What are the Ashigakubo Icicles?
Ashigakubo Icicles (Ashigakubo Tsurara) are one of the winter scenic highlights located in Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture.
Every year during the coldest months of January and February, huge man-made icicles appear and attract many visitors.
The ice wall, reaching about 30 m high and 200 m wide, is truly impressive!
The pale blue icicles are beautiful by day, and at night a colorful light-up creates a magical atmosphere.
Because it’s possible to visit as a day trip from the Kanto area, it has become a popular winter sightseeing spot.
The Appeal of the Ashigakubo Icicles
1. Spectacular, massive icicles
The Ashigakubo Icicles are created by local residents who freeze spring water to form them.
Although man-made, their scale rivals that of natural icicles, offering a fantastical scene where the slope becomes a wall of ice.
- About 30 m high and 200 m wide — a spectacular sight!
- The transparency of the ice and its blue glow are beautiful.
- The icicles grow day by day, so their appearance changes depending on when you visit.
2. Enchanting light-up event
A light-up event is held at night, creating a different, more magical world than daytime.
The icicles are lit in colorful lights, making it feel as if you’re inside an ice palace.
- Light-up period: Typically mid-January to mid-February
- Light-up hours: 17:00–20:00 (subject to change due to weather)
- Admission: Junior high school and older 500 yen / Elementary school 300 yen / Preschoolers free (charged as a maintenance/cooperation fee) — fees may change year to year, so check official information
3. Plenty of nearby sightseeing spots
When visiting the Ashigakubo Icicles, it’s a good idea to also enjoy nearby attractions.
① Roadside Station Fruit Park Ashigakubo (Michi-no-Eki Kajyū Kōen Ashigakubo)
There is a direct-sale market with fresh local vegetables and fruits — perfect for a break or souvenir shopping!
Local favorites include “Chichibu’s miso potato” and locally grown strawberries.
② Chichibu’s three major icicle sites
In the Chichibu area there are three major icicle sites: “Misotsuchi no Tsurara,” “Onouchi Hyakkei Icicles,” and “Ashigakubo Icicles”.
If you have time, it’s recommended to visit all three!
③ Bukō Onsen
To warm up after getting cold, drive about 10 minutes from Ashigakubo Station to “Bukō Onsen.”
There are open-air baths and saunas — perfect after a day of winter sightseeing.
Access to the Ashigakubo Icicles
By train (recommended!)
- Tokyo Station → Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamanote Line, about 10 minutes)
- Ikebukuro Station → Ashigakubo Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Limited Express “Chichibu,” about 1 hour 20 minutes)
- About a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station to the site
By car
- About 1 hour from the Kan-Etsu Expressway “Hanazono IC” via National Route 140
- Parking available (arrive early in winter as it gets crowded)
Practical information for travelers
Recommended clothing
It’s very cold around the icicles, so cold-weather gear is essential!
- A down jacket or a heavy coat
- Gloves, a scarf, and a knit hat
- Shoes with good grip (you may walk on icy surfaces, so slip-resistant footwear is highly recommended)
Wi‑Fi information
- There are few free Wi‑Fi spots nearby, so it’s a good idea to download maps beforehand.
Language support
- The tourist information center may have English-speaking staff at times.
- Simple English signs are installed in the area.
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
The Ashigakubo Icicles are a representative winter spectacle of Saitama and Chichibu.
By day you can enjoy the translucent, massive icicles, and at night the light-up creates a magical scene.
They’re easy to access from central Tokyo, making them perfect for winter sightseeing in Chichibu!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the icicles visible every year?
A: The event is held every year in January–February, but in unusually warm years icicle growth can be delayed. Check official information before you go!
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: The icicles are beautiful under a blue sky during the day, but the night light-up is especially recommended!
Q: Can small children visit?
A: The walkways are maintained, but can be slippery. If you bring small children, hold their hands for safety.
Q: Are there places to eat nearby?
A: At the “Michi-no-Eki Fruit Park Ashigakubo” you can enjoy Chichibu specialties like “miso potato” and soba.
Enjoy the magical winter experience of the Ashigakubo Icicles!
