Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture:Icicles at Ashigakubo

Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture:Icicles at Ashigakubo – アシガクボノツララ (埼玉県秩父郡 : あしがくぼの氷柱) –

The Ashigakubo icicles are one of the “Three Great Icicles of Chichibu” and are a seasonal sight that can only be seen in winter.
A magnificent view unfolds across a height of 30m and a width of 200m.
We also recommend the “Yokoze Pilgrimage,” which includes a tour of the icicles at Ashigakubo and paper-cut temple seals.
Roadside Station Ashigakubo Fruit Park:道の駅 果樹公園あしがくぼ   It can be reached from the roadside station, about a 10-minute walk from Ashigakubo Station, and can also be seen from the train window.

This is an icy sight that can only be seen in the harsh winter, and depending on the ice conditions it may be closed without notice, so if you plan to go it’s best to check frequently.

*Entry is restricted to areas other than pedestrian paths within the venue.
* May be closed without notice depending on weather or ice conditions.
*Please note that you will only be able to enter the premises during the event period. Once the period is over, you will not be able to enter the venue premises at all.
*Warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
*Pets are allowed inside, but please be mindful of etiquette and do not cause trouble to other customers.

【Features】

It is a huge icicle measuring 200m wide and 30m high, and is one of the three largest icicles in Chichibu. It was created by nature and the local people, and is lit up on weekend nights (when I went it was empty during the day, but it was very crowded when it was lit up at night).

During the day, we also recommend enjoying the icicles(ツララ) in the midst of nature.
The Seibu Chichibu Line runs right next to it, so you can take the train there and see the icicles, but if you want to see the night illuminations, it will be tiring on a day trip.

If you are traveling by car, we recommend using winter tires on National Route 299, as the road surface may freeze over in the winter near the icicles of Ashigakubo due to the cold mornings and evenings.
The national highway in Yokoze and Ashigakubo has many shady areas and curves, so we recommend that you take ample caution, remain calm, and allow yourself plenty of time and patience.

[Event Period]

 In 2025, the event was scheduled to run from Thursday, January 9th to Monday, February 24th (national holiday), and has now been extended until Sunday, March 2nd.
*The event period varies depending on the year.

[Opening times and fees] (as of February 2025)

Daytime：9:00-16:00 (Last entry 16:00)
Daytime: 400 yen (junior high school students and above) / 200 yen (elementary school students)
・Disability discount (present ID) 100 yen off each

Illumination Night Session: Illumination will be held from Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays
(17:45 – 20:00, may vary depending on sunset time)
Illumination evening session: 500 yen (junior high school students and above) 300 yen (elementary school students)
・Disability discount (present ID) 100 yen off each
* Advance reservations are required for illuminations on weekends and holidays (WEB)
・No reservations are required for those coming by train (Thursdays and Fridays).
If you get a numbered ticket that allows you to view the illumination, which is distributed inside the ticket gate at Seibu Chichibu Line Ashigakubo Station (directly in front after descending the stairs to the platform), you can view the illumination without making a reservation on Thursdays and Fridays.

*There are separate fees for the daytime and illuminated evening sessions.(As of 2025)

For details, please check with the Yokoze Town Tourism Association.
https://www.yokoze.org/ [Yokoze Town Tourism Association：一般社団法人　横瀬町観光協会] https://www.yokoze.org/hyouchuu/ Icicles at Ashigakubo：あしがくぼの氷柱

There are many slippery areas, so leather shoes for men and high heels for women may be difficult for both the day and evening sessions.
Please be careful where you step when you go.

At night, the icicles are lit up, but some areas are dark, so it may be difficult for elderly people or those with physical disabilities to reach the icicles without someone to accompany them.
There is a shortage of parking spaces during the illumination times, so we recommend taking the train to avoid traffic jams or going early.

In addition to cold weather clothing such as down coats and thermal innerwear, it is a good idea to also have gloves and a hat that covers your ears. However, you will get hot while walking, so it is best to take good care of yourself.

The 2025 event has already ended, but I posted this in the hope that it will be helpful for those who are planning to go in 2026. As the temperature in Japan changes every year due to global warming and climate change, the event period may change.
It wouldn’t exist without the local people who look after it, so I hope you’ll take the opportunity to see it.
Thank you for watching.