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Discover Chichibu: 5 Must-Visit Places in the Countryside North of Tokyo

Discover Chichibu: 5 Must-Visit Places in the Countryside North of Tokyo

Last updated: 6 August 2024

Just north of Tokyo, Chichibu offers a peaceful retreat with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a break from the city's hustle, Chichibu is full of hidden gems. Discover five must-visit spots in this picturesque countryside, from tranquil temples to breathtaking vistas. Join us as we explore the best of Chichibu's charm and beauty.

Chichibu Shrine: Enjoy layers of history

Chichibu Shrine: Enjoy layers of history

Chichibu Shrine, believed to be over 2,100 years old, is a Soja shrine housing several local deities. The Chichibu Night Festival, held annually on December 3rd, is one of Japan's top three festivals, renowned for its luxurious yatai floats and kasaboko, large parasol-like objects adorned with spears and artificial flowers.

The current shrine features stunning sculptures with brilliant coloring, created by an artist known for work on the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Be sure to see the Tsunagi-no-ryu (Bridging Dragon) and Kodakara-kosodate-no-tora (Child Treasure Child-rearing Tiger) during your visit.

Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan: A pavilion where you can learn traditions from the Chichibu Night Festival

Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan: A pavilion where you can learn traditions from the Chichibu Night Festival

The Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan pavilion showcases an array of materials related to the annual Chichibu Night Festival at the Chichibu Shrine. This winter festival is famous for its spectacular float parade and fireworks, and features a dance performance, recognized as an important intangible folk cultural asset, which takes place either on or alongside the floats. The pavilion includes a display of these floats and a small theater where visitors can learn about the festival's history and significance. A stunning and ornate kasaboko, decorated with spears and artificial flowers, welcomes visitors at the entrance, enhancing the pavilion's vibrant and captivating atmosphere.

Bukou Brewery: Crafting Exceptional Sake in Chichibu

Bukou Brewery: Crafting Exceptional Sake in Chichibu

Bukou Brewery uses the pristine Bukozan Fukuryusui, filtered water from Mt. Buko, in their brewing process. Visitors can bring their own containers to fill with this water during business hours. For groups of 10 or more, reservations allow for sake tasting and a brewery tour. The store itself is designated as a tangible cultural property of the nation, making it a must-see attraction.

Chichibu Meisenkan Museum: Displaying Meisen Treasures

Chichibu Meisenkan Museum: Displaying Meisen Treasures

Chichibu Meisenkan houses and preserves folk materials related to Meisui, the traditional textiles of Chichibu. Constructed in 1930, this building is designated as a tangible cultural property. Visitors can explore the traditional lifestyle of the area through hands-on experiences in hand-weaving and dyeing textiles.

Find souvenirs at Nakamise Shopping Street

(Note: The image shown is from March 2016.)
(Note: The image shown is from March 2016.)

Nakamise Shopping Street is an arcade located at the entrance of Chichibu, right in front of Seibu Chichibu Station. The street features a variety of stores, including souvenir shops, local sake shops, and restaurants that serve udon, soba, and Chichibu's specialty, Waraji katsudon (pork cutlet served on a rice bowl).

  • Seibu-Chichibu Nakamise Shopping Street
    西武秩父・仲見世通り
    • Address 1-16-15, Nosakamachi, Chichibu-shi, Saitama, 368-0033

Try Buta-no-misozuke (Pork pickled in bean paste)

Try Buta-no-misozuke (Pork pickled in bean paste)

Along with Waraji katsudon, another specialty of Chichibu is Buta misodon (pork in miso sauce served on top of a rice bowl).

At Nosaka, the original Buta misodon specialty store, pork marinated in homemade miso sauce is grilled over high-grade binchotan charcoal until it becomes fragrant. The large, charcoal-grilled pork that protrudes from the bowl is impressive, and its juicy, delicious taste will surprise you!

On Saturdays and holidays, the store only sells bento boxes. Additionally, on weekdays, they may also sell only bento boxes if there is a shortage of staff.

  • Nosaka
    お食事処・野さか
    • Address 1-13-11, Nosakamachi, Chichibu-shi, Saitama, 368-0033
    • Phone Number 0494-22-0322
    • ・Hours: 11 AM–3 PM (*Closed when all the miso pork is gone.)
      ・Closed: Sundays

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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