Frozen Chichibu’s Icicle Festival is Back: A Winter Wonderland You Won’t Want to Miss

Who needs a trip to Lapland when you have Chichibu? This charming town, just a stone’s throw from Tokyo, transforms into a winter wonderland every year with its mesmerising Icicle Festival.

Image credit: yokoze Official Website

Also read: 8 Stunning Must-See Tokyo Winter Illuminations 2024

Step into a frozen fairytale

From 9 Jan to 24 Feb 2025, the Ashigakubo area in Chichibu is blanketed in a stunning display of artificial icicles. These icy formations, created by spraying water into the frigid winter air, create a breathtaking, frozen forest.

Image credit: yokoze Official Website

A magical nighttime experience

As the sun sets, the festival takes on a whole new dimension. The icicles are illuminated with colourful lights, casting a magical glow over the entire area. It’s a truly enchanting sight, reminiscent of a scene from a fairytale.

Practical tips for your visit

• Timing: The festival runs from 9 AM to 4 PM daily, with evening illuminations from Thursday to Sunday (including holidays) from 5 PM to 8 PM.
• Location: Ashigakubo is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. It’s a short 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station.
• Tickets: Daytime tickets cost ¥500 (S$4.49) (¥300 (S$2.69) for elementary school students) and include a free drink. Evening illuminations require reservations.

Image credit: yokoze Official Website

Also read: 20 Places in Japan that Look Just Like a Fairy Tale

Visitors seeking a unique winter experience should consider adding Chichibu’s Icicle Festival to their travel itinerary. This winter wonderland is sure to captivate and amaze.