Nagatoro and Chichibu are located in a relatively remote area of Saitama, close to the city center but still blessed with abundant nature. Its diverse food culture has fostered the development of all kinds of sake production. You can of course enjoy them on a day trip, but we recommend a short stay to fully indulge yourself in nature, food, and sake.

Seibu-Chichibu Station (about 2 hours by train from Ikebukuro or Shinjuku stations in Tokyo)

The gateway to the Chichibu area is conveniently located at Seibu-Chichibu Station or Chichibu Station. It takes about 2 hours from Ikebukuro and Shinjuku stations in Tokyo by train. Seibu-Chichibu Station can be reached directly from Ikebukuro.

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Transfer (1 min. walk from Seibu-Chichibu Station)

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Lunch at Matsuri no Yu

First, let's start with a meal. At Matsuri no Yu, you can enjoy Chichibu's specialty, Waraji Katsu-don or Miso Pork. Matsuri no Yu is located right in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station, making it easily accessible.

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Transfer (15 min. walk from Matsuri no Yu)

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Chichibu Festival Hall

The gorgeous kasaboko (umbrella floats) and yatai (food stalls) used in the Chichibu Night Festival held every December are a sight to behold.

Chichibu Festival Hall

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Transfer (about 6 min. walk from Chichibu Festival Hall)

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Buko Sake Brewery

This sake brewery has been in business since the Edo period (1603 - 1868) and offers tours of the brewery as well as production and sales. Their new kind of hospitality such as the no-contact sake-tasting machine is the highlight of the brewery.

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Transfer (about 15 min. walk from the Buko Brewery)

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Highlander Inn

The Highlander Inn is a bar where you can enjoy Chichibu's famous Ichiro's Malt Whiskey. You can enjoy the fusion of British pub style and nostalgic Japanese atmosphere.

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Transfer (about 5 min. walk)

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Banba Osone

A modern hotel renovated from a traditional Japanese house. Time seems to flow slowly in this serene, Japanese-style space, which is something you won’t be able to experience in ordinary hotels.

 

On the second day, let’s head out to Nagatoro.
It is especially popular during the cherry blossom season and the season of autumn leaves when the scenery is absolutely gorgeous.

Banba Osone

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Transfer (10 min. walk to Chichibu Station,  Chichibu Station - Nagatoro Station: 20 min. by train, then a 5-min. walk from Nagatoro Station)

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Nagatoro Line Kudari Rafting

A boat steered by a single boatman's pole carries you down the Arakawa River. The breathtaking natural scenery of each season and the beautifully layered stone riverbed is the highlight of the tour.

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Nagatoro Station

It takes about 2 hours by train to Ikebukuro and Shinjuku Stations in Tokyo.