[Winter Festivals 2023] Explore the Chichibu Night Festival and Experience Chichibu with the SEIBU 1Day Pass!
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The Chichibu Night Festival, renowned as one of Japan's three major Hikiyama festivals, is celebrated annually on December 2nd and 3rd in Chichibu. This festival, steeped in over 300 years of Japanese history, continues to be a vibrant testament to the country's cultural heritage. In this article,...
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At GTN, our mission is "Making Your Stay in Japan Great". We offer diverse solutions to support foreign nationals and foster a cross-cultural society. Through addressing social issues, we strive to create an inclusive environment that enables individuals to live their lives to the fullest, no matter where they are in the world.
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Table of Contents
- 1. What is the Chichibu Night Festival?
- 2. How to Get to the Chichibu Night Festival
- 3. Chichibu Night Festival 2023 Schedule
- 4. Highlights of the Chichibu Night Festival
- 5. ★Bonus Section★ Recommended Spots Around Seibu-Chichibu Station
1. What is the Chichibu Night Festival?
The Chichibu Night Festival, held annually on December 2nd and 3rd in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, stands as one of the three major Hikiyama festivals in Japan.
This symbolic festival of Chichibu features a Shinto ritual where floats are paraded as a gesture of gratitude to the deities safeguarding the region.
Picture courtesy of Chichibu City Tourism Division
The festival showcases two majestic and ornate kasaboko floats along with four yatai floats.
In 1962, these Chichibu festival floats were designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan.
Further recognition came in 2016, when the festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, celebrated for its stunning visual harmony of floats and fireworks, showcasing intricate design and exceptional craftsmanship.
Spanning two days, the festival reaches its zenith on the second day.
The transition of the floats' atmosphere from day to night, coupled with a spectacular fireworks display, adds a vibrant dimension to the festivities.
This section will guide you through the schedule, access, and highlights of the Chichibu Night Festival, one of Chichibu’s most esteemed celebrations.
2. How to Get to the Chichibu Night Festival
Access to the festival is possible by both car and train, but due to expected congestion at the parking area, traveling by train is recommended.
If you opt for the train, the nearest station is Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu-Chichibu Line.
Photo by photoAC
A one-way fare from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station is 800 yen. However, for this journey, we'd like to highlight the SEIBU 1Day Pass*. This special discount ticket allows unlimited travel for a day on the Seibu Line.
*Please note that this pass is exclusively available to foreign nationals; you must present a non-Japanese passport or residence card when purchasing the ticket.
While a regular ticket can also get you to Chichibu, foreign visitors should consider this special offer to explore additional tourist attractions along the Seibu Line.
3. Chichibu Night Festival 2023 Schedule
The Chichibu Night Festival is annually held on December 2nd and 3rd, irrespective of whether these dates fall on weekdays or weekends.
The detailed schedule is as follows:
December 2nd (Yoimiya)
Yoimiya, the eve of the main festival, takes place on December 2nd.
From noon until dusk, visitors can witness four exquisitely decorated floats parading through the town. Additionally, traditional Kabuki performances and the Hiki-odori dance are showcased during this time.
Picture courtesy of Chichibu City Tourism Division
December 3rd (Taisai)
Taisai, the festival's main event, occurs on December 3rd. This day features six elaborately adorned floats parading from morning till night through the town. The highlight of Taisai is a spectacular fireworks display in the evening, marking a grand conclusion to the festivities.
Picture courtesy of Chichibu City Tourism Division
4. Highlights of the Chichibu Night Festival
The most celebrated day of the Chichibu Night Festival is December 3rd.
The festival reaches its climax when the floats depart from Chichibu Shrine around 7 p.m. and ascend the steep hill known as Dangozaka. This moment, characterized by its breathtaking intensity, is a must-see.
The Taisai, held on December 3rd, showcases six uniquely shaped and decorated floats. Comparing these intricate designs is highly recommended for festival-goers.
Another standout feature of the Chichibu Night Festival is the winter fireworks display, a rarity and a spectacular sight.
Picture courtesy of Chichibu City Tourism Division
In this article, we have introduced the Chichibu Night Festival, celebrated as one of Japan's three major Hikiyama festivals. In the following bonus section, we will introduce recommended spots around Seibu Chichibu Station and the SEIBU 1Day Pass, an essential ticket for sightseeing in Chichibu. ♪
5. ★Bonus Section★ Recommended Spots Around Seibu-Chichibu Station
Chichibu Shrine
Chichibu Shrine is among the most historically significant shrines in Chichibu.
The shrine features beautifully carved pavilions and is surrounded by a variety of historical buildings.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Chichibu, particularly during autumn when the foliage turns spectacularly vibrant.
● Access ●
① A 15-minute walk from Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu Railway's Seibu-Chichibu Line.
② A 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway.
Chichibu Festival Hall
Chichibu Festival Hall is a center where visitors can delve into the history and traditions of the Chichibu Night Festival.
Through various exhibits and immersive projection mapping, guests can gain a deeper understanding of Chichibu's rich festival culture. It's another great way to experience the essence of the Chichibu Night Festival.
● Access ●
① A 15-minute walk from Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu Railway's Seibu-Chichibu Line.
② A 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway.
● Opening Hours ●
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (April to November)
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (December to March)
*Last admission at 4:30 p.m.
● Closed Days ●
- The 4th and 5th Tuesdays of each month (March to November)
- Every Tuesday (December to February)
- December 29th to January 1st
*Please note, the schedule may vary in December based on the Chichibu Night Festival.
*Open on national holidays.
Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu
Located right in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station, this hot spring facility is the ideal way to conclude your Chichibu sightseeing tour. Guests can enjoy beautiful natural scenery from the open-air baths.
● Access ●
① Directly in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu-Chichibu Line of Seibu Railway.
② A 5-minute walk from Ohanabatake Station on the Chichibu Railway.
● Opening Hours ●
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Last admission at 9:30 p.m.)
*Please note that business hours may vary on weekends, holidays, and special days. For the latest information, visit the Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu website.
Get Your SEIBU 1Day Pass at GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store!
If you're planning a visit to Chichibu, the SEIBU 1Day Pass is an excellent choice for saving money on your travels!
You can purchase it at the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store. Be sure to check it out when you arrive at Haneda Airport.
What is the SEIBU 1Day Pass?
▶ One-day unlimited ride ticket on the Seibu Line for foreign visitors to Japan.
*A non-Japanese passport or residence card must be presented at the time of purchase.
▶ One ticket allows unlimited travel on all Seibu Railway lines (except the Tamagawa Line).
*Only valid on the day of use.
▶ Price: Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen (tax included)
*An additional fare is required when riding on limited express trains.
How to Purchase
Several options are available for purchasing the SEIBU 1Day Pass.
*Please be aware that the purchasing methods differ before and after your arrival in Japan.
Purchasing Before Your Arrival in Japan
You can reserve a ticket via Seibu Railway's official website and exchange it for a physical ticket at the Seibu Tourist Information Center in Ikebukuro.
Purchasing After Your Arrival in Japan
You can buy a magnetic ticket or a hard ticket at designated sales locations.
*Please note that the types of tickets available may vary by location.
Sales Locations for Purchasing a Magnetic Ticket:
① Seibu Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
② Ikebukuro Station Express Ticket Counter
・1st Floor: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
・Basement: Weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. / Weekends and Holidays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
③ Seibu Shinjuku Station Express Ticket Counter (7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Sales Locations for Purchasing a Hard Ticket:
For those arriving at Haneda Airport, hard tickets can be purchased at GTN inside Haneda Airport Garden.
・ Business Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (as of November 2023)
・TEL: 03-6822-3033
Notes:
・ Magnetic tickets: These tickets are only valid on the day of purchase.
If you are at a station with automatic ticket gates, simply pass through the automatic gate to use your ticket.
・Paper ticket: It is valid for one day within the indicated validity period on the back of the ticket.
To use it, simply show the ticket to the staff at the ticket gate or open counter when entering or exiting the station.
If you're visiting Haneda Airport, make sure to drop by our GTN Haneda Airport Garden branch!
★How to access from Haneda Sando to GTN (English)
And for more recommendations on spots and culinary delights, don't forget to check out the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Branch's Instagram page!
Great deals on Data SIM, eSIM, and SIM cards with phone numbers are also available!
At GTN, our mission is "Making Your Stay in Japan Great". We offer diverse solutions to support foreign nationals and foster a cross-cultural society. Through addressing social issues, we strive to create an inclusive environment that enables individuals to live their lives to the fullest, no matter where they are in the world.
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