Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture offers a mystical winter landscape in a location not too far away from Tokyo. The Ashigakubo Icicles in the prefecture’s Chichibu region are created by area residents with the assistance of nature.

People sprinkle water taken from a mountain stream on the slopes of a mountain. These ice formations grow to as high as around 30 meters and as wide as 200 meters. The breathtaking frozen formations are sure to surprise any visitor.

The magnificent icicles at Ashigakubo are one of the three famous icicle spots in the region, along with the Misotsuchi Icicles and the Onouchi Icicles.

The Ashigakubo Icicles can be viewed from mid-January to late February. At night, they are illuminated to create a one-of-a-kind mystical sight that cannot be experienced during the day. The site is a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu-Chichibu Line, which allows tourists to visit directly from Tokyo. A visit to see the icicles is highly recommended.

Illuminations will take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and reservations may be necessary if you come by car on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.