What deities are enshrined at Chichibu Shrine?

Chichibu Shrine enshrines several deities, including Yagokoro-omoikane-no-mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-mikoto, and others, who are believed to protect the local area and its people.

What is unique about the Chichibu Night Festival?

The Chichibu Night Festival features elaborate floats called "yatai," adorned with lanterns and accompanied by traditional music and dance. It is one of Japan's three major float festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Takayama Matsuri in Gifu.

Are there any special rituals or ceremonies held at Chichibu Shrine?

Throughout the year, Chichibu Shrine hosts various traditional ceremonies, including New Year’s celebrations, Setsubun (bean-throwing festival), and Shinto purification rituals.

What are the main attractions within the shrine grounds?

In addition to the main hall and intricate carvings, visitors can explore the sacred tree, a picturesque bridge, and several smaller shrines dedicated to different deities.

Is there an entrance fee for visiting Chichibu Shrine?

No, visiting Chichibu Shrine is free of charge, although donations are appreciated to help maintain the shrine and its activities.

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with ornate wooden architecture, surrounded by lush green trees under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A stone path leads to the shrine’s entrance.

A traditional Japanese temple gate with ornate roof and red wooden pillars frames a view of a tree-lined street and people walking in the background. Lush greenery surrounds the structure.

A close-up of a traditional red Japanese shrine partially obscured by green leaves, with intricate architectural details and a peaceful outdoor setting.

Colorful koi fish swim together near the water’s surface, with orange, white, and patterned scales visible. Reflections of tree branches appear on the rippling water above them.

A bamboo water fountain with wooden ladles at a Japanese shrine, with a traditional red building and stone lantern blurred in the background.

Saitama

Chichibu Shrine

4.3 (8685)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestAssociation Or OrganizationEstablishment

Chichibu Shrine is a significant historical site in Saitama, dating back over 2,100 years. Known for its intricate carvings, the shrine features work by Hidari Jingorō, a renowned artist famous for his lifelike depictions of tigers, dragons, and flowers. These carvings showcase the craftsmanship of the Edo period.

Every December, the shrine becomes the center of the Chichibu Night Festival, one of Japan’s top three float festivals. This event, with its grand floats, vibrant fireworks, and traditional music, draws crowds from all over, creating a festive atmosphere.

Chichibu Shrine is also part of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage, a route that connects 34 temples. Pilgrims come to seek blessings and good fortune, making it a spiritual journey. The shrine grounds house a sacred tree, believed to bestow luck on those who touch it.

Located in a serene area, the Chichibu Shrine is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk while admiring the historical architecture and natural beauty. Chichibu Shrine is a place where history, culture, and nature come together, offering a unique and enriching experience.

Hours

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 494-22-0262

Website

www.chichibu-jinja.or.jp

The area

Address

1-3 Banbamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0041, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Trip templates featuring Chichibu Shrine

15-day Anime Pilgrimage

Momiji Kashiwa

Trip templates featuring Chichibu Shrine

15-day Anime Pilgrimage

Momiji Kashiwa

What other travelers are saying about Chichibu Shrine

Beautiful ancient shrine! Starting point for the Chichibu festival!

Ann Rennier

Dec 5, 2025

A beautiful Shrine in a beautiful city! The wood carvings alone are a good reason to come and visit. Unique Omamori for sale, also traffic safety reflector Omamori as well! The shrine has a little traditional cafe next to it so you can enjoy anmitsu and matcha near by.

Katharina Töpfer

Oct 28, 2025

Beautiful shrine. Nice walk from Seibu Chichibu station, there were many stores on the way.

レハ

Jul 20, 2025

This shrine near Chichibu Station was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu. A spring from Chichibu flows through the shrine grounds, and there is an interesting water fortune-telling ceremony in which characters appear when the shrine is dipped in the water. There is also an objet d'art lurking at the bottom of the clear water in the hand-watering basin. The four sides of the main shrine are decorated with magnificent carvings, and visitors can enjoy walking around the main shrine after praying. Among them is a parent's guide to child rearing, "Do not let the baby out of your skin," inscribed with the words, "A child is a treasure, a tiger for raising children," by the Edo period master craftsman Jingoro Sa. Don't let go of your infant's hand. Keep your eyes on the child. Don't let go of your heart to the young.