Tokigawa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Togakushi-machi, recommend staying at Chichibu Boso Resort Hotel, a family-oriented retreat blending traditional Japanese gardens with modern amenities. It features an on-site hot spring bath, children's playroom, and free shuttle service to nearby attractions like Chichibu Shrine and Yamanaka Lake Nature Trail. The hotel serves authentic Chichibu cuisine, including seasonal kaiseki dinners, and offers special guided tours during the annual Chichibu Night Festival, allowing families to experience local traditions firsthand.

The ideal accommodation zone is central Togakushi-machi, near Togakushi Station, with easy access to Omiya Park and the Chichibu Railway Museum. This area hosts a cluster of boutique inns and guesthouses such as Togakushi Minshuku House, offering quiet, rustic charm. Local shops, restaurants, and cafes are within walking distance, making it perfect for leisurely strolls and experiencing slow-paced rural life.

Visitors should not miss the Chichibu Night Festival, held annually in December, featuring grand floats, taiko drum performances, and deep-rooted spiritual rituals. A visit to Chichibu Shrine offers traditional purification rites at the temizuya and opportunities to participate in prayer ceremonies. For craft enthusiasts, hands-on bamboo weaving workshops led by local artisans allow guests to create functional bamboo baskets as authentic souvenirs.

Stay at Chino-yu Ryokan, nestled in serene mountain surroundings with naturally sourced hot springs. The inn offers private outdoor baths with panoramic views of changing seasons, along with tatami-mat rooms and exquisite kaiseki dinner. Weekly events include moonlight tea ceremonies accompanied by shamisen music and wagashi sweets, creating a poetic atmosphere. Guests can reach the ryokan via a 30-minute bus ride from Omiya Station.

Must-visit photo locations include the Chichibu River Sunset Trail, where golden hour light reflects off the water and old wooden bridges, creating dreamy compositions. The Yamanaka Lake Red Leaf Viewing Platform is ideal in autumn, offering sweeping vistas of crimson maple trees mirrored in the lake. Also popular is the old Chichibu Railway Station site, preserving Showa-era architecture, frequently visited by train enthusiasts and historical photographers.

Must-try dishes include Chichibu beef, prized for its tender texture and marbling—best enjoyed grilled at Ichino-kura Beef Specialty Restaurant. Another highlight is wild mountain vegetable tempura, made with fresh ferns and dandelions harvested locally. During winter, join the hot pot festival, featuring hearty stews with local vegetables and duck meat, served in clear, flavorful broth. Don’t forget to sample Chichibu plum wine, crafted from regional plums—refreshingly tart and sweet.

Cycle the Chichibu River Greenway, a 12-km scenic trail with gentle slopes, lined with cherry and ginkgo trees. Ideal for all levels, rest stops and rental bikes are available at the Togakushi Tourist Information Center. Another hidden gem is the Yamanaka Lake Loop Route, winding through forests and beside streams, where you may spot deer and birds. Electric bikes are also offered for longer rides.

Spring brings the Chichibu Cherry Blossom Festival at Omiya Park, with illuminated cherry blossoms creating a magical nighttime scene. Summer features the Chichibu Night Festival, combining traditional dances and elaborate floats. In autumn, the Yamanaka Lake Maple Festival celebrates fiery foliage with paper umbrella displays and photography contests. Winter hosts the Chichibu Snow Lantern Path, where lit lanterns line the streets, evoking cozy, nostalgic vibes.

Visit the Togakushi Children’s Museum, which offers interactive exhibits on local history and ecology, plus parent-child learning workshops. The Chichibu Zoo houses native species like Japanese hares and horned frogs, with feeding sessions and guided tours. Omiya Park features a large playground and family-friendly walking paths. Some hotels, like Chino-yu Ryokan, provide kids’ yukata and toy gift packs, enhancing the family travel experience.

Despite being a rural town, Togakushi-machi is well-connected. Take the Chichibu Railway from Tokyo Station—just 50 minutes to Togakushi Station—with frequent departures. Multiple bus lines link to Omiya Station and Sawaguchi Station, enabling transfers to major cities in Saitama Prefecture. To reach Yokohama or Osaka, transfer at Omiya Station to Shinkansen trains—approximately 1.5 hours total. Consider purchasing the Chichibu Railway One-Day Pass for unlimited travel on main lines, offering great value.