Last Updated: Apr 10, 2024

Escape to Chichibu

An Amazing Hidden Gem in Saitama

This story was originally published on donnykimball.com and has been syndicated here on Medium

Are you sick and tired of Tokyo’s neon-lit concrete jungle? Well, I’ve got just the day-long excursion for you! Known as Chichibu, this idyllic destination is located to the northwest of the capital up in Saitama Prefecture. Though often looked down upon by Tokyoites for being “lame,” Saitama actually is home to many wonderful hidden gems, including my beloved Kawagoe. That said, today we will be venturing even deeper into the prefecture to the valley of Chichibu, a place that I have been meaning to feature for some time now. Rich in both history and nature, this charming, rustic spot is the perfect day trip for those looking to escape the lights of Japan’s capital.

Despite its many allures, Chichibu only rarely welcomes foreign visitors. In addition to its lack of any brand awareness overseas, Chichibu’s geographical location is also partially to blame here. Though technically still part of Saitama, Chichibu sits in the prefecture’s far western extreme. The area nestles up against an impressive mountain range that serves as the borderline for the Kanto plain. Comprising much of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, these towering cliffs extend all the way down past the likes of Tokyo’s Mt. Mitake and beyond.