Festival Shrines, Permanent Shrines, and Flowing Hot Springs in Chichibu, Saitama

The City of Chichibu

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  Chichibu has three main shrines, the Mitsumine Shrine, the Hodosan Shrine, and this one, the Chichibu Shrine. Just two minutes from Chichibu Station, the central location of Chichibu Shrine makes it a convenient destination for a quick bit of sightseeing.

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  The Chichibu Night Festival is held every year in early December, when portable shrines are paraded through the city, heavy with brightly lit lanterns. Two of those "parade floats," and quite a few other festival-related items, are displayed in this museum near Chichibu Station during the rest of the year. In this image you can see a "kasaboko" and a "yatai" being held by model volunteers. December might be a spectacular time to visit Chichibu, but you can experience a little of the event no matter when you arrive.
  
  
  Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan / Chichibu Festival Museum (秩父まつり会館)
  2-8 Banbamachi, Chichibu, Saitama
  Official Website (en)

The Chichibu Night Festival

Matsurinoyu Hot Springs

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  Sample local brews, including famous Ichiro's Malt whiskey, Chichibu-Nishiki sake, and Buko Masamune sake. Or indulge that sweet tooth in shops that sell traditional sweets and Japanese maple syrup. There are also restaurants within the venue that serve waraji katsu-don (Japanese pork schnitzel dipped in sweet soy sauce), and kurumi soba (soba buckwheat noodles with walnut sauce).
   

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  Once you've digested a little, you can take a dip in the steaming hot spring (onsen/温泉) baths.

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  There are outdoor baths, too!

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  They even have what's called a "relaxation room," for the ultimate post-bath experience, complete with drinks and snacks available for purchase.