About an hour away via train to the north of Tokyo is Saitama Prefecture. In this prefecture lies Chichibu, a city amidst the beauty of nature. The lush mountains that surround the town contribute to its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It was only recently that Chichibu started to actively promote itself as a tourist destination.…

Ever wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life but find it difficult or troublesome to get to the countryside and get some fresh air or see nature’s sights? If you are in or near Saitama Prefecture (埼玉県), look no further than Chichibu City (秩父市) this winter 2017 for some…

While I was in Chichibu recently to enjoy the nice spring flower festival at Hitsujiyama Park (羊山公園) in May, I came across a nice yummy place for lunch (thanks to my dear friend for doing some checking up). This place seems popular with the locals but is not well known to foreign visitors. The place…

As the weather gets warmer and it starts to feel more like spring, we know it is the season of sakura (cherry blossoms). During sakura season, many tourists from all around the world visit Japan to enjoy the beauty of this iconic flower which has become the symbol of spring in Japan. However, not every…