Chichibu, Saitama: Take a Train Trip! See the Moss Phlox at Hitsujiyama Park and More!
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Chichibu is full of great places to see and tasty food to try. Here's a perfect plan for a day trip to enjoy the outdoors, culture, hot springs, and delicious meals in Chichibu.
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GTN provides various solutions to foreigners to realize a multicultural society under the mission of "Making Japan a reality for foreigners." We will tackle various social issues with the aim of creating an environment where people can live their normal lives as normal, no matter where they are in the world.
Required time
・Day trip ・Time required: hours ・Transportation: train/walking
Transportation
On foot
When spring comes, Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama, lights up with flowers of Moss Phlox in white, pink, and pale blue. It's a beautiful spot to walk around and enjoy the colorful flowers and the clear blue sky. Right near Hitsujiyama Park, there's the old Chichibu Shrine, the charming downtown streets of Chichibu, and plenty of restaurants to grab a great meal.
This article will show you how to spend a perfect spring day in Chichibu with the SEIBU 1Day Pass, which is a great deal for travelers.
1. 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.
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.
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 the Seibu Railway official website and exchange it for a physical ticket at the 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 - 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, hard tickets can be purchased at GTN inside Haneda Airport Garden.
▼ Contact Information for GTN Haneda Airport Garden Store ▼
- Business hours: 10AM - 8PM
- Tel: 03-6822-3033
*Please visit the Haneda Airport Garden website 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.
2. About Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park
Shibazakura Hill, or Moss Phlox Hill, at Hitsujiyama Park is well-known for its stunning display of seasonal moss phlox. In the spring, the hill bursts into color with moss phlox that captivate everyone who sees them. The best time to visit is from mid-April to early May when the flowers are in full bloom, offering breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities. It’s a great place to relax and soak in the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings.
Source: pixta
Basic Information
- Address: 6360 Omiya, Chichibu-shi, Saitama 368-0023
- Best time to see moss phlox: Mid-April to early May
- Admission fee: 300 yen
3. Tour Itinerary
1
Seibu Chichibu Station
Located in Chichibu-shi, Saitama, this station serves as a hub on the Seibu Chichibu Line.
From here, it's just a 20-minute walk to one of Chichibu's top attractions, Shibazakura Hill at Hitsujiyama Park.
2
Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park is known for its stunning views that change with the seasons, including cherry blossoms, moss phlox, and autumn leaves. Shibazakura Hill is especially beautiful from mid-April to early May, when the flowers create an unforgettable landscape.
After enjoying the moss phlox, take a short 10-minute walk to the Chichibu Meisen Museum, where you can dive into the world of traditional crafts.
3
Chichibu Meisenkan
Located in Chichibu-shi, Saitama, the museum showcases Japan’s rich textile culture. Here, you can explore exhibits on the history and techniques of textiles, see beautiful pieces, and even participate in workshops to try hand-weaving for yourself. The Chichibu Meisen Museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in traditional Japanese crafts.
Feeling hungry? Let's grab some soba just a 2-minute walk away!
4
Soba Restaurant Maruta
Maruta is a beloved soba spot in Chichibu, Saitama. Here, you can enjoy handmade soba noodles known for their delightful aroma and rich broth. The restaurant also serves a variety of dishes featuring local, seasonal ingredients, giving you a true taste of Chichibu. With its quiet, country-style interior, Maruta offers a cozy spot that's a favorite among both locals and visitors.
After refueling and resting a bit, let’s take a 15-minute walk to dive into Chichibu’s history.
5
Chichibu Festival Hall
"Situated in Chichibu, Saitama, the Chichibu Festival Museum showcases the area's rich history and vibrant festivals.
Here, you can explore the traditions of Chichibu's festivals, learn about the sacred mikoshi (palanquins), and festival costumes. It's a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Chichibu’s cultural heritage."
Now that we've learned about Chichibu, let’s head over to the shrine, just a 3-minute walk away.
6
Chichibu Shrine
Chichibu Shrine is a historic site in Chichibu, Saitama, cherished since ancient times. The shrine's majestic pavilions blend beautifully with the surrounding nature, creating a peaceful landscape.
It also hosts local festivals and traditional events, offering visitors a deep connection with Japanese culture and history.
Take a 5-minute walk and step back in time to old Japan.
7
Banba Street
This stone-paved street runs from Chichibu Railway's Ohanabatake Station to Chichibu Shrine, lined with charming buildings from the Taisho era.
As the main route to the shrine, Bamba Street is home to a variety of shops including restaurants, cafes, and sweet shops, some of which continue to operate in buildings designated as national cultural properties. Walking here feels like a journey back to a bygone era of Japan.
A 15-minute walk to a hot spring to rejuvenate both body and soul
8
Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Festival Hot Spring
Inspired by the vibrant festivals of Chichibu, the Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu offers more than just a relaxing soak. Here, you can relieve travel fatigue and everyday stress in the soothing hot springs. But that’s not all—enjoy local specialties like "Misopotato" and "Warajikatsu," sip on sake from historic breweries, and indulge in famous Chichibu sweets. It's the perfect place to make your side trip unforgettable.
Just a 1-minute walk and you’ll be on your way home feeling refreshed!
9
Seibu Chichibu Station
Located in Chichibu-shi, Saitama, this station serves as a hub on the Seibu Chichibu Line.
Spots introduced in this itinerary
GTN provides various solutions to foreigners to realize a multicultural society under the mission of "Making Japan a reality for foreigners." We will tackle various social issues with the aim of creating an environment where people can live their normal lives as normal, no matter where they are in the world.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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