Saitama: Chichibu Driving Tour to Buddhist Temples

Saitama Prefecture , Japan

Saitama: Chichibu Driving Tour to Buddhist Temples

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About this experience

Your guide, Ryo will accompany you to 5 different Buddhist temples that has nice sceneries of nature and a variety of Buddhist deity statues by car. Ryo will explain the significance of Buddhism among Japanese people and how it is related to their lives.

When you visit the third temple near Mt. Buko, Ryo will take you to a lovely cafe that has quality coffee and sweets so that you can have a relaxing coffee break halfway through the tour. Also, you will be able to explore a cave just next to the cafe, dating back from the 12th-century(optional).

Next, Ryo will also take you to a nice observatory that you can access after a short walk in the forest, and where you can see the whole valley of Chichibu city and the mountains. From that place, you can see a variety of Geographic features, such as the symbolic mountain of Chichibu, Mt. Buko.

At the end, you will visit Chichibu Shrine that is known for Chichibu Night Festival and you can learn how it is unique since the ancient times.

Available options

Saitama: Chichibu Driving Tour to Buddhist Temples

What's included

Bottled water

In-person Guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

You will meet the guide, Ryo in front of the exit gate of Seibu-Chichibu station.

The tour starts from the small shrine that is located between Chichibu Shrine and Mt. Buko.

You will visit a small museum space at Chichibu City Hall that introduces unique geographic features in the entire area of Chichibu city.

You will walk Dango-zaka Slope, which many magnificent floats pass when Chichibu Night Festival is held in December

Jigen-ji Temple, the 13th Buddhist temple for pilgrimage

Kinsyo-ji Temple, the 4th Buddhist temple for pilgrimage

You will be able to see beautiful rice fields in Yokoze Town.

Hashidate-do Temple, the 28th Buddhist Temple for pilgrimage

You will be able to explore a cave made of lime stone just next to the cafe, dating back from the 12th-century(optional).

The host will take you to a lovely cafe that has quality coffee and a variety of sweets so that you can have a relaxing coffee break halfway through the tour(approximately 30min).

The host will also take you to a nice observatory that you can access after a short walk in the forest, and where you can see the whole valley of Chichibu city and the mountains.

Ongaku-ji Temple, the 23rd Buddhist temple for pilgrimage

When you go back to the center of the city by car, you will be able to see the beautiful scenery from Chichibu-Koen Bridge.

Saiko-ji Temple, the 16th Buddhist temple for pilgrimage

Chichibu Shrine

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You will meet the guide, Ryo in front of the exit gate of Seibu-Chichibu station.

About Saitama Prefecture

Saitama Prefecture, located just north of Tokyo, offers a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. Known for its parks, museums, and as a gateway to the mountains, it's a perfect blend of modern living and traditional charm.

Top Attractions

Kawagoe

Known as 'Little Edo,' Kawagoe features well-preserved Edo-period buildings, traditional sweets, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Historical Half day to full day Budget to Moderate

Chichibu

A mountainous region known for its hiking trails, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes.

Nature Full day to overnight Budget to Moderate

Saitama Super Arena

A multi-purpose arena hosting concerts, sports events, and exhibitions.

Entertainment 2-4 hours Variable

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kawagoe Mochi

A traditional sweet made from rice flour, often filled with red bean paste or other sweet fillings.

Dessert Vegetarian

Saitama Gyu (Beef)

High-quality beef from Saitama, often grilled or served in hot pots.

Dinner Contains meat

Soba Noodles

Buckwheat noodles served hot or cold, often with a dipping sauce or in a broth.

Lunch Vegetarian (check for dipping sauce ingredients)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park Canyoning in Mitake Gorge Onsen (hot spring) visits Strolling through Kawagoe's historical streets Visiting temples and shrines in Nikko and Kamakura Exploring traditional candy shops in Kawagoe Boating on Lake Chuzenji in Nikko Skiing and snowboarding in the mountains of Chichibu

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring offers cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn provides cool temperatures and beautiful fall colors. These are the most popular times to visit.

10-25°C (50-77°F) 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saitama is generally safe with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and official tour operators.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services, especially in tourist areas.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 80 km (50 miles)
Haneda Airport • 30 km (19 miles)

By train

Tokyo Station, Ueno Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Buster Terminal Tokyo

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and punctual train network covering the entire prefecture and connecting to Tokyo.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Omiya Kawagoe Chichibu

Day trips

Nikko

100 km (62 miles) • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural landscapes.

Kamakura

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

A coastal town known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha.

Kumagaya

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A city known for its historical sites and the Kumagaya Onsen hot spring.

Festivals

Kawagoe Festival • Early October Saitama Gold Theater Festival • Annual (dates vary) Chichibu Night Festival • Early December

Pro tips

Use an IC card like Suica or Pasmo for easy and discounted public transportation.
Visit Kawagoe during festivals for a more authentic and vibrant experience.
Explore the rural areas of Saitama for stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
Try local specialties like Kawagoe Mochi and Saitama Gyu for a taste of the region's cuisine.
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.