The Ashigakubo Icicles: Video Introduction

This video, titled "A Spectacular View [Ashigakubo Icicles] Light-up｜A Top 3 Icicle Spot in Chichibu" (絶景「あしがくぼの氷柱」ライトアップ / 秩父三大氷柱2021), was uploaded by "Deep Channel / Shigeo Fukagawa" (Deepちゃんねる / 深川栄生).

The Ashigakubo Icicles are generally open to the public from early January to late February in the town of Yokoze in Chichibu, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto Region, and are known as one of the top 3 icicle spots in Chichibu.

At night on weekends, the icicles are lit up, attracting many tourists from all over Japan to see the fantastic sight of the icicles changing colors in the darkness. The icicles are just a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Railway line, making it an easily accessible spot for tourists to stop by. You can even take pictures of the icicles with the Seibu Chichibu Line train running nearby. Enjoy the realistic video of this beautiful icy world, which can only be viewed during the cold winter months in Japan.
[Video] 0:51 - The Ashigakubo Icicles and the Nearby Train

The Ashigakubo Icicles – How the Must-See Winter Attraction Is Created

Photo：The Ashigakubo Icicles, Chichibu, Saitama

The Top 3 Icicle Spots of Chichibu, which are normally visible from mid-January to mid-February, are a symbol of winter in Chichibu, a region known for its frigid temperatures. The three icicle spots are the Ashigakubo Icicles, the Misotsuchi Icicles, and the Onouchi Icicles. While the Misotsuchi Icicles are made up of natural icicles, the Onouchi Icicles and Ashigakubo Icicles are both man-made attractions. The magnificent icicles, which make good use of Chichibu's topography, are so impressive that it'is hard to believe that they're man made.

The Ashigakubo Icicles are artificially created using sprinklers on the slope of the mountain. The giant field of icicles, standing 30 meters tall and 200 meters wide, covers the entire mountainside and is truly a sight to behold. The project was initiated by local residents of Yokoze and has become a popular tourist attraction since it was opened to the public in 2014.

Because the Ashigakubo icicles are man-made rather than natural, it was possible to build a boardwalk where visitors can observe the icicles up close. This allows visitors to walk along the promenade and appreciate the various views of the icicles up close, as they change in height, angle, and color. The beautifully layered icicles are a work of ice art created through the cooperation of nature and man.

Highlights & Attractions at the Ashigakubo Icicles

Photo：The Ashigakubo Icicle illumination, Chichibu, Saitama

The Ashigakubo Icicles are lit up both during the daytime as well as at night, making it a prominent midwinter event for sightseeing in Chichibu. The illumination lasts from sunset to 8 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays during the event period. Advance web reservations are required to view the illumination on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

The Ashigakubo Icicle illumination slowly changes in color and intensity as it gets darker, adding to the fantastical atmosphere. The romantic view of the beautiful ice world is perfect for dates as well. We recommend enjoying the romantic view of the icicles while walking along the promenade, or from the top of the mountain overlooking the magical field of icicles. Another highlight of the event is the collaboration between the train and the icicles. If you're a photographer, or just looking to get a cool shot for Instagram, you can take an awesome photo of the train as it passes by the picturesque world of ice.
[Video] 0:12 - The Ashigakubo Icicles Lit Up
[Video] 0:51 - A Collaboration of the Train and Icicles

Summary of the Ashigakubo Icicles

Photo：Ashigakubo Station

There are other places in Japan where large icicles can be seen in addition to the Ashigakubo Icicles, but they are not easy to visit due to long walks along steep paths. However, the Ashigakubo Icicles are the most accessible of the Top 3 Icicle Spots of Chichibu, and can be visited on a day trip from central Tokyo.

The nearest station to the Ashigakubo Icicles is Ashigakubo Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Ashigakubo Station by train from Ikebukuro Station, and from there it's an approximately 10-minute walk. The Ashigakubo Icicles are a rare sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy a spectacular winter view at just a train's ride from the heart of Tokyo.

If you're in Japan this winter, consider visiting Chichibu for an extraordinary experience of ice and art.

◆Ice column with hollow legs◆
[Address] Daiji Ashigakubo, Yokose Town, Chichibu-Gun, Saitama Prefecture
[Period] 16th to 25th February 2024
[Business Hours] Monday - Thursday 9:00-16:00 (last admission 16:00)
[Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Holiday] Lighting up will be held from 17:00 to 20:00
　　　　　Light-up varies depending on sunset time
　　　　　*Lighting up on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays is by advance reservation (web)
Day and night exchange system
[Admission fee] 500 yen (over junior high school students) · 300 yen (elementary school students)
[Transportation access] Seibu Chichibu Line Ashigakubo StationGet off and walk 10 minutes
[Parking] Yes (free)
Accept pets: Yes

【TripAdvisor】The Ashigakubo Icicles