by Shibazakura is like “lawn” + cherry blossoms. Small pink flowers are spreading in the park. It looks huge pink plant carpet. Hitsujiyama park is one of the famous spots for the Shibazakura. Every year a lot of people visit the park to walk in the Shibazakura in spring season.
Because it is one of the most famous Ohanami spot (Viewing Cherry blossoms) in Japan, get ready to visit Chichibu NOW!!
Access to Hitsujiyama Park
It is not so far from Tokyo. There is limited express train from Ikebukuro station (service limited) just 80 minutes to go to Seibu-Chichibu station, called “Laview”, yellow express train.
Actually train network in Japan is very complicated, however, this Laview express makes us much easier to visit Chichibu.
Of course, if it is tough for you, I can arrange the transfer for you!
From Seibu-Chichibu, Hitsujiyama Park is just around 1km, 15-20 minutes walking.
You shouldn’t miss it when you visit Chichibu-city!
Best timing for Shibazakura at Hitsujiyama Park
Normal cherry blossoms in Japan is basically opening up between the middle of March to the beginning of April. However, Shibazakura at Hitsujiyama Park is a little bit delayed from the normal cherry blossoms.
In general, middle to end of April is the best timing to see the Shibazakura. Sometimes the Shibazakura is blossoming until the beginning of May, but in most cases, the Shibazakura is getting change to “Ha-zakura”, which means flowers finish and green leaves or buds are growing up. So it looks “Green” plant carpet.
Video: from Fun! Chichibu 秩父の芝桜名所「芝桜の丘(羊山公園)」芝桜まつり (https://youtu.be/TiEXUtOc57k?si=9m7bHbRYeCm3lh5A)
Not only Shibazakura
Hitsujiyama Park is very huge. Even if you visit there out of Shibazakura season, you have a lot of things to do.
Playground for kids, tennis courts, goats (Hitsuji) area…. great sport for walking or picnic!
Hitsujiyama Park makes us feel a part of rural Japan trip, surrounded by much enough Chichibu nature.
After your walk at the park, you just drop by Seibu-Chichibu station and enjoy Onsen! The appearance of Seibu-Chichibu station is a little old era, but one of the main train terminal. You can enjoy souvenir shop, local food, and Onsen too!
During the peak season for Shibazakura view, basically Chichibu local market is held at the HItsujiyama Park. There are a lot of Chichibu local food with the Shibazakura, Miso-potato, Warajikatsu (Deep fried pork), handmade Soba (Buckwheat noodle).
Quote and Book Shibazakura Trip
It is 100% customized how you want to organize your trip to visit Shibazakura.
This is the sample itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival at Haneda or Narita Airport
Move to Nagatoro by private transfer (Or you can go by public transport)
Stay at Choseikan Ryokan at Nagatoro
Day 2: Move to Chichibu city by Chichibu Railway train
Walk up to Hitsujiyama Park then enjoy Shibazakura
Stay at any hotel in Chichibu city
Day 3: Feel free to visit any Chichibu sightseeing
Stay at any hotel in Chichibu city
Day 4: Move to another city
For quote and book, please contact at info@ruraljapan.net !
