Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park (羊山公園), surrounded by Chichibu nature, are located at the height of small mountain and you can see whole view of central Chichibu area, known by local residents for a recreation place.
This park is one of the famous cherry blossom places, approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees are planted. Shiba-Zakura（芝桜）is a symbol of Chichibu city sightseeing in spring season, especially April. It is like a beautiful pink carpet spread out in the whole mount.
There are more places to go! The name of “Hitsujiyama” means “Mountain of Sheep”. What about visiting the sheep zoo area? Also, Hitsujiyama Park is good for picnic by family! The playground in the Chichibu nature atmosphere should be so exciting for children!
Old Chichibu Bridge
Actually there are three Chichibu bridges here. The first bridge was built in 1885, currently only the bridge footing has been left there. In 1931, the second bridge was started to use and this bridge is now very popular for some Japanese anime scenes, “Anohana (The Flower We Saw That Day)” , Crayon Shinchan movie , or other some anime / movie scenes.
The current activated bridge is the third Chichibu bridge, cable-stayed bridge.
If you want to visit the Chichibu bridge, actually it is a little far from the central Chichibu area. We recommend you using Chichibu railway and get off at Onohara Station and approximately 10 minutes walk. (Around 1km away from the Onohara station)
There are no parking around the Chichibu bridge so better by train and walk!
Chichibu Muse Park
More outdoor activities? Chichibu Muse Park is a huge natural park, bestriding Chichibu city and Ogano town. There are several outdoor activity facilities, musical concert venue, tennis court, swimming pool, hiking, and more things to do!
Even one day is not enough for Chichibu Muse Park. So, staying a few nights is one of the better options to enjoy there! Camping, cottage accommodations are also available.
For more information, please feel free to contact us!
Chichibu Night Festival
Chichibu Night Festival (called “Chichibu Yomatsuri”) has been registered as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, one of the 3 biggest float festivals in Japan. (Gion Festival in Kyoto, Takayama Festival in Hidaka, and Chichibu Night Festival in Chichibu)
There are 6 huge, gorgeous floats which are paraded in the central Chichibu area and every year approximately 200,000 people visit this night festival. At the end of day, dynamic fireworks are set off from the Hitsujiyama Park.
This night festival is held every 2 and 3 December. During the festival, more than 900 street stalls are located. Many local children get petty cash and visit those stalls to buy festival foods and challenge some lotteries or plays.
This season, Chichibu is the middle of winter, really cold weather. Don’t forget to bring a thick jacket and stay warm!
Other Activities & Restaurants
Restaurant & Cafe
・MOKUTEI (Cafe)
It is like looking back to 10 decades ago in the café and here is very “secret” place for you!
For more information, please see this blog. Retro Cafe in Chichibu MOKUTEI
・Paris Restaurant (Pari-Shokudo)
It was built in 1972 and has been designated as a tangible cultural asset by Japanese government. Enjoy meals
which are like “time-back”.
(The below video is from Youtube Donna-tokoro TV https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60iYEqBRlY4u1AMmknOCWw)
Activities
・Chichibu Fruits Farm
You can experience harvest of grapes or strawberries, depending on the season.
Pick up fruits and all you can eat!
**Grape: September ~ October (Around $30 ~ $40 for 30 minutes)
**Strawberry: Whole season (Around $30 ~ $40 for 30 minutes)
