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Icicles of Misotsuchi

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Icicles of Misotsuchi

A beautiful natural spectacle you can only see in winter time Chichibu

Saitama Prefecture

Winter in Japan can be very cold and some days you just want to stay at home wrapped in a blanket. However, there are also wonderful sights that can only be enjoyed during the coldest months. Just over two hours from Tokyo, the icicles of Chichibu are one of Japan’s unmissable winter experiences. As the weather gets cold, huge, beautiful icicles form in three different locations around Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, turning plants, rocks, and cliff surfaces into a shimmering icy spectacle.

The magnificent icicles of Misotsuchi are the only natural icicles in Chichibu. They form along the Arakawa River, a 40-minute drive south-west of central Chichibu, and are created by spring water flowing out of the rock surface. The colder it gets, the larger the icicles grow, reaching a height of 8m and a width of 30m, so the best time to visit is from mid-January to mid-February. The Misotsuchi icicles are long and pointy and resemble stalactites. On some evenings, you can also enjoy an illumination display.

Ⓒ Saitama Prefecture Products & Tourism Association | Icicles of Onouchi

For more winter magic, don’t miss the scenic icicles of Onouchi and Ashigakubo, the other two icicle displays of Chichibu. There are plenty of attractions in the area to explore, including natural hot springs and local delicacies. This winter, why don't you go out to see the icicles of Chichibu and spend a special time with your loved ones?

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Kumagaya Station (40 minutes), then transfer to the Chichibu Railway for Ohanabatake Station (70 minutes). From there, reach Seibu-Chichibu Station on foot (6 minutes), take the Seibu Kanko Bus Mitsumine Shrine Line and get off at "Misotsuchi" bus stop (45 minutes). The icicles of Misotsuchi are 5 minutes on foot from the bus stop.

4066 Ōtaki, Chichibu-shi, Saitama-ken