Kimono Dressing in a Century-Old Ryokan Inn
experiences
An Exciting New Place to Experience Kimono
Chichibu-Meisen silk holds the prestigious designation of a National Traditional Craft. It differs slightly from the traditional image of a kimono, with some likening it more to a one-piece dress. The meticulous craftsmanship involves dyeing silk threads before weaving to form intricate patterns, resulting in remarkable designs and textures. Revel in the beauty and artistry of Chichibu-Meisen as you admire its stunning patterns and exquisite feel.
After donning a Meisen kimono, take a stroll through the historic streets of Ogano and visit Jurin-ji Templeーthe perfect places to snap photos. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the Meisen kimono are designed to complement the natural beauty and streetscape of Chichibu. This itinerary is ideal for those who are genuinely interested in experiencing authentic kimono.
After the kimono experience, you can also snack on local seasonal Japanese sweets with matcha or coffee (optional, starting from an additional 800 yen).
Suzaki Ryokan, Japanese Inn
Established in 1907 and boasting 117 years of history, this well-established ryokan inn exudes a nostalgic Taisho era charm. Indulge in cuisine featuring regional specialties, unwind in the hot springs, and enjoy guest rooms scented with the fragrance of Sayama tea, a local tea variety from Saitama.
For accommodation plans, please refer to the following link: https://www.suzaki-ryokan.com/
Basic Information
Business hours / Fee
How to get there
Other
Map
Nearby spots
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.
![[SOLD OUT] Held on January 25th (Thursday) to 26th (Friday), 2024 Chichibu Premium Whiskey Experience Tour aboard Restaurant Train](https://saitama-supportdesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/415484602_847934487342710_1427058466042392575_n.jpg)
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.
Chichibu Geogravity Park offers a full set of adrenaline pumping, dare devilish gravity-related activities for everyone to enjoy, especially thrill-seekers! Chichibu is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo. Chichibu Geogravity Park was created in 2019 as Japan's first gravity-based activity park. Gravity Park is operated with the strictest safety management in place, to provide maximum enjoyment. We dare say that you will enjoy yourself to the fullest, with many of our “first-of-a-kind” activities in Japan!
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.
Itinerary:
(1) Meet at Seibu-Chichibu Station
(2) Train car pulling experience (approx. 60 minutes) starting at 2:30 PM
(3) Exchange time (approx. 60 minutes)
(4) Guided local tour and free time (approx. 90 minutes)
(5) Kabuki performance (approx. 120 minutes)
Please check the reservation website for detailed information.
This event is only available on Tuesday, December 2, 2025!