When it comes to Chichibu sightseeing spots in spring, the moss phlox of Hitsujiyama Park is where you can enjoy gorgeous hues of moss phlox in pink, white, and light purple. More than 400,000 plants of 9 varieties of moss phlox are planted on this vast site of about 17,600 square meters, and when it is in full bloom, it creates colorful gradations.

During the flowering period of moss phlox (April to early May), the Chichibuji Souvenir Market is held, where you can buy special products made in Chichibu.

In Hitsujiyama Park, there are also spots that parents and children can enjoy, such as the Fureai Farm where you can meet sheep, and the lawn space where you can see flowers under the cherry blossoms.

Another famous spot in Chichibu during spring is the Hodosan Robai. It is in full bloom at the top of Mt. Hodosan at an elevation of 497m, where some 3,000 wintersweets bloom in this patch of land of about 1,500 square meters.

Amidst the sweet aroma of flowers on the summit, this scenic spot is where you can see Mt. Buko, said to be the symbol of Chichibu, and Mt. Ryokami, selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains of Japan.

A popular activity in Chichibu during summer is the Nagatoro Line where you can enjoy going down a dynamic river aboard a Japanese-style boat called wabune. You can feel the cold clear stream spray while looking at the national monument Iwadatami. On the way down the river, there is also a calmer course where you can see wild animals such as wild boars.

You can choose a speedy 3-km course that takes 20 minutes and a 6-km course that takes 40 minutes. Although it is limited to Saturdays and Sundays, you may also see the running SL (steam locomotive) if you are lucky.

In addition, Nagatoro, where you can enjoy a lovely ride down the river, has a well-known store called Asamu Reizo, which serves natural shaved ice. After enjoying the rafting ride, be sure to refresh with a cold dessert representing Japan!

The SL Paleo Express is a steam locomotive based on the SL C58 363, which was formerly active in the Tohoku region of Japan. It connects Chichibu Station and Kumagaya Station in Saitama, where you can enjoy a full-blown trip on the rails.

The ride is open for passengers from March to December, but we recommend giving this a try during the autumn season when the town of Chichibu is adorned with autumn leaves.

You can see the trees dyed red and yellow from within the slowly running SL car. Along the way, you can travel down along the famous Arakawa River, where you can enjoy the beautiful contrast between autumn leaves and the river.

In addition to autumn leaves, there are many highlights, such as Mt. Buko, which is the symbol of Chichibu, the calm, emerald waters of Tamayodo Lake, and the cluster amaryllis blooming along the rails of Kami-Nagatoro.

There are also steam locomotives for children, which are perfect for the whole family. They also sell original merch on the train car, so be sure to check this out when you are aboard the train.

Ashigakubo-no-Hyochu, one of the three major spots for icicles in Chichibuji, is a huge group of icicles created by the sprinkling of the stream on mountain slopes.

Its size is a marvel to behold, with a width of about 200 meters and a height of about 30 meters. You can also visit during the day; we recommend going here at night when the icicles are lit up. The fantastic scenery created by the colorful lights is definitely a must-see!

The color of the lights changes with time, and the transition is straight out of a picture book. The Seibu Railway also runs right next to it, and you can also snap the train and icicles together in one photo if the timing is good.

The rest area also sells oden, various ingredients stewed in soy soup; suiton flour dumplings, and amashu sweet sake, among other treats. Please enjoy the sight of the icicles while taking a rest.

In addition, the Chichibu Night Festival is an iconic event in Chichibu during winter. It is held in early December. There will also be a yatai bayashi or a traditional performance around the town and a winter fireworks display.

Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, this traditional festival has been selected as one of Japan's top three float festivals.

Also, from January to February, the "Hodosan wintersweet" (or Japanese allspice flowers) will be at their best. It is in full bloom at the top of the 497m elevation of Mount Hodosan, and 3,000 of the flowers are in bloom in the site of about 15,000 square meters.

It is a scenic spot where you can see the Mt. Buko, which is said to be the symbol of Chichibu from the summit, and as well as Mt. Ryokami, which has been selected as one of the 100 most famous mountains of Japan while being surrounded by the sweet smell of flowers.

Chichibu is best known for the variety of its activities that change depending on the season. Since it can be easily accessed from Tokyo, you can enjoy Chichibu sightseeing in different ways like day trips or staying overnight. We hope to see you in Chichibu, enjoying this land filled with attractions in every season.

*Information in this article is accurate as of August 2019. Check the official websites for the latest updates.