What are the Misotsuchi Icicles?
Misotsuchi Icicles (Misotsuchi no Tsurara) are a winter scenic spot on the upper reaches of the Arakawa River in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture.
Famous as ice art created by nature, large icicles form along the riverbank from January to February when temperatures drop sharply.
In some years an ice wall about 8 m high and 30 m wide can form!
At night the site is lit up with atmospheric lighting, allowing you to enjoy a mystical scene different from daytime.
It’s very popular as a winter day-trip destination from the Kanto area.
Attractions of the Misotsuchi Icicles
1. Ice art created by nature
Spring water from the Arakawa freezes in the winter cold and gradually grows into icicles.
These are not artificially made; the natural ice curtains are breathtakingly beautiful.
- The ice’s transparency and bluish-white glow are beautiful, creating a scene that feels otherworldly.
- The shape of the icicles changes every year, so there’s something new to discover each visit.
2. Enchanting light-up
The night-only light-up event illuminates the icicles with colorful lights, producing a magical atmosphere.
Blue, pink, purple and other lights reflect off the ice, creating a beauty different from daytime.
The light-up is held annually but is for a limited time, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
- Light-up period: Typically mid-January to mid-February
- Light-up hours: 17:00–20:00 (may change depending on weather)
3. More than just icicles — plenty of nearby sights
If you visit the Misotsuchi Icicles, it’s recommended to enjoy nearby attractions as well.
① Tour of Chichibu’s three major icicle sites
In addition to the Misotsuchi Icicles, the Onouchi Hyakkei Icicles (Onogano Town) and the Ashigakubo Icicles (Yokoze Town) are also famous.
Known as the “Three Major Icicle Sites of Chichibu,” they’re popular special spots available only in winter.
② Mitsumine Shrine
A well-known power spot in Chichibu.
Located at an elevation of about 1,100 m, it has a sacred, reverent atmosphere.
③ Chichibu hot springs
To warm up after being out in the cold, Chichibu’s hot springs are recommended.
Especially “Mangan no Yu” and “Seion no Yu” are relaxing hot springs surrounded by beautiful nature.
Access to the Misotsuchi Icicles
By train + bus
- Tokyo Station → Seibu-Chichibu Station (Seibu Limited Express approx. 1 hour 20 minutes)
- Seibu-Chichibu Station → Mitsumineguchi Station (Chichibu Railway approx. 40 minutes)
- Mitsumineguchi Station → Icicle Entrance (Seibu Kanko Bus approx. 20 minutes)
- About a 10-minute walk from the Icicle Entrance bus stop
By car
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from the Kan-Etsu Expressway “Hanazono IC”
- Paid parking available (it gets crowded in winter so arriving early is recommended)
Useful information for travelers
Recommended clothing
The area around the Misotsuchi Icicles is very cold, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.
- A heavy coat or down jacket
- Gloves, scarf, knit hat
- Non-slip footwear (best to wear shoes with traction since you may walk on ice)
Admission fee
- Admission: Adults 300 yen (junior high school and older) / Children 200 yen (elementary school and older) (maintenance/cooperation fee)
Wi‑Fi
- There is little free Wi‑Fi in the area, so it’s a good idea to download maps beforehand.
Language support
- Tourist pamphlets available in English, Chinese, and Korean
- The tourist information center may have English-speaking staff at times
Summary and FAQs
Summary
The Misotsuchi Icicles are a representative winter scenic spot of Chichibu, Saitama.
During the day you can enjoy nature’s ice art, and at night the light-up immerses you in a fantastical world.
Combine a visit with other Chichibu sightseeing to fully enjoy the mystical winter scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the icicles guaranteed to form every year?
A: The icicles grow larger in colder years, but in warmer years their size may be smaller. Check official information before visiting!
Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Both daytime under the blue sky and the nighttime light-up offer different atmospheres, so both are recommended!
Q: Can small children visit?
A: The walkways are maintained, but surfaces can be slippery, so take care. Make sure to dress warmly.
Q: Are there places to eat nearby?
A: There are restaurants nearby where you can enjoy Chichibu specialties like “waraji katsu-don” and “miso potato.” The area around Chichibu Station also has many dining options.
Enjoy a magical winter experience at the Misotsuchi Icicles!
