Mitsumine Shrine

Taiyoji Temple, quietly tucked away in the mountains at an elevation of 800 meters, is said to have been founded about 750 years ago. It is recognized as one of the 13 Buddhas of Chichibu pilgrimage sites. Situated in a secluded valley where even phone signals cannot reach, the temple offers a tranquil space far removed from the clamor of daily life. By sharpening your senses and spending time immersed in the unspoiled beauty of nature, you can find a deeper connection with your inner self. From spring through autumn, visitors can take part in zazen meditation, sutra copying, and temple lodging experiences (reservation required), enjoying a spiritual journey that brings profound healing to both mind and body.

You can enjoy a variety of gravity-based activities from suspension bridges built on the banks of the Arakawa River using the piers of the former Shirakawa Bridge. Wear a harness and walk on the suspension bridge, cross the Arakawa Valley while connected to a cable, or swing over the valley on a trapeze! You can even bungee jump! Enjoy the great outdoors of the Arakawa Valley while taking part in many thrilling activities!

Niekawa-juku was a thriving post town during the Edo period that served as a junction for routes leading to Koshu (Yamanashi Prefecture), Joshu (Gunma Prefecture), and Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture). It flourished due to heavy merchant traffic, with over 20 inns lining the streets. Palanquins carrying pilgrims to Mount Mitsumine also started their journeys from here, adding to the town's bustle. However, when the local railway station opened, fewer people used the old highway, so the town gradually declined. Around 2016, a community revitalization project began to restore the former liveliness by creating a "scarecrow village” (kakashi no sato). More than 60 unique and charming scarecrows have been placed throughout, delighting visitors. These scarecrows feature varied appearances with meticulously crafted clothing and accessories that are so lifelike, they seem ready to spring into action, bringing vibrancy back to the town. You can reach Mitsumineguchi Station, where Niekawa-juku is located, by taking the SL Paleo Express. In 2020, SL Tenshadai Park opened at Mitsumineguchi Station, where visitors can observe coal handling operations such as coal trimming and watch a turntable rotate steam locomotives up close. Kakashi: Dolls or figures placed in fields to prevent birds and other animals from damaging crops. *The figures sitting in the image are kakashi.

This is the only waterfall in Saitama Prefecture that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. Along a promenade of about 1.5km, you can enjoy the changing seasons with fresh greenery and autumn leaves. The waterfall is divided by 3 large steps, and the 76 meter drop is powerful and impressive!

This park is situated in the rich nature of the Nagaonekyuryo mountains that straddle the border between Chichibu City and Ogano Town. This sprawling area of 375 hectares is divided into three themed zones, Forest of Sports, Forest of Music and Forest of Culture, with each area connected by a 3 km long "Sky Road." This park is best known as one of the best spots to view a breathtaking sea of clouds. The Chichibu area has the perfect conditions for a sea of clouds to form, due to the fog produced by radiative cooling in the Chichibu mountain area. If you get lucky, you may even be able to see the symbolic bridge of Chichibu appear to be floating above the clouds. Chichibu Muse Park has a variety of attractions, such as a music hall, an outdoor stage, Muse Fountain, a spacious garden, and sports facilities. Chichibu Muse Park is the perfect place to enjoy your day, surrounded by the beautiful changing seasons.