Near Tokyo! Autumn Foliage in Chichibu: 5 Breathtaking Locations

Autumn Leaves in Chichibu: Amazing Scenery near Tokyo!

The autumn leaves in Chichibu can be easily enjoyed on a day trip from Tokyo, as it takes about two hours by train or car from the city center. The area boasts rich natural valleys and mountains, creating a beautiful contrast between the autumn leaves and clear streams.

The autumn foliage in the mountains of Oku-Chichibu and Nagatoro Gorge is particularly famous, and one can also enjoy hiking and river rafting in the fall. Additionally, the presence of hot spring resorts allows visitors to refresh themselves with a combination of leaf viewing and hot springs!

Chichibu Autumn Foliage Guide

1. The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves in Chichibu
2. 5 Beautiful Autumn Foliage Spots in Chichibu
3. Nagatoro Autumn Festival: Enjoy the Autumn Foliage Light-Up
4. How to Access Chichibu
5. Day Trip Driving Routes to Enjoy Autumn Foliage in Chichibu

The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves in Chichibu

The best time to view the autumn leaves in Chichibu is typically from late October to late November. Here are the characteristics for each period:

Late October: The leaves begin to change color starting from higher elevations, with stunning autumn foliage visible in the mountains and valleys of Oku-Chichibu. During this time, the trees at mountain summits and high-altitude areas take on beautiful hues.

Early November: The autumn colors progress in Chichibu's major tourist spots and mountainous areas, showcasing vibrant landscapes. Towards mid-November, the foliage approaches its peak.

Mid to Late November: This period marks the peak of the autumn colors, with impressive scenery even in lowland areas and parks. Beautiful autumn leaves can be seen in areas like Chichibu City and Nagatoro.

5 Beautiful Autumn Foliage Spots in Chichibu

Here are five recommended spots known for their stunning autumn foliage in Chichibu.

1. Nagatoro Gorge (Nagatoro Iwadatami)

Photo by Pixta
At Nagatoro Gorge, known as Nagatoro Iwadatami to te locals, you can enjoy stunning scenery formed by the magnificent natural rock formations, designated as a special national natural monument, along with the colorful autumn leaves of the surrounding maples, Japanese chestnut, and oaks.

Simply walking along the riverbanks is beautiful enough, but experiencing the autumn foliage from the water on a Nagatoro river rafting trip offers a unique charm.

The best viewing period is from early to mid-November, and it is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Nagatoro Station. Nagatoro Gorge allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of autumn nature and the gorge, making it a perfect spot for photography.

Basic Information
Location	Saitama, Chichibu, Nagatoro Town, Nagatoro MAP
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours
Admission Fee	Free
Parking	Available (Fee: starting from 100 yen) Free parking is available for those using the Arakawa river rafting service. MAP
Access	By Car: Approx. 40 minutes from the Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway Public Transportation: 2-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway

2. Nakatsukyo Gorge

Photo by Pixta
The autumn foliage in Nakatsukyo is characterized by its beautiful gorge. The foliage season spans from late October to early November, and the scenery created by the clear streams flowing along the valley combined with the vividly colored maples and Japanese red maples is breathtaking.

The autumn colors spread between the towering cliffs and unusual rock formations, reaching heights of up to 100 meters, making it a spectacular sight, especially from the riverside walking paths and the viewpoints from the suspension bridges!

A particular highlight is the Moike Jorō Momiji, located just before the Moike Tunnel. This maple tree is said to be over 300 years old, and its brilliant red leaves add vibrant color to the gorge's scenery, captivating all who visit.

Basic Information
Location	Saitama, Chichibu, Nakatsukawa 417 MAP
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours
Admission Fee	Free
Parking	Not available
Access	By Car: Approx. 90 minutes from the Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway Public Transportation: About 45 minutes by Seibu Bus from Mitsumineguchi Station on the Chichibu Railway; get off at "Nakasawari" and it’s a short walk.

3. Jomine Park

Photo by Pixta
Jomine Park is located at an elevation of 500 meters, allowing visitors to enjoy a prolonged autumn foliage season transitioning into winter, while also providing a panoramic view of the Chichibu mountains.

The best time to see the autumn leaves is from early November to late November, when the park is particularly vibrant with colors from the maples and Japanese red maples.

Additionally, from October 27 (Sunday) to December 8 (Sunday), the autumn leaves will be illuminated at night, creating a fantastical scenery that differs from the daytime views.

Within the park, there is a unique area where you can enjoy the rare sight of winter cherry blossoms and autumn leaves together, showcasing a striking contrast between the colors.

Moreover, on the last Sunday of October, October 27, 2024 (Sunday) from 10:00 to 15:00, the Winter Cherry Blossom Festival will also be held, so be sure to check it out!

Winter Cherry Blossom Festival Flyer: https://www.town.kamikawa.saitama.jp/material/files/group/29/huyuzakura2024.pdf

Basic Information
Location	Saitama, Kodama, Kamikawa Town, Yano 1277 MAP
Operating Hours	8:30 – 17:00 (During the winter cherry blossom illumination period, open until 20:00. The park's restaurant is open from 10:00 to 16:00)
Admission Fee	Free
Parking	Approx. 50 spaces (Free)
Access	By Car: About 45 minutes from the Honjo Kodama IC on the Kanetsu Expressway Public Transportation: About 45 minutes by bus from Honjo Station on the JR Takasaki Line; transfer to Kamikawa Town Community Bus at "Kamikawa Town Shinsui General Branch" and ride the bus for about 25 minutes, getting off at "Jomine Park" which is a short walk away.

4. Mitsumine Shrine

Photo by Pixta

The autumn leaves at Mitsumine Shrine, located at an elevation of about 1,100 meters, reach their peak from late October to early November.

The shrine grounds and approach are adorned with red and yellow maples and Japanese red maples, creating a unique beauty that complements the shrine's majestic atmosphere.

The view from the Omotesando approach and the autumn foliage of the Chichibu mountains seen from the shrine is particularly spectacular.

Additionally, Mitsumine Shrine is renowned as a power spot, attracting many visitors during the foliage season. At the entrance to the approach, you will find the rare Mitotorii (three-arched torii gate), which is one of the few in Japan, and instead of the usual guardian lions, wolves are seated in front of the torii gate.

There is also a sacred tree called the Enmusubi no Ki, which is associated with fulfilling romantic wishes, making it a great spot for dates.

Basic Information
Location	Saitama, Chichibu, Mitsumine 298-1 MAP
Operating Hours	9:00 – 17:00
Admission Fee	Free
Parking	Not available
Access	By Car: Approx. 120 minutes from the Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway Public Transportation: About 75 minutes by Seibu Kanko Bus Express from Seibu Chichibu Station; get off at "Mitsumine Shrine" and it's a short walk.

5. Chichibu Muse Park

Photo by Pixta
Chichibu Muse Park is an expansive park that spans both Chichibu City and Ogano Town. Along the approximately 3-kilometer long Sky Road, there are around 500 ginkgo trees lining both sides, creating a stunning display of yellow foliage that typically reaches its peak from late October to early November.

This location is also famous as a filming site for movies and dramas, and visitors can enjoy the ginkgo tunnel while riding the sky train.

The park's spacious grounds allow for leisurely strolls along the tree-lined paths enveloped in autumn colors, making it ideal for cycling and picnicking while enjoying the scenery. There are multiple play areas and an athletic course within the park, ensuring that families with children can have a full day of fun.

Basic Information
Location	Saitama, Chichibu, Ogano Town, Nagatome 2518 MAP
Operating Hours	Open 24 hours
Admission Fee	Free
Parking	1,634 spaces (Free, located across 16 areas)
Access	By Car: Approx. 50 minutes from the Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway Public Transportation: About 20 minutes by Seibu Bus from Seibu Chichibu Station; get off at "Muse Park Central" and it's a short walk.

Nagatoro Autumn Festival: Enjoy an Autumn Foliage Light-up

Photo by Pixta
The main venue for the Nagatoro Autumn Festival is located at Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park. Situated along the Arakawa River, which is well-known for Nagatoro River Rafting, it is conveniently within walking distance from the station.

As November begins, the Iroha maples and Big maples in the park start to display their vibrant colors, and there is also nighttime illumination.

Adjacent to Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park, the sub-venue of the Saitama Prefectural Museum of Nature features a Maple Forest where the trees also change colors, allowing visitors to enjoy beautiful autumn scenery throughout the area.

However, be aware that November 14 is Saitama Prefecture Citizen's Day, and the museum will be free of charge, which may lead to increased crowds.

Photo by Pixta
Additionally, while it is about a 25-minute walk from Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park, the Hodosan Shrine also features illumination as a sub-venue. The enchanting scenery created by the lights differs from the daytime views, so be sure to take the time to visit.

There are also hot spring accommodations that offer an Autumn Foliage Light-Up Viewing Plan with shuttles to the Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park illumination, making it a great option for a relaxing stay!

Nagatoro Autumn Festival
Location	Main Venue: Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park MAP Sub Venues: Hodosan Shrine MAP, Saitama Prefectural Museum of Nature MAP
Event Period	November 1 - 30, 2024
Autumn Foliage Light-Up	- Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park: November 8 - 24, from 16:00 to 21:00 - Hodosan Shrine: November 2 - 24, from 17:00 to 21:00 - Museum of Nature "Garden": November 8 - 24, from 17:00 to 21:00
Admission Fee	Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park: Adults (Middle School Students and Above) 300 yen
Parking	Approximately 1,000 spaces (Paid) *Many available around Nagatoro Station
Access	By Car: Approx. 25 minutes from the Hanazono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway Public Transportation: (To Tsuki no Ishi Momiji Park) About 5 minutes on foot from Chichibu Railway's Kaminarikawa Station / About 15 minutes on foot from "Nagatoro Station"

How to Access Chichibu

Driving allows you to move at your own pace, but public transportation also provides a smooth access route to Chichibu, making it entirely feasible to enjoy a day trip by either method!

Driving from Tokyo Station

To get to Chichibu, take the Shuto Expressway (Chuo Ring Line or Gaikan Expressway) to the Kanetsu Expressway. Exit at Hanazono IC and head towards Chichibu via National Route 140.

From Hanazono IC, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Chichibu City, with a total travel time of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. The expressway toll costs around 2,000 to 3,000 yen one way.

However, travel time may vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, so it's advisable to plan ahead, especially on weekends.

Using Public Transportation from Tokyo Station

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or the JR Ueno-Tokyo Line to Ikebukuro Station (approximately 20 minutes).

Then, transfer to the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and take the Limited Express "Laview" toward Seibu Chichibu Station (approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes).

The total travel time is about 2 to 2 hours and 10 minutes, but if you do not take the Limited Express, it may take up to 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The fare to Seibu Chichibu Station is approximately 1,830 yen one way.

Day Trip Driving Course to Enjoy Chichibu Autumn Foliage

Here, we introduce a specific driving course plan centered around the autumn foliage spots in Chichibu that you can enjoy on a day trip from Tokyo.

Spot	Estimated Time	Stay Duration	Travel Time
Departure from Tokyo	Leave at 7:00	-	-
Chichibu Muse Park	Arrival between 9:30 and 10:00	1 hour	2 hours to 2.5 hours
Nagatoro Valley (Iwatabako)	Arrival at 11:30	1 hour	30 minutes
Nakatsukyo Gorge	Arrival at 1:30	30 minutes to 1 hour	1 hour
Mitsumine Shrine	Arrival at 15:30	1 hour	1 hour
Return to Tokyo	Return home between 19:00 and 20:00	-	2.5 to 3 hours

From Tokyo to Chichibu Muse Park, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours using the Shuto Expressway and Kanetsu Expressway. For breaks along the way, both Chichibu Onsen and roadside stations are recommended stops.

To avoid congestion as much as possible, consider driving on weekdays or early in the morning, and plan with some time to spare, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the autumn foliage and sightseeing.

Enjoy an Autumn Day Trip in Chichibu

Chichibu's autumn foliage is easily accessible, taking about 2 hours by car or train from the city center, making it perfect for a day trip.

At famous spots like Nagatoro Valley and Nakatsukyo Gorge, you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves along with the stunning gorge scenery, and combining your visit with a hot spring experience is also popular. Refer to the light-up events and driving courses for the autumn in Chichibu, and have a wonderful time enjoying the season!

Main image by Pixta