HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > The Ashigakubo Icicles in Yokoze
Illuminated icicles of Ashigakubo in Yokoze, Saitama
Saitama Prefecture
Ashigakubo is located in the beautiful mountain town of Yokoze, just northwest of Tokyo. Ashigakubo is well-known for its magnificent ice art. In winter, during January and February, the extreme coldness causes natural ice art to form in Ashigakubo. Visitors are able to look at these giant icicles (about 30 meters high and 200 meters wide) from any angle while sipping on warm local tea and sweet sake! The Ashigakubo Icicles are one of the three famous icicle spots in this area. The other two are the Misotsuchi Icicles and the Onouchi Icicles. Locals sprinkle water on the slopes of the mountain, which forms these amazing icicles.
Every year from early January to late February, visitors can enjoy fantastic ice art created by nature and the locals. The icicles are illuminated every weekend from sunset to 8 p.m. to give visitors a look into a beautiful, illuminated magical world. The Ashigakubo Icicles are easily accessible, located only a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and get off at Ikebukuro Station (about 20 minutes). Transfer to the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and get off at Hanno Station (about 50 minutes). Transfer to the Seibu Chichibu Line and get off at Ashigakubo Station (about 45 minutes). The Ashigakubo Icicles are about 10 minutes away on foot.
1915-6, Ashigakubo, Yokoze-machi, Saitama-ken
