The area of Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture has an abundance of unspoiled nature.
Located 80 minutes north of Tokyo by train, Chichibu also has a wide array of activities such as hiking and river rafting. As each season has its own attractions for Chichibu sightseeing, in recent years, this area has gained popularity for being a year-round destination.
Here we will introduce carefully selected tourist spots in Chichibu that can be enjoyed each season. Each of these spots can be easily accessed on weekends, such as the moss phlox, the old-fashioned natural shaved ice to the retro appeal of the SL steam liner, where you can enjoy the superb view of the autumn leaves!
Spring in Chichibu: The Colorful Moss Phlox in The Beautiful Hitsujiyama Park
Photo provided by: Saitama Prefecture Trade & Tourism Association
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.
Hitsujiyama Park
6267, Omiya, Chichibu-shi, Saitama
Seibu-Chichibu
0494-25-5209
Moss Phlox at Hitsujiyama Park: The Stunning Beauty of Shibazakura!
Summer in Chichibu: Immerse in The Dynamic Experience of Rough Waves in Nagatoro Line Kudari (River Boating)
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…
