Chichibu is one of the most popular touring route for riders who live in Tokyo area.
Route 299
Chichibu is surrounded by mountains and there are few route to go there.
Route 299 is the major route when you come from Tokyo.
The road runs along a clear river and sandwiched by mountains.
There are quaint houses line the road and its countryside scene makes you calm down.
Waraji cutlet rice bowl
Katsudon is a popular food in Japan which is rice bowl topped with pork cutlet.
However, the one at Chichibu is a little different.
What is the difference from normal katsudon is, Waraji-katsudon is not bound with egg but the cutlet is dipped in sause.
When you open the lid of the bowl, you will be surprised with the size of cutlet!
Then no doubt about that you also will be astonished with its good taste.
Waraji means "straw sandal". The cutlet is as big as sandal, so it is called so.
Mt. Bukoh
The limestone of the mountain is used for constructing buildings in Tokyo.
From anywhere in Chichibu, you can see a strange mountain which looks like stairs. It's Mt. Bukoh, a symbol of Chichibu.
This mountain is made of limestone and many years of mining changed the shape of the mountain.
Pink flower Hill
At the foot of the Mt. Buko, there is Hitsuji-yama Park.
From early April to early May, the hill of the park is covered with pink flowers. It's a sign of spring's arrival to Chichibu.
The traffic is pretty bad at Chichibu town area during the flower season, so I recommend you to take a detour R299 if you don't watch flowers.
Chichibu Kogen Farm
After riding up steep winding road, marverous view suddenly appears before your eyes.
Especially the air is clear from end of automn to early spring and you can see skyscpapers and Sky-tree tower at Tokyo.
This spot is not famous for its marveous view, so it's rich experience to keep this nice view to yourself.
Nagatoro valley
Nagatoro is a scienic spot where are a lot of huge rocks and trees along the river for 6km.
It is a artwork which made by crustal movement of the earth and erosion of the river.
In autumn, red and yellow leaves are pleasure to your eyes..
To fully enjoy the beautiful valley, it is best way to go down the river with boat!
There are two style of tours, river boating and whitewater rafting.
First one, you can piecefully feel the nature with riding the japanese classic-style boat which the skilled boatman controls.
Second one is thrilling rafting. The boat goes down strong current section of the rover, it is exciting!
Loop Bridge
Its official name is "Raiden-Todoroki Bridge".
When you leave Chichibu town and go along a valley, suddenly a high wall appears in front of you.
It is Takizawa dam, the biggest dam in Saitama prefecture.
The road changes to loop bridge and it goes up a height of 120m from the bottom to the top of the dam.
When banking your motorcycle on the bridge, you can watch the 360°of great scenery in the sky.
The old road was submerged when this dam was constructed, so this loop bridge was made to take a detour.
Mitsumine Shrine
Japanese people has adored mountains since ancient era.
Mitsumine Shrine is located at deep in the mountains and it has been a mecca of mountain worship since it was founded at mythological age.
Recent building is constructed at 1800.
You will arrive there after running up thrilling mountain road.
Be careful! There are some narrow points and sharp curves.