Frozen Wonders Near Tokyo! Light-up of the Chichibu Icicles in 2025

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The Three Great Icicles in Chichibu are a winter attraction near Tokyo. From January to February, these icicles are lit up, creating fabulous scenery! This article provides information about the highlights, event schedule, and access.

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After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a scriptwriting course for three and a half years with the aim of becoming a screenwriter. After that, I started working as a writer to utilize my writing skills. At MATCHA, I mainly write articles introducing places to go out, but so far I have been involved in creating articles related to beauty, rental cars, and MVNO.

Picture courtesy of Photo AC
The Three Great Icicles in Chichibu are a winter scenic spot in the Chichibu region, northwest of Tokyo, consisting of the Misotsuchi Icicle, the Onouchi Hyakkei Icicle, and the Ashigakubo Icicle.

In winter, spring water seeping from the rock face freezes, creating a stunning sight approximately 10 meters high and 30 meters wide. Since these are natural ice pillars, their appearance changes each year, allowing visitors to enjoy a different facade every year, which is part of their appeal.

Additionally, you can enjoy nighttime illuminations as well, allowing you to spend a special time in a fantastic atmosphere.

This article will cover the highlights of Chichibu's Three Great Icicles, the event timing, and access information.

Highlights of the Three Great Icicles in Chichibu

Now, let’s introduce the highlights of Chichibu's Three Great Icicles.

1. The Misotsuchi Icicle

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The Misotsuchi Icicle is a massive ice structure found in the riverbed of the Arakawa River directly below the Wood Roof Oku-Chichibu Auto Campground.

Here, you can enjoy two types of icicles not found at other icicle spots: the "natural icicle" made from the waters of the Arakawa River and the "artificial icicle" created by human hands. The artificial icicle reaches a height of about 25 meters and a width of about 55 meters, providing a breathtaking view.

While you can enjoy the stunning scenery during the day, the nighttime illuminations offer a fantastical landscape bathed in colorful lights, making it highly recommended to visit at night.

2. Onouchi Hyakkei Icicle

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The Onouchi Hyakkei Icicle is an artificial icicle created by pulling pipes from Onouchi Valley over a distance of 500 meters. It has also been selected as one of the Top 100 Icicles in Japan, offering a dynamic view that captivates all who see it.

In particular, the view of the cluster of icicles from the suspension bridge is breathtaking and sure to be a hit on social media! Additionally, nighttime illuminations are held, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical landscape reminiscent of the northern lights.

During the event period, local vendors set up stalls, offering warm and comforting amazake (sweet rice drink) and regional cuisine, so be sure to visit at least once!

3. The Ashigakubo Icicle

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The Ashigakubo Icicle is an ice pillar made using local spring water, with a height of about 30 meters and a width of about 200 meters.

Among the Three Great Icicles of Chichibu, the Ashigakubo Icicle is the easiest to access as you can reach it in just a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the well-maintained pathways while admiring the icicles and capturing photographs, making it recommended for families with children and elderly visitors.

At night, there are illuminations, showcasing icicles adorned with colorful lights, so if you're interested, be sure to visit!

Overview of the Three Great Icicles of Chichibu

The Three Great Icicles of Chichibu have different event timings and fees depending on the spot. Below is a table summarizing the event details for each location.

Spot Name	Misotsuchi Icicle	Onouchi Hyakkei Icicle	Ashigakubo Icicle
Event Period	January 10 – February 24, 2025	January 12 – February 24, 2025	January 9 – February 24, 2025
Fees	- Adults (Middle school students and above): 300 yen - Children: 200 yen - Free for preschoolers	- Adults (Middle school students and above): 500 yen - Free for children under middle school age - Discount for individuals with disabilities: 300 yen discount with proof of disability	- Adults (Middle school students and above): 500 yen - Elementary school students: 300 yen - Free for preschoolers -Discount for individuals with disabilities: 100 yen discount with disability certificate
Official Website	https://www.chichibuji.gr.jp/event/turara/	https://kanko-ogano.jp/spot/onouchi-hyouchu/	https://www.yokoze.org/hyouchuu/
Social media	Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misotsuchi_icicles/	none	none

The best time to see the Three Great Icicles of Chichibu is typically from mid-January to mid-February. During this period, it can get quite cold throughout the day, so make sure to bring a hat, scarf, and gloves.

Access to the Three Great Icicles of Chichibu

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The Three Great Icicles are located in different areas, and the access methods and parking facilities vary for each site.

Below is a table summarizing the access information for each spot, so please refer to it!

Spot Name	Misotsuchi Icicle	Onouchi Hyakkei Icicle	Ashigakubo Icicle
Address	298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture	Kawaharasawa, Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture	Ashigakubo, Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture
Public transportation	About 40 minutes by bus from Seibu Chichibu Station; get off at Sanju-machi Bus Stop and walk 5 minutes	About 30 minutes by bus from Seibu Chichibu Station; transfer at Ogen Town Hall, take the Seibu Kanko Bus to Sakamoto, get off at Onouchi Valley Entrance, and then a 20-minute walk	About a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line
By car	About 75 minutes from Hanazono I.C. on the Kanetsu Expressway	About 100 minutes from Hanazono I.C. on the Kanetsu Expressway	About 60 minutes from Hanazono I.C. on the Kanetsu Expressway
Parking	- Wood Roof Oku Chichibu Auto Campground Parking: Fee unknown, number of spaces unknown - Tsuchiura Campground Parking: Fee unknown, number of spaces unknown	No parking information available	- Roadside Station Kaju Park Ashigakubo: Free of charge, 100 spaces - Former Ashigakubo Elementary School Playground: Free of charge, 60 spaces

When using public transportation, it is advisable to check in advance and plan your schedule as the number of buses is limited.

Additionally, if driving, be aware that road freezing is expected during the season, so make sure to take proper precautions such as using studless tires or chains before your visit.

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Written by

かとうまこ

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