japanese experience. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and want to spend some time in nature, then Chichibu is the perfect place for you. There are many places and activities to explore. Therefore, I highly recommend checking it out and enjoying everything that Chichibu has to offer.