Chichibu has a night festival that is ranked as one of the top three for floats in Japan.
Chichibu first developed as a trade center around
Chichibu Shrine. It focused on the trade of silk fabrics
since the area was once a producer of the material. The
city is located in the center of a mountainous region in
the western part of Saitama Prefecture. Part of the city
belongs to the Chichibu Tama kai National Park. As an
old industrial town, Mount Buko reflects the days of
limestone quarrying. On the side facing Chichibu you can
see the gray terraces engraved into the mountain. Much
of the limestone taken was used to build the modern day
Tokyo.
Chichibu Shrine is said to have been founded over 2000
years ago. The city developed around this shrine, which
started with markets forming outside the premises. The
main hall has many elaborate wood carvings that were
done by people who went to the same school as Jingoro
Hidari, a legendary wood carver. He is known for the
Three Wise Monkeys wood carving at the Toshogu
Shrine in Nikko. At the entrance you can see the tiger on
the left and right sides. The tiger with the leopard print is
distinctive trait of an Edo era carving school. If you feel
the urge to go on a pilgrimage, then there is a route
available in Chichibu. It goes to 34 Buddhist temples and
the trail dates back to the 14th century. Many of the
temples are old and small, but that should not deter from
going on the journey.
The nature related sites in Chichibu include Nagatoro
and Hitsujiyama Park. Nagatoro has a river that runs
through the center of the area. There are river cruises
that will take you to the rock formations nearby for you to
explore. The boat is steered by two people with long
poles. Hitsujiyama Park is popular in the spring time
when the field of shibazakura (moss phlox) is in bloom.
There is an estimated of 400,000 moss phloxes planted
in the field. There are also 1000 cherry blossom trees
scattered around the park. The Chichibu Yomatsuri is a
famous night festival that is ranked as one of the top
three festivals for floats. It is annually held from
December 2nd to 3rd. The festival has a fireworks show,
which is rare to see in the winter time.
Kanto | Saitama | Chichibu
Nagatoro
Nagatoro is a city surrounded by beautiful nature with a river going through the center of the area.
Kanto | Saitama | Chichibu
Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park has a field of about 400,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) on their grounds.
Kanto | Saitama | Chichibu
Chichibu Yomatsuri
Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of the top three float related festivals in Japan.