Chichibu Geogravity Park

While Kyoto is the most famous producer of kimono textiles, it’s far from the only one in Japan. Nestled among spectacular mountains, the Chichibu region has also been a producer of kimono textiles for around 2,000 years. Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, flourished in mountainous regions like Chichibu where rice cultivation was limited. Initially, silk was used as clothing for commoners, with stronger varieties prized by warriors. Over time, advancements in design gave rise to Chichibu-Meisen silk, renowned for its beauty and popularized nationwide from the Taisho to early Showa era (1912-1945) as fashionable attire for women. Textile work, including sericulture, employed about 70% of Chichibu's population during this period, establishing it as the region's primary industry. The over 100-year-old Suzaki Ryokan, located in the charming old highway town of Ogano, offers a kimono dressing experience allowing visitors to partake in this cherished tradition.

The Chichibu Night Festival boasts a rich history spanning approximately 300 years. It is renowned as one of Japan's three major float festivals and earned its place on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017. Why not immerse yourself in the allure of this historic festival? At its heart are six splendid floats, with the float-pulling experience being the most cherished aspect. This unique opportunity allows you to join hands with locals in moving the exquisite floats, dating back to the 1700s, creating unforgettable memories. Knowledgeable guides are available to share fascinating tales about the Chichibu region and the Chichibu Night Festival in multiple languages. Discover the festival's stories that resonate in every nook and cranny of this vibrant community, gaining insight into the profound connection between Chichibu's residents and the festival. Furthermore, you can enhance your festival experience by delving into the background of how the people of Chichibu have coexisted harmoniously with this grand tradition. As an added bonus, you'll receive original tenugui (hand towels) and work gloves as souvenirs during the float-pulling activity.
The event will be held only on December 2, 2025 (Tuesday)

Experience the Chichibu Night Festival, one of Japan’s most famous traditional festivals, located just a short trip from Tokyo. Join locals in Chichibu to help pull historic floats, some dating back to the 1700s and decorated with sparkling gold leaf. As night falls, the floats become stages for an exclusive Kabuki performance by local actors, offering a rare chance to experience authentic Japanese culture up close. This Chichibu festival near Tokyo is a unique cultural experience you won’t want to miss!

Chichibu Whisky Premium Tour: Experience the essence of Chichibu Whisky and traditional culture on a 2-night, 3-day journey! Start your adventure with an overnight stay in Old Folk-House Hotel, a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture. Explore the exclusive "Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery," not open to the public. Engage in a unique activity crafting coasters from Whisky barrel materials, surrounded by the nature of Chichibu. Enjoy nature beside a campfire and on boats with warm blanketed kotatsu-tables. The tour ends with a Chichibu bar-hop, where you can savor Chichibu Whisky in local bars and fully immerse yourself in the rich culture of Japanese Whisky.

Indulge in a luxurious "Chichibu Bar Hopping Tour" aboard an exclusively reserved train. The program starts with a private reservation of the "Fifty Two Seats of Happiness Express," a sightseeing restaurant train where you'll enjoy a special lunch meticulously curated by the chef and paired with premium Japanese whiskey "Ichiro's Malt." Then savor an overnight stay at a traditional Japanese architectural gem, the "Old Folk House Hotel." The next day, an exclusive tour awaits at "Venture Whisky Chichibu Distillery," a distillery typically not open to visitors. The journey concludes with a special Chichibu Bar Hopping experience, as you disembark from the train to relish Chichibu Whiskey at local bars to your heart's content.