Chichibu Shrine
秩父神社
This 2,000-year-old Shinto shrine in Chichibu is known for its 19th century wooden main building with a thatched roof and December Night Festival.
The Chichibu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Chichibu in Saitama prefecture. It is one of the most important and popular shrines in the region, attracting many visitors every year. The shrine is dedicated to the god of the mountain and is closely associated with the Chichibu Night Festival, which takes place every December.
The Chichibu Shrine has a long history dating back over 2,000 years, although the current buildings were constructed in the 19th century. The main shrine building is an impressive wooden structure with a thatched roof and ornate decorations. It is surrounded by a large complex of smaller shrines, gates, and torii (traditional Japanese gates).
One of the most distinctive features of the Chichibu Shrine is the long stone staircase that leads up to the main shrine building. The staircase is flanked by towering trees and stone lanterns, creating a majestic and serene atmosphere.
Upcoming events at this place
Chichibu Night Festival
An annual festival in Saitama featuring six ornate floats illuminated by thousands of lanterns, along with fireworks and traditional performances.
2–3 Dec 2026Chichibu · Saitama
Chichibu Kawase Matsuri
The summer counterpart to Chichibu's famous winter festival, held in July, where children take central roles as musicians and performers on decorated floats.
19–20 Jul 2027Chichibu · SaitamaYou might also like
Kanamara Matsuri "Festival of the Steel Phallus"
An annual Shinto festival at Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki featuring distinctive phallic imagery in decorations and parades while raising funds for HIV research.
5 Apr 2027Kawasaki · Kanagawa
Kanayama Shrine
Shrine dedicated to metalworking deities, famous for the annual Kanamara Matsuri celebrating fertility and well-being, with origins in the Edo period.
Kawasaki · Kanagawa
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
Shrine founded as guardian deity of the Kamakura shogunate, hosting significant festivals including horseback archery and sumo wrestling traditions.
Kamakura · Kanagawa
Moka Summer Festival
Moka Summer Festival honors Kojin, the god of fire and hearth, with over 20 mikoshi and festival floats paraded through the city during a three-day summer celebration.
24–26 Jul 2027Moka · Tochigi
Hie Shrine
Hie Shrine in Tokyo's Nagatachō district dates to the Kamakura period and served as guardian deity of Edo Castle and the Imperial Palace.
Tokyo
Morioka Fall Festival
One of Iwate's most enduring celebrations, this autumn festival originated as prayers for harvest, now featuring ornate floats and traditional parades.
14–16 Sep 2026Morioka · Iwate