Kanto
Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park
PIXTA
Activity
Ninja Experience in Akiruno, Tokyo: Master Ninjutsu in a 1.5-Hour Session
Highlights
・Uncover the secrets of the ancient ninja arts in a 1.5-hour immersive experience. ・Customize your experience to match your preferences and needs ・Ideal for business leaders and those aspiring to leadership roles ・Enhance your experience with an English interpreter option.
Detail
Experience 1.5 hours of ninja training in the mountainous areas of Tokyo. Learn ninja etiquette, self-defense, and shuriken throwing. Customize your training and embrace the ancient ways of the shadow warriors.
Summary
Location Akiruno-shi , Tokyo
Required time 1.5 hours
Transportation none
Meal none
Fukuozan Shogakuji Day Training: Zazen, Shojin Cuisine, and Sutra Copying
Highlights
・Experience a short training retreat at the popular temple lodging "Shogakuji." Why not try it out for a day trip first? ・Reset your mind and body through various training activities, including zazen meditation, listening to Dharma talks, and enjoying traditional vegetarian cuisine! ・In addition to the basic plan (zazen, tenzo meals, Dharma talks, and temple work), there is also a plan that includes a sutra copying experience.
Detail
At Shogakuji Temple, a venerable ancient temple nestled deep in the mountains of Hanno, you can experience a short training retreat! In addition to zazen meditation, you can also enjoy tenzo meals (traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), Dharma talks, and samu (temple work), all in a day trip. Through various training activities, you can calm your mind, gain insights for living, and find the energy to move forward into tomorrow.
Summary
Location Hannou, Saitama-Prefecture
Required time 4.5 hours
Transportation none
Meal none
Chichibu Walking Tour Explore Historical Sites with a Local Guide
Highlights
Embark on an immersive walking tour in Chichibu to explore its rich cultural heritage from the Edo to Showa eras, led by a local guide. You'll visit the prominent ancient Chichibu Shrine, famous for its beautiful carvings and early Edo period architecture, including the owl believed to bring academic success. Discover significant cultural properties like the Miyamae and Sonoda Residences, offering insights into past generations. Experience the atmosphere of the Chichibu Yomatsuri at Dango Slope, where massive festival floats are pulled by human strength. This tour also provides insights into the Chichibu Night Festival and Chichibu Incident locations.
Detail
This 2-hour walking tour in Saitama, Chichibu, is available daily. It offers morning and afternoon start times at 09:50 AM or 01:50 PM. Participants will meet at Seibu Chichibu Station and disband at Chichibu Shrine. The tour is guided in Japanese, with interpretation available for English and Taiwanese Mandarin. The price is USD 139.27 per adult/child, which includes the guide and interpretation services. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, and bring a hat and rain gear. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. This activity is provided by the Chichibu Area Tourism Organization.
Summary
Location Chichibu
Required time 2 hours
Transportation None
Meal None
Chichibu Power Spot Walking Tour: Visit Springs and Giant Trees w/ a Local Guide
Highlights
Embark on a unique Chichibu Power Spot Walking Tour to discover the region's hidden gems and attract good fortune. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll explore sacred springs, majestic giant trees, and charming retro buildings. Uncover the blessings of underground water that supported local industries, offering a fresh perspective on Chichibu's rich heritage. This tour is open to individuals, allowing you to stroll through retro buildings and streets.
Detail
This 2-hour walking tour in Saitama, Chichibu, is available daily. You can choose between morning (09:50 AM) or afternoon (01:50 PM) start times. The tour meets at Seibu Chichibu Station and concludes at Chichibu Shrine. The price is USD 139.27 per adult/child, which includes a Japanese-speaking guide with English and Taiwanese Mandarin interpretation. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, and remember to bring a hat and rain gear, staying hydrated. It's advisable to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time, as the itinerary may change due to weather or other circumstances. This experience is provided by the Chichibu Area Tourism Organization.
Summary
Location Chichibu
Required time 2 hours
Transportation None
Meal None
Walking Tour of Chichibu Shrine and Chichibu Festival Museum with Local Guide
Highlights
Embark on an immersive walking tour in Chichibu to explore its rich cultural heritage, led by a local guide. You'll visit the prominent ancient Chichibu Shrine, famous for its beautiful carvings and early Edo period architecture. Discover the shrine's charming details, including the owl believed to bring academic success. Experience the vibrant Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival) through engaging exhibits and demonstrations at the Chichibu Festival Museum, viewing luxurious floats and historical artifacts up close. This tour offers a unique insight into Japan's cultural traditions and is open to individuals.
Detail
This 2-hour walking tour in Saitama, Chichibu, is available daily. You can choose between morning (09:50 AM) or afternoon (01:50 PM) start times. Participants will meet at the "Otorii" of Chichibu Shrine and disband at the Chichibu Festival Museum. The tour is priced at USD 139.27 per adult/child. This includes a Japanese-speaking guide with English and Taiwanese Mandarin interpretation. Please note that an additional entrance fee for the Chichibu Festival Museum (500 yen for adults) is required and payable on-site. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking, and are advised to bring a hat and rain gear. It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances. This activity is provided by the Chichibu Area Tourism Organization.
Summary
Location Chichibu
Required time 2 hours
Transportation None
Meal None
SEIBU 1 Day Pass Explore Kawagoe and Chichibu
Highlights
Unlock the freedom to explore Kawagoe and Chichibu at your own pace with a discounted 1-day rail pass. This self-guided adventure allows you to visit beautiful locations and discover hidden gems along the scenic Seibu lines, creating your perfect day trip from Tokyo. Enjoy the flexibility to craft your own itinerary and immerse yourself in seasonal activities and diverse attractions.
Detail
This SEIBU 1 Day Pass provides convenient, unlimited travel on most Seibu Line trains (excluding the Tamagawa Line and requiring a surcharge for Limited Express trains), connecting you from Tokyo to the charming destinations of Kawagoe and Chichibu. The pass is available daily and is priced at USD 6.96 for adults (age 12 & over) and USD 3.48 for children (age 6-11). Please note, pick-up service is not available. Your pass must be collected at the SEIBU Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro, located on the 1st floor of Ikebukuro Station near the East Exit, with business hours from 08:00 AM to 03:00 PM. This pass is exclusively for non-Japanese citizens, and you must present your passport or foreign resident card along with your voucher to claim it. The pass is valid for two weeks from the date of exchange, and your purchase voucher itself is valid for 60 days. Confirmed bookings cannot be changed; however, the voucher is fully refundable before it has been exchanged.
Summary
Location Chichibu / Ikebukuro
Required time
Transportation None
Meal None
Chichibu Walking Tour: Exploring the Arakawa River and Iwadatami w/ Local Guide
Highlights
This "Chichibu Nature Guided Walking Tour" highlights the opportunity to explore "Iwadatami," a unique geological formation created by the erosion of the Arakawa River. You can enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery, the sound of the clear stream, and a refreshing breeze. This tour will be an unforgettable experience for travelers who want to feel the beauty of nature's formations up close.
Detail
This two-hour walking tour is available on weekends and is guided by a Japanese-speaking guide. The price includes interpretation fees for English and Taiwanese Mandarin, allowing more people to participate. The tour is open to individuals and is perfect for those who want to easily experience the rich nature of Chichibu. Please note that a pick-up service is not included.
Summary
Location Chichibu
Required time 2hours
Transportation Pick up not Available
Meal None
Saitama Pilgrimage Walking Tour Experience with Local Guide Insights
Highlights
This "Chichibu Pilgrimage Walking Tour" offers a deep insight into the cultural and historical charm of Saitama, guided by local experts. The highlight of the tour is visiting two temples, Chichibu Fudasho Number 13 Jigan-ji Temple and Number 15 Shorinji Temple, where you will learn about proper temple etiquette and traditions. This valuable experience allows you to connect with Japan's pilgrimage culture.
Detail
This cultural walking tour is available daily, including weekends, and lasts two hours. While the tour is conducted in Japanese, an interpreter for English and Taiwanese Mandarin is included, making it accessible to a wider range of travelers. This is an ideal plan for those who want to easily enjoy the rich history and culture of Saitama. Please note that a pick-up service is not included.
Summary
Location Chichibu
Required time 2hours
Transportation Pick up not Available
Meal None
Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and Summer Retreat in Nature Tour
Highlights
Discover the charm of Tokyo’s oldest sake brewery, Sawanoien, nestled in the scenic Mitake Valley of Okutama. Enjoy a guided sake tasting experience surrounded by beautiful nature while learning about the brewery’s 300-year history and traditional brewing techniques. The tour also includes visits to historic local landmarks such as Sumiyoshi Shrine, founded in 1369, and Kanzanji Temple, offering a rich cultural journey through the region’s heritage. This combination of nature, history, and authentic flavors makes for a truly memorable day trip from Tokyo.
Detail
Embark on a tranquil journey from Shinjuku to Okutama, where you will visit Sawanoien Brewery, Tokyo's oldest sake brewery, nestled in the picturesque Mitake Valley. After savoring sake amidst nature, explore the historic Sumiyoshi Shrine and Kanzanji Temple. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture, providing a unique glimpse into Tokyo's rich heritage.
Summary
Location Okutama
Required time 3.5 hours
Transportation Pick up not Available
Meal None
Access
How to get there
Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, with scenic hikes through mountains, gorges and dense forests. The park spans parts of four prefectures: Saitama, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Tokyo. Many highlights, including Mount Mitake, Mount Mitsumine and Shosenkyo Gorge are accessible in around two hours via public transportation from Tokyo.
From Tokyo
The park extends over four prefectures, so you’ll need to take different routes to access its highlights. To reach Mount Mitake in western Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station to Ome Station (75 min) and transfer to the JR Ome Line. Alight at Mitake Station (20 min) and use the Nishi Tokyo Bus service to reach the cable car at Takimoto Station (10 min). To get to Shosenkyo Gorge in Yamanashi Prefecture, take the JR Chuo Line to Kofu Station (90 min), then a bus to the terminus where you can board the Shosenkyo Ropeway. For Nishizawa Gorge, take the Chuo Line to Yamanashishi Station (15 minutes from Kofu Station), then a bus (60 min). Mount Mitsumine and its atmospheric shrine in Saitama Prefecture can be reached from Ikebukuro. Board the Seibu Ikebukuro Line limited express train to Seibu Chichibu Station (100 min) then take a bus to the Mitsumine Shrine stop (75 min).
Getting Around
A car will allow more time communing with nature (rather than waiting for buses). A car will also allow you to pass through the center of the park, which isn’t as well-served by public transportation as the perimeter. Instead of renting a car in Tokyo, avoid the city traffic and take the train part-way, then rent a car at the station closest to your destination. If public transportation is your preferred option, buses from Nishi Tokyo Bus run to popular hiking spots in the Okutama and Mitake areas of Tokyo, while Yamanashi Kotsu offers bus service to the trails in Yamanashi.
