Chichibu’s Winter Art “Icicles,” Part 2! “Ashigakubo Icicles”

Ashigakubo Station is two stops before Seibu Chichibu Station, the final stop on the Seibu Ikebukuro Chichibu Line departing from Ikebukuro. Exit the ticket gate and turn right. Go downhill, then walk along the boardwalk for around 10 minutes. Pay the 200-yen admission fee, cross the Seibu Chichibu Line’s railway, and you’ve arrived!

You can immediately see enormous icicles, and the anticipation builds even higher!
As you continue deeper out, giant icicles tower above you. It really is like being in a world of ice.

Using the area’s slopes, locals create the icicle fields by pouring water, so unlike the “Icicles of Misotsuchi,” these are man-made icicles. It’s a sight unique to cold areas like this! The area’s beauty is almost overwhelming.

One of the highlights of the icicle fields here is the blended sight of icicles and trains! The Seibu Railway runs nearby, and every hour two express trains and four regular trains run each way. As the trains don’t pass by too frequently, I’d like to come back after checking the timetables in advance.

I wish that I could’ve taken pictures from a train’s perspective on the tracks, but I would have had to set up my camera without gloves on, and it was very cold! Be sure to dress warmly!

Incidentally, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from January 6th through February 26th, the area is illuminated, and some trains that pass by slow down. I’m sure the illumination is a beautiful sight to behold!

In the plaza-like area on top of the hill, you can enjoy a bonfire or get a free cup of sweet sake or Yokoze black tea from the “Hospitality Ladies” (volunteers).

This world of ice is stunningly beautiful! Reaching the “Icicles of Ashigakubo” is pretty easy, even for those not experienced at travel, so it’s a great place to visit for people unfamiliar with Chichibu! Definitely try visiting Chichibu in the winter!

※The following express trains will make a special stop at Ashigakubo Station on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays between January 21st and February 26th, 2017. Departures from Ikebukuro Station at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30. (The trip to Ashigakubo station takes about 70 minutes.)