When you come to Chichibu, pay a visit to the local shrine @Chichibu Shrine

3 minutes walk from Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway. This is where the Chichibu Night Festival, one of Japan's three major float festivals, takes place. I've heard that the festival is very grand. Chichibu Shrine is surrounded by a forest of oak trees, where it is said that owls return. There was a magnificent ginkgo tree in the shrine grounds. It had a strange trunk shape. The main hall has colorful sculptures and is very beautiful. There were Ebisu and Daikoku in front. I visited in the morning, so it wasn't crowded, and I had to wait a few minutes to get my goshuin written. The people who were praying seemed to have made reservations for groups. It seems that you can make reservations for prayers by time, even on the day. The water flowing in the ponds in the shrine grounds was very clear, and goldfish seemed to be floating. There was a water fortune telling service. The main approach to the shrine is a tourist spot in the Chichibu city area, and there are many cafes, restaurants, and other places where you can enjoy Chichibu cuisine. If you visit this area, say hello to the gods protected by the locals and you'll have a great trip. 1-3 Banbacho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, 368-0041 #ChichibuShrine #Chichibu