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Icicles of Misotsuchi
Icicles of Misotsuchi, one of the three great icicles, brings artistic flavor to the Chichibuji winter
Visitors can enjoy the fantastic world created by icicles in the Chichibu area of Saitama Prefecture, which is easy to access from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Icicles of Misotsuchi, one of the three great icicles, brings artistic flavor to the Chichibuji winter and is ice art created by freezing spring water in the harsh winter environment unique to Oku Chichibu. The icicles appear gradually as it gets colder.
Chichibu three great icicles (1) Icicles of Misotsuchi
The icicles of Misotsuchi, a scenic spot in the winter in Oku Chichibu, grow to approximately 30 meters in width and 8 meters in height at maximum. The shape changes every year because of the natural formation. These icicles are created from the headstream of the Arakawa River and are artworks that can be seen only from mid-January to mid-February, the coldest time of the year. The illuminated scenery is also magical.
Chichibu three great icicles (2) Scenic Icicles in Onouchi Keikoku Valley (Ogano Town)
Water is drawn from the upper stream of the Kawarasawa River, which has its source in Mount Ryokami, one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan (1,723-meter elevation) by using hoses, and it is sprinkled by taking advantage of height differences without the use of pumps. The icicles are created due to the harsh chill in the morning and at night. The gigantic icicles seen from the suspension bridge are simply breathtaking. Cordial shops are run by local people and complimentary amazake (a sweet drink made from fermented rice) is served during the event. Warm local dishes are popular as well. The location is illuminated for select days during the event.
Chichibu three great icicles (3) Icicles of Ashigakubo (Yokoze Town）
Icicles of Ashigakubo are located in an easy-to-reach place, with 10 minutes' walk from Ashigakubo Station on Seibu Chichibu Line. The icicles are created by local people and visitors can view the gigantic icicles with 30 meters in height and over 200 meters in width at various angles. While drinking amazake made by Omotenashi Ladies (local volunteer women) and tea produced locally, enjoy the world of the icicles. The location is illuminated on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.
Location
| Name | Icicles of Misotsuchi |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | (In Japanese) https://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp/p_flower/1403/ |
| Address | 4066-2 Otaki, Chichibu-shi, Saitama (Woodroof Okuchichibu Auto Camp Ground) |
| Access | From Seibu Chichibu Station on the Seibu Railway or Mitsumineguchi Station on the Chichibu Railway, take the Seibu Kanko bus on the Mitsumine Jinja Line or Mitsumineguchi Line bound for Chichibuko Lake, and get off at Misotsuchi bus stop |
| Business Hours | Early January to late February (Varies by weather) |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0494-55-0707 (Chichibu Tourism Association, Otaki Branch) |
| Admission | Junior high school students or older: 200 yen |
