Taiyoji Temple

The history of the temple is said to date back about 2,000 years ago, to the reign of Emperor Keiko. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when faith in Mt. Mitumine spread, Hatakeyama Shigetada, Nitta Yoshioki, and others worshipped here. During the Tokugawa period (1603-1867), the Kishu shogunate and the Kishu family were revered, and gifts from the Kishu family in particular are still treasured by this shrine. When autumn arrives, the “Fifteen Nights and Moon Reading Festival” is held to herald the arrival of autumn in the mountains of Chichibu.

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 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.

Please contact the farms listed in the link below for information about grape picking in Yokoze Town! Prices vary depending on the type of grape. You can also purchase grapes at the Ashigakubo Roadside Station (The farms will ship grapes when they are ready to eat. We apologize for any inconvenience if they are sold out). All farms incorporate appropriate hygiene precautions for a safe and comfortable visit.