To escape the busy streets of Tokyo and enjoy the autumn leaves more, we took the most spontaneous road trip to Chichibu, a city in the westernmost part of Saitama Prefecture surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests.
Chichibu is just a two-hour drive from Tokyo (we set off from Hachioji). You can also take the train via the express Seibu Ikebukuro Line. From Ikebukuro, it takes about an hour and a half to get to Chichibu station.
While on the road, I couldn’t help but be amazed. This city boasts natural beauty and peaceful rural villages. I never expected seeing more.
Everything was just so beautiful — the mountains, the autumn leaves that were slowly changing colors, the orange trees which I saw for the first time, the smiles of the people. No words.
It was definitely ‘love at first sight’ and Chichibu will always be one of my favorite places in Japan. I’m so in love with it and I’ll definitely come back in spring and see more of its beauty.
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That looks like a great day out specially the autumnal colours it adds charms to the place. I will keep chichibu in mind
Thanks, Anneklien!
I don’t know if I’d make it there on a first trip to Japan but it does look peaceful, natural and lovely!
Thanks, Victoria!
I hope you can!
Wow those scenic landscapes are so surprising for a Tokyo day trip. It’s so beautiful in autumn. We’d love to do this next time we’re in Tokyo.
Thank you:)
These landscapes are in Chichibu, Saitama (not in Tokyo) but going to Chichibu only takes an hour and a half by car or by train so it’s not really far. :)
Such a colorful destination. I heard Japan is perfect for introverts.
Thanks, Gokul :)
Japan is perfect for both introverts and extroverts since every place in this country is distinct from one another.
Oh wow, this place look amazing and that doughnut…yummy. So want to go to Japan now. Great post and loving the photographs :)
Thanks, Danik! :)
That doughnut of epic proportions alone has sold me. Will be adding this to my list when I visit Japan next year.
Haha! Thank you :D
Enjoy your time in Japan next year!
Chichibu looks incredible – and that donut is making me hungry!!
Thank you!
Can’t go on a road trip without doughnuts! :D
This post made me want to go back to Japan! It is undeniably a very beautiful country with so much to offer! :)
I feel you!
My mind travels to Japan every day. :D
Being a nature lover, I’m absolutely in love with the pics you shared here – the pic of you immersed in the beautiful red leaves is a dream of mine for Japan – I’d love to be surrounded by such beauty! Thanks, now I’ve learnt about Chichibu :)
Awww..thanks, Michelle :)
I am a nature lover too and discovering about Chichibu was one of my most favorite parts of this trip.
This place has so much beauty to offer.
Hope you can visit too. :)
Hi April, nice story. I’ve still never been to Japan but will go there one day soon. I’ve never heard of Chichibu but your description of it sounds pleasant enough! That’s the thing with living in the Philippines noh, wala tayong fall when all the greenery turns yellow, gold and brown! Nice photos! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ramon, thanks for reading!
Uu grabe ka-exciting to see autumn leaves slowly changing their colors.
Sana may ganyan din satin. hehe
I hope you can visit Chichibu in the near future especially in autumn or spring.
This place is really beautiful. :)
Thanks for sharing! I have never heard of Chichibu before. The views look amazing! Those leaves are beautiful as well! It reminds me of autumn in my home of Michigan. How far of a trip is it from Tokyo?
Thanks, Eemma!
We don’t have autumn in my country so seeing those colorful autumn leaves was insanely exciting for me. :)
It only takes 1.5 to 2 hours by car or by train from Tokyo to Chichibu.
Very beautiful.
Thank you :)
Wow! Such amazing views. This looks like a beautiful place to visit. The colors of the leaves are absolutely amazing. Looks like the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.
Thank you!
Chichibu is the one of the best places to visit in Japan especially in autumn and spring. :)
Looks beautiful. What’s the food in the first pic?
thank you :)
it’s a doughnut.