[Chichibu, Saitama] Discover Ashigakubo Icicles: Experience the Stunning Winter Scenery at One of the Three Major Icicle Sites in Chichibu with the SEIBU 1Day Pass!

• Table of Contents
• 1. What is the Three Major Icicles of Chichibu?
• 2. Icicles of Ashigakubo
• 3. Best Time to See the Ashigakubo Icicles
• 4. Event Opening Period and Hours in 2024
• 5. Entrance Fee and How to Get There
• 6. ★Useful Information★ SEIBU 1Day Pass

1. What is the Three Major Icicles of Chichibu?

The three major icicles of Chichibu are the Misotsuchi icicles, Ashigakubo icicles, and Onouchi icicles located in the Chichibu area of ​​Saitama Prefecture.

These breathtaking landscapes are crafted by the harsh winter cold, making them renowned picturesque winter destinations in Chichibu. Our focus will be on the splendid Ashigakubo Icicles, a notable attraction that is easily accessible from Tokyo. We'll highlight its features and offer guidance on how to access this mesmerizing site.

2. Icicles of Ashigakubo

Located near Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line, the Ashigakubo Icicles are just a 10-minute walk from the station, making them perfectly accessible for those new to icicle viewing.

The icicles are formed by spraying water onto the mountain slope, harnessing the natural cold to freeze the water. With trains passing close by the site, visitors can enjoy the view of the icicles right from the train windows.

There's something mysterious and magical about the icicles, especially on the weekends when they're lit up on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The lighting transforms the icicles into a dazzling display of colors, making the area shine like a gemstone amidst nature. A visit to the icicles of Ashigakubo in Chichibu during winter guarantees a priceless opportunity to witness the enigmatic wonders of nature.

3. Best Time to See the Ashigakubo Icicles

The ideal time to visit the Ashigakubo icicles is usually from early January to late February. However, the exact opening and closing dates may vary depending on weather and ice conditions. For the latest information, please visit the Yokose Town Tourism Association's website. 

4. Event Opening Period and Hours in 2024

Please see below for information about event opening period and hours.

Event Schedule

From Saturday, January 13, 2024 to Sunday, February 25, 2024
*The park may be closed without prior notice depending on weather and ice conditions.

Hours

- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
*The light-up event will only be held on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (may adjust based on sunset times). An online reservation is required for the light-up event on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
*Due to rotational shifts for days and nights on these days, there may be times when entry to the light-up site is not allowed.

Click here to make a reservation for the light-up event (on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays).

5. Entrance Fee and How to Get There

Here, we provide a brief explanation of some basic information, entrance fees, and directions.

Basic Information

- Address: Ashigakubo, Yokose, Chichibu District, Saitama, 368-0071
- Telephone Number: 0494-25-0450 (Yokose Town Buko-san Tourist Information Center)
*Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed on Wednesdays.

Entrance Fees

- Junior High School Students and Above: 500 yen
- Elementary School Students: 300 yen
*All prices include tax.
*Preschool children can enter for free, and those with a disability certificate receive a 100 yen discount.
*A complimentary cup of black tea or amazake will be provided from Yokose Town, to visitors between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

How to Get There

Ashigakubo Icicles are easily accessible from Tokyo, and you can travel to the icicle venue by car or train. Let's focus on a convenient option: SEIBU 1Day Pass (*). This ticket allows unlimited rides on all Seibu lines making it easily accessible from major terminal stations in Tokyo such as Ikebukuro and Shinjuku.
*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.

The nearest station to the Ashigakubo Icicles is Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line. To access the realm of ice, embark on an express train journey from Ikebukuro Station that spans a minimum of 68 minutes. From there, a brief 10-minute walk will transport you into the enchanting world of ice.

Visit Precautions for Ashigakubo Icicles

6. ★Useful Information★ 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 .

For details on how to purchase online, click here.

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
- 1F: 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Underground: 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, tickets can be purchased at GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store.

▼ Contact Information for GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store ▼
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Phone: 03-6822-3033
 *Please visit the Haneda Airport Garden website for updated information on any changes to business hours, temporary closures, or other modifications.

To learn more about how to get to the GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store, please see the following article.

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.

We regularly post recommendations about places to visit and culinary delightson GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store's Instagram page, so don’t forget to check it out!

GTN Haneda Airport Garden Instagram