Chichibu — Short trip out of Tokyo Ideas

Bored of the city life in Tokyo and want a change of pace? Looking for a breather and planning a short trip out of Tokyo for the weekend?

You’ve come to the right place then! In this new series that we are introducing, we’ll be sharing some lesser well-known short trip out of Tokyo ideas for city folks!

Disclaimer: Some of the links I’ve attached are affiliate links, so if you decide to purchase any of the items on those sites, I’ll receive a small cut of the commission at no extra costs to you! It would be a great way to support our blog and help us keep running it if you’ve found our content meaningful!

To kickstart this short trip out of Tokyo series, the first region we’re introducing is Chichibu!

Chichibu, a region located about 80 minutes away by train to the South of Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture, is the perfect weekend getaway for enjoying the natural landscapes Japan has to offer! This small valley is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beauty of its changing seasons.

This region has also gained the attention of international audiences through anime and films featuring scenic backdrops originating from Chichibu. In addition, with its delicious food and festivals, Chichibu is a must-visit if you’re looking for a short trip out of Tokyo!

Hence in this article, we’ll be introducing our best-kept secret; a compilation of places of interest, mouth-watering local delicacies, best spots for seasonal sightseeing, and some accommodation choices!

Getting to Chichibu from Tokyo

By Train

For those taking the train, there’s a few routes you can take depending on the town you are planning to visit. Here’s a train route map to simplify your route planning because we all know how complicated Japanese trains can get.

Save some money with these train tickets!

1. Chichibu Unlimited Ride Ticket

If you’re going to be planning a short trip out of Tokyo to explore Chichibu for a few days and get onboard the Paleo Express, then you may want to consider buying this ticket.

What you get with this ticket:
• Round-trip from your departure station on the Seibu line to Seibu Chichibu station
• 2 day unlimited train rides between Ashigakubo-Seibu and Chichibu station
• Free rides on the Chichibu Railyway (Paleo Express) between Nogami Nagatoro and Mimineguchi station
• Discounts for participating shops and facilities

Price:
¥2,350 from Ikebukuro (Prices may vary depending on where you board)

2. Chichibu Man’yu Tour Ticket

For those who are not planning to board the Paleo Express, but rather explore Chichibu via other modes of transport such as the public bus, rental cars, etc., this ticket would be a better option for you.

What you get with this ticket:
• Round-trip from your departure station on the Seibu line to Seibu Chichibu station
• 2 day unlimited train rides between Koma station and Seibu Chichibu station
• Coupons for the local buses, rental cars, hot springs, etc.

Price:
¥2,230 from Ikebukuro (Prices may vary depending on where you board)

3. SEIBU 1Day Pass / SEIBU 2Day Pass

This ticket is available only for foreigners, and can be bought online in advance. Before you embark on your short trip out of Tokyo, you will need to redeem these tickets in person at the respective redemption locations.

What you get with this ticket:
• Unlimited train travel on the Seibu line (Excluding the Tamagawa line) in Tokyo

Price:
• ¥1,000 for the 1 day pass
• ¥1,500 for the 1 day pass + Nagatoro area (Includes Chichibu Railway line between Nogami Nagatoro and Mimineguchi)
• ¥2,000 for the 2 day pass

Extra: For the Anime fans out there, you can also check out this Kawagoe Half Day Walking Tour along the way back with your unlimited travel train pass. This tour brings you through the Anime scenes in Saitama Prefecture! You’ll find great photo spots to relive the Anime experiences in real life!

By Car

For those planning to drive, here’s a route map to simplify your route planning.

What can you do in Chichibu?

Sightseeing

Chichibu boasts a large variety of flowers that bloom in each season, and many other wonderful things nature has to offer! Here are some seasonal highlights and sightseeing hotspots to watch out for if you’re in the area.

1. Mount Buko

Mount Buko stands tall at 1,304 meters in altitude and towers over Chichibu city in the western Saitama prefecture.

The mountains contain large amounts of limestone, which is a vital ingredient when it comes to creating cement. Hence, it was once a victim of intensive mining during the industrialization phase in modern Tokyo.

2. Hitsujiyama Park

Hitsujiyama Park is well known for its Pink Moss Hill, where 9 varieties of pink moss with varying shades litter the field. This moss field spans 17,600 square meters, with over 400,000 plants.

The pink moss hill is expected to be in full bloom from mid April to early May.

For a more detailed list of the flower species that blooms in Chichibu for each season, you can check out Chichibu’s official tourism website.

3. Misotsuchi no Tsurara

Chichibu’s Misotsuchi no Tsurara is a sightseeing hotspot in the winter season featuring natural ice sculptures from the pure water flowing over the rocks.

These icicles are only in season throughout mid January till mid February. Catch them while you’re in the area before they melt away. They really are an amazing sight to behold! Mother nature really just never ceases to amaze us…

4. SL Paleo Express

The Paleo Express got its name from the Paleoparadoxia, a large, ancient sea mammal that inhabited the Chichibu area over 20 million years ago.

This steam locomotive train stops at 8 stations around Chichibu, and is a great way to explore the area and enjoy its landscape. We would suggest making a reservation in advance to secure your ride.

A trip from Kumagaya Station to Mitsumineguchi approximately 2 hours 40 minutes. Regular tickets cost ¥520, but there’s also a 1-day unlimited pass at ¥1,420.

Art Galleries & Museums

1. Yamato Art Museum

This art museum features the beauty of each season, with Munakata Shiko’s works as its main exhibition, in addition to a range of paintings, ceramic art works, etc.

Location: Hitsujiyama Park, 6175-1 Omiya, Chichibu-shi, Saitama 368-0023
Operating Hours: 10:00 to 16:00
Closed On: Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a public holiday)
New Exhibitions: Every February and September
Phone Number: 0494-22-8822

2. Saitama Museum of Natural History

This prefectural history museum features the theme “From the past into the future: Saitama’s 300 million year journey and the coexistence of humans and nature”. Exhibits involve: Dinosaur skeletons, geology and biology related artifacts/displays.

Location: 1417-1 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1305
Operating Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (Entry closes at 16:00)
July & August: 9:00 to 17:00 (Entry closes at 16:30)
Closed On: Mondays and year-end/New Year holidays (The museum is sometimes closed on other days.)
New Exhibitions: Every February and September
Phone Number: 0494-66-0404

3. Mt. Buko Museum

This museum provides insights into the development of the Chichibu mountains. It includes a 3D topographical model of the region, specimens of animals found nearby, etc.

Location: 6176 Omiya, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0023, Japan
Operating Hours: 09:00 to 16:00
Closed On: Tuesdays, December 29-31 and January 1-3
New Exhibitions: Every February and September
Phone Number: 0494-24-7555

4. Chichibu Nishiki Sakezukuri no Mori Chichibu Nishiki Sake Museum

Here, you’ll be able to visit various local wineries where the local sake, Chichibu Nishiki is made. There is also a sake museum and a local products shop open to visitors.

Location: 21-27 Miyakawa-cho, Chichibu-shi, Saitama 368-0046
Operating Hours: 08:00 to 17:30
Closed On: New Year’s Day
Phone Number: 0494-22-0046

5. Buko Sake

At Buko Sake, they brew Buko Masamune, a local sake with a long standing history. This store has been registered as a Tangible Cultural Property so sake lovers shouldn’t miss this one out!

Location: 21-27 Miyakawa-cho, Chichibu-shi, Saitama 368-0046
Opening Hours: 08:00 to 17:30
Closed On: New Year’s Day
New Exhibitions: Every February and September
Phone Number: 0494-22-0046

6. Chichibu Festival Exhibition Hall

This hall features displays and demonstrations of the Chichibu Night Festival held on December 3 yearly. If you aren’t able to make it for the actual festival but still want to experience it, then don’t sit this one out!

Location: 2-8 Banba-machi, Chichibu-shi, Saitama 368-0041
Operating Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (April – November), 10:00 to 17:00 (December – March)
Closed On: 4th & 5th Tuesday of each month
New Exhibitions: Every February and September
Phone Number: 0494-23-1110

History & Culture

1. Chichibu Shrine

Chichibu shrine is known for hosting the renowned Chichibu Night & Kawase Festivals.

It enshrines several gods from the Chichibu region and history nerds will love this place. Its main sanctuary was rebuilt by Ieyasu Tokugawa and houses many famous sculptures.

Location: 1-13 Banba-machi, Chichibu-shi, Saitama
Phone Number: 0494-22-0262

2. Mitsumine Shrine

Housed at an altitude of 1,110m on Mount Mitsumine, there is a hiking trail you can follow to reach the shrine.

Alternatively, there are various transport services you can take to reach the shrine (Eg: Seibu Tourist Bus Express, Chichibu Railway)

Location: 298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 369-1902
Phone Number: 0494-55-0241

3. Hodosan Shrine

Hodosan is coined as “mountain that stops fire”, with the God of Fire enshrined.

This dates back to about 1900 years ago where a prince was saved from a forest fire here by a group of mountain dogs. If you’re interested to find out more, it’s all on their website!

Location: 1828 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Phone Number: 0494-66-1860

4. Chichibu 34 Temple Pilgrimage Circuit

The Chichibu pilgrimage route is part of the 100 Kanon Pilgrimage, with 3 paths linking 100 temples across the regions of Chichibu, Bando & Saikoku.

This route spans about 100km, but interested visitors need not undertake the full 34-temple circuit to experience the historic route. You can find some suggested day trip routes here.

First Temple: Shimabu-ji
Location: 418 Tochiya, Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture 368-0002

5. Ogano Kabuki

Kabuki, an art form flourishing during the Meiji and Taisho eras, is now preserved as a cultural heritage by the Ogano Kabuki Preservation Society.

Native to Ogano Kabuki, all costumes, props & choreography are created by the Ogano locals. Performances are held 8 times each year on Ogano’s permanent stage and festival floats.

Find performance times & dates on their site.

6. Chichibu Meisen Silk Center

This center was established to collect, store, and display valuable materials relating to Chichibu textiles and traditional techniques. Visitors can buy learn more about Chichibu Meisen through hands on sessions and purchasing local goods.

Location: 28-1 Kumagimachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0032, Japan
Operating Hours: 09:00 to 16:00 Daily
Closed On: December 29 – January 3
Phone Number: 0494-21-2112

Local Festivals

1. Chichibu Kawase Festival – 19/07 & 20/07

Also known as the Summer version of the Chichibu Yomatsuri, the Kawase Festival is held during the daylight instead of the night.

In contrast to the Night festival where the adults are the ones leading the festival, the younger generation leads the Kawase festival and all its festivities.

Children will be seen playing the musical accompaniment for the flower parasols and floats as well as pulling the floats in flower-adorned hats.

Location: Chichibu Shrine

2. Chichibu Ondo Dance Festival – 14/08

The song & dance has been traced back to the Promotion Period around 200 years ago where Chichibu still had a strong influence on the culture and economy of Edo.

The movement of the dance was based off Kabuki, silk farming, and other customs in the region.

Location: Minano Town Hall Festival Square
Chichibu Ondo Festival Executive Committee Contact Information: 0494-62-1311

3. Funadama Festival – 15/08

This festival started as a dedication to the God of Water to pray for the safety of boatmen going downstream through the Arakawa River.

Lanterns are floated down the river while boats with paper lanterns sail up and down the river. Fireworks are also set off to commemorate the festival.

Location: Nagatoro-machi Iwadatami area

4. Yoshida Ryusei Bamboo Rocket Festival – 2nd Sunday in October

This festival originates from a Shinto ritual held at the Muku Shrine. The Ryusei (“Dragon Spirit”) refers to traditional handmade bamboo rockets passed down through generations.

The name of this festival came from the rockets that are launched from a scaffold, resembling dragons rising up into the sky.

Location: Muku Shrine, Yoshida, Chichibu-shi

5. Chichibu Yomatsuri (Chichibu Night Festival) – 02/12 & 03/12

The Chichibu Night Festival is one of the top 3 float festivals in Japan apart from the Kyoto Gion Festival and the Hida Takayama Festival.

On the evening of the 3rd, paper lanterns decorating the floats are lit up, while the Chichibu Yatai Hayashi (music accompaniment) plays in the background throughout the procession up Dango Hill.

To end off, fireworks are released to bring the festival to its climax.

Location: Chichibu Shrine

6. Gun Festival – 2nd Satuday/Sunday in December

Ending off the year with a Bang!

The finale to the Chichibu festival calendar is the Gun festival. It’s main highlight consists of a Shinto ritual called Otachi.

A sacred horse will charge up stone steps amid gun smoke and gunshots ringing in the air. It is thereafter complemented with a traditional flower parasol float procession with sacred music and a kabuki performance dedicated to the gods.

Location: Hachiman Shrine, Iida, Ogano-machi, Chichibu-gun

Shopping for specialty products/souvenirs in Chichibu

1. Michi no Eki Chichibu

Location: 4625 Omiya, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 368-0023
Operating Hours: 09:30 to 17:30 Daily
Phone Number: 0494-21-2266
Parking Information: 12 large units, 83 normal units, 2 units for people with disabilities
Great For: Local food such as Buckwheat Soba, Waraji Katsu, etc.

2. Michi no Eki Ryusei Kaikan

Location: 32 Yoshidahisanaga, Chichibu City, 369-1501
Operating Hours: 09:00 to 16:30 (Ryusei Kaikan), 09:00 to 17:00 (Ryusei Chaya)
Closed On: Tuesday (Open on public holidays, closed the next day)
Phone Number: 0494-77-0333 (Ryusei Kaikan), 0494-77-1555 (Ryusei Chaya)
Parking Information: 9 large units, 74 normal units, 3 units for people with disabilities
Great For: Local Yoshida specialties, fresh vegetables, Japanese sweets, handmade folk craft

3. Michi no Eki Otaki Onsen

Location: 4277-2 Otaki, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 369-1901
Operating Hours: 10:00 to 20:00 (April-November), 10:00 to 19:00 (December-March)
Closed On: Thursdays (Open on public holidays)
Phone Number: 0494-55-0126
Parking Information: 77 normal units, 3 units for people with disabilities
Great For: Onsen, Otaki folk museum, local food

4. Michi no Eki Minano

Location: 3236-35 Minano, Minano-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture 369-1412
Operating Hours: 08:30 to 17:30 (Agricultural Products Sales Office), 11:00 to 17:00 (Restaurant)
Closed On: December 31 to January 3
Phone Number: 0494-62-3501
Parking Information: 5 large units, 77 normal units, 4 units for people with disabilities

5. Michi no Eki Arakawa

Location: 530-1 Arakawahino, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 369-1803
Operating Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 (March-November), 10:00 to 16:00 (December-February)
Phone Number: 0494-54-0022
Parking Information: 5 large units, 50 normal units
Great For: Local agricultural products, handicrafts, souvenirs, Yamazato nature museum, restaurant serving food from freshly picked local produce.

6. Michi no Eki Ashigakubo

Location: 1915-6 Ashigakubo, Yokoze-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 368-0071
Operating Hours: 11:00 to 17:00 Daily (Restaurants have different operating hours but here’s the general operating hours for shops in the area)
Phone Number: 0494-21-0299
Parking Information: 5 large units, 80 normal units, 3 units for people with disabilities
Great For: Local produce, food, and snacks.

7. Chichibu Jibasan Center Bussankan

Location: 1-7 Miyakawacho, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0046, Japan 368-0046
Operating Hours: 09:30 to 17:30 Daily
Phone Number: 0494-24-6966
Parking Information: 13 large units, 30 normal units, 1 unit for people with disabilities
Great For: Local specialty products, agricultural products, farm foods, sake, confectionary, crafts, etc.

Activities to seek out in Chichibu

1. Fruit Picking

There are various fruit picking farms you can stop by during your short trip out of Tokyo depending on the seasons. Picking seasons may vary depending on the weather, fruit variety, and farmer, but we’ve rounded them up in the fruit picking calendar below.

Strawberries: Chichibu city, Yoshida, Yokoze, Nagatoro, Ogano
Blueberries: Yoshida
Plums: Yokoze, Minano
Grapes: Chichibu city, Yoshida, Arakawa, Yokoze, Minano, Nagatoro
Apples: Chichibu city, Arakawa, Yokoze, Minano, Nagatoro, Higashi Chichibu

For more information on the various fruit picking farms and the fruit varieties, you can check out the Japanese Fruits website here.

2. Outdoor Camping

In Summer, Chichibu is a popular location for camping and water activities amongst outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll see many indulging in water activities such as water rafting, playing in the river, etc.

For the more adventurous, there’s tons of activities that you can play during this short trip out of Tokyo to satisfy your adrenaline! You can bungee or zipline over the Arakawa Valley at Chichibu Geo Gravity Park, or take on the high elements obstacle course at Forest Adventure Chichibu to name a few.

In the cooler months throughout autumn, surround yourself with the picturesque landscape and colors with a hike or a trip down the river in a canoe. Once Winter comes around, swap out the canoe with a Kotatsu (Heated) Boat and enjoy the view!

3. Water Rafting & Kayaking

Water Rafting is a popular activity in Nagatoro, and many from the Kanto region come here specifically for this experience. Coined as one of the 3 major rafting spots in Kanto, the other two spots include Tama River Rafting in Okutama, and Tone River Rafting in Gunma.

Apart from water rafting, other river activities you can participate in during your short trip out of Tokyo include canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddling is popular in this area.

The water sports season depends on the climatic conditions, but usually lasts from early spring (Late March) through till early autumn (October). As such, July to September is the most popular season with the warm temperatures and long vacations (Summer break, Obon vacation, Silver week).

For more information, head on over to Activity Japan where they explain all you need to know before any of such activities.

Chichibu’s local delicacies

1. Waraji Katsudon (Breaded Pork Cutlet)

Waraji Katsu uses pork fillet as compared to a loin for the cutlet. Eggs are also not used in this recipe compared to other pork cutlet bowls.

Yasudaya is the birthplace of this dish, and can be found approximately 15 minutes away from Seibu Chichibu Station. This store is well-established and has stood around for over 100 years!

Store: わらじかつ丼 安田屋 秩父店 (Yasudaya Hinoda)
Location: 1 Chome-6-9 Hinodamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0034, Japan
Opening Hours: 11:30 to 16:30
Closed On: Mondays (Open on holidays, closed the day after)
Phone Number: 0494-24-3188

2. Ishiki Stone Grilled Dishes

Initially launched as a tourist farm in 1954, here you’ll be able to enjoy stone-grilled dishes made up of fresh local ingredients. This was a typical dish amongst the lumberjacks of Okuchichibu who lived in the mountains. Now, you get to enjoy a glimpse into their lifestyle through this cuisine and experience!

Wild vegetables change with seasons so depending on when you’re visiting, you get to enjoy the taste of that season. There’s also a campsite nearby so you can drop by for a meal during your trip!

Store: きのこの里 鈴加園 (Suzukaen)
Location: 178 Arakawaonobara, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1804, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:30 to 18:30 (Last Order 17:00)
Closed On: Tuesdays (Open on public holidays)
Phone Number: 0494-54-1234

3. Buckwheat Soba

Chichibu is synonymous with soba with almost 60 soba restaurants in the small valley alone. Freshly cooked and made from ground flour, each soba restaurant has its own secret-recipe for their dipping sauce to bring out the umami or the handmade soba.

There’s also a hands-on session where visitors can try making their own soba!

Store: そば処 あらかわ亭 (Arakawatei)
Location: 1431 Arakawakamitano, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1802, Japan 369-1802
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 15:00
Closed On: Tuesdays (Open on public holidays, closed the day after)
Phone Number: 0494-54-1251

4. Miso Buta Don

The miso pork bowl originated from a traditional preservation method in Chichibu where wild game was pickled in miso to preserve it.

This Miso Pork bowl is often mistaken for a regular pork bowl. However, the difference lies in the preparation methods where the pork is first marinated in miso then grilled over charcoal!

Store: 野さか 豚みそ丼本舗 (Nosaka)
Location: 1 Chome-13-11 Nosakamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0033, Japan
Opening Hours: 11:00 to 15:00
Closed On: Tuesdays (Open on public holidays, closed the day after)
Phone Number: 0494-22-0322

5. Miso Potato

Miso potato won the popularity poll for Saitama’s B-Class gourmet, becoming the most well known kojuhan (traditional snack) in Chichibu.

This dish features sweet miso sauce on top of deep fried potato. It is relatively inexpensive and popular as a snack, appetizer, and side dish in Chichibu.

You can find this dish sold in many supermarkets within the Chichibu region at the deli section. Alternatively, grab and go a packet as a souvenir at the Seibu Chichibu Station.

Check it out if you’re in the area!

6. Natural Shaved Ice (Kakigori)

Founded in 1887, Asami-Reizo is a store where you can enjoy shaved ice derived from natural ice.

Here, all toppings are served separately from the shaved ice so customers can enjoy the taste of the natural ice. Popular menu items include the “Kuramoto secret shaved ice” & “”Green tea adzuki with black honey”.

Location: 27-1 Kanasaki, Minano, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1621, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 16:30
Closed On: Thursdays (Open daily in summer)
Phone Number: 0494-62-1119

Read also:
• 5 cheap & delicious sushi chains in Japan
• 10 bizarre foods you should check out in Japan!

Day Spas (Onsens) to check out after a long day of exploring in Chichibu

1. Mangan no Yu (Minano)

Mangan no Yu boasts a spa overlooking a waterfall, with spring-fed indoor & outdoor mineral pools. There’s also an on-site restaurant to fill your bellies after a great soak in the spa!

Spa Name: 秩父温泉 満願の湯 (Mangan no Yu)
Location: 下日野沢-4000 皆野町 Minano, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1625, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 21:00
Price: ¥850 (Adults), ¥500 (Children)
Phone Number: 0494-62-3026

2. Bon no Yu (Minano)

Bon no Yu is known as one of the best hot springs in Kanto with its high concentration of minerals in the water. It’s also known to soothe and smoothen your skin!

Spa Name: 秩父川端温泉 (Bon no Yu)
Location: 309-1 Obashira, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0061, Japan
Opening Hours: 09:00 to 22:00
Price: ¥880 (Adults), ¥600 (Children)
Phone Number: 0494-62-0620

3. Seine no Yu (Yoshida)

A hot spring facility with various types of baths you can enjoy (open air, bedrock, etc.) on top of other facilities to help you unwind and relax. There’s also an amazing restaurant to keep your stomachs satisfied.

Spa Name: 天然自家源泉 星音の湯 (Seine no Yu)
Location: 468 Shimoyoshida, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1503, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 23:00
Phone Number: 0494-77-1313

4. Buko Onsen (Yokoze)

A great onsen spot if you’re camping in the area after a long day of fun! Buko onsen is a peaceful hot-spring destination with a natural outdoor bath, indoor pool & a sauna.

Spa Name: 武甲温泉 (Buko Onsen)
Location: 4628-3 Yokoze, Chichibu District, Saitama 368-0072
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 21:00
Price: ¥700 (Adults), ¥400 (Children)
Phone Number: 0494-25-5151

5. Yakushi no Yu (Ryokami, Ogano)

Housed with the locale of a road station, after relaxing in the onsen, you can also buy fresh produce at the Agricultural products office nearby.

There are also various local specialties such as handmade soba and waraji katsu that you can enjoy in the area.

Spa Name: 道の駅 両神温泉薬師の湯 (Road Station Ryokami Onsen Yakushi no Yu)
Location: 4628-3 Yokoze, Chichibu District, Saitama 368-0072
Opening Hours: 10:00 to 20:00
Closed On: Tuesdays
Price: ¥600 (Adults)
Phone Number: 0494-79-1533

Staying the night? Accommodations to check out in Chichibu

Where should you stay during your short trip out of Tokyo? There are tons of accommodation choices in Chichibu that are unable to fit into our list, but you can check them out on Yadonet Chichibu, the official website for Chichibu’s Hotel Business Cooperative.

Every ryokan has its own special cuisine, served with fresh local produce, and an in-house baths that you can enjoy. Some rooms even have their own private onsens to accommodate those with onsens or prefer privacy. Hostels & Hotels on the other hand need no explanation, and can be booked based on your preferences and number of people.

Ryokans

1. Hatago Ichiban

Location: 645 Tochiya, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 368-0002
Nearest Station: Seibu Chichibu Station
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-22-4414

Prices:
• 1 night with 2 meals: ¥12,000 to ¥25,000
• 1 night with breakfast: ¥9,000 to ¥17,000
• 1 night without meals: ¥8,000 to ¥15,000

2. Chichibu Onsen Daimasu Ryokan

Location: 1-2-11 Nakamuramachi, Chichibu City, Saitama 368-0051
Nearest Station: Seibu Chichibu Station & Chichibu Station
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-22-1251

Prices:
• 1 night with 2 meals: ¥11,000 to ¥15,000
• 1 night with breakfast: From ¥8,640
• 1 night without meals: From ¥6,480

3. Akaya Onsen Ojikaso

Location: 243 Sanyama, Ogano-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 368-0112
Nearest Station: Seibu Chichibu Station & Chichibu Station
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-75-0210

Prices:
• 1 night with 2 meals: ¥13,400 to ¥26,180

Hotels

1. Daiichi Hotel Chichibu

Location: 5-1 Miyakawa-cho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 368-0046
Nearest Station: Chichibu Station & Seibu Chichibu Station
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-22-5566

Prices:
• 1 night, single room, without meals: From ¥7,500
• 1 night, twin room, without meals: From ¥14,000
• Breakfast: From ¥800

2. Natural Farm City Noen Hotel

Location: 5911-1 Omiya, Chichibu City, Saitama 368-8558
Nearest Station: Chichibu Station & Seibu Chichibu Station (Pickup available from both stations)
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-22-2000

Prices:
• 1 night with 2 meals: ¥8,800 to ¥44,550
• 1 night with breakfast: ¥6,600 to ¥40,150
• 1 night without meals: ¥5,500 to ¥39,050

Note: For the Moomin fans, check out the Moomin valley park and themed rooms nearby the hotel!

3. Hotel Miyama

Location: 1294 Yamada, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 368-0004
Nearest Station: Chichibu Station & Seibu Chichibu Station (Pickup available from both stations)
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-24-6311

Prices:
• 1 night with 2 meals: From ¥9,000
• 1 night with breakfast: From ¥7,200
• 1 night without meals: From ¥6,300

Dormitories / Hostels

1. Chichibu Hostel

Location: Japan, 〒368-0041 Saitama, Chichibu, Banbamachi, 17−14 2F 秩父表参道Lab
Nearest Station: Ohanabatake Station, Chichibu Station & Seibu Chichibu Station
Check In Timing: From 16:00 to 23:00
Check Out Timing: Latest by 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-24-3000

Prices:
• 1 night: From ¥6,000 depending on room and pax

2. Minshuku Bentenbashi

Location: 2230 Yamada, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 368-0004
Nearest Station: Chichibu Station & Seibu Chichibu Station (Pickup available from nearest station for 10 pax or more)
Check In Timing: From 15:00
Check Out Timing: By 10:00
Phone Number: 0494-22-0496

Prices:
• 1 night with 2 meals: ¥6,019 to ¥6,806
• 1 night with breakfast: From ¥5,371
• 1 night without meals: From ¥3,889

3. Minshuku Kirishima

Location: 213 Misawa, Minano-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture 369-1411
Nearest Station: Oyahana Station
Check In & Out Timing: Not specified
Phone Number: 0494-65-0511

Prices (1 day with 2 meals):
• Adults: ¥7,000
• Children: ¥6,500

This concludes our long list of recommendations for some of the highlights that Chichibu has to offer. Of course, there’s more, so feel free to drop them in the comments below so the others can visit them too!

Read also: Exploring the whole of Hakone in 3D2N

There are tons of other underrated cities in Japan that we’d love to introduce to you soon! If you’d love to hear our recommendations for any cities at the top of your bucketlist, let us know in the comments too. We’ll work on it asap!

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