Chichibu Driving Guide: Nagatoro, Mitsumine Shrine and Chichibu Muse Park Route with Map

The Chichibu area covers Chichibu, Yokoze, Nagatoro, Minano and Ogano in western Saitama Prefecture. From Hanno in the south you enter the mountain-ringed Chichibu basin by Route 299 through the Shomaru Tunnel, and from Yorii in the north by Route 140. This page sets out a one-day route from Yokoze through central Chichibu and its hilltop parks to Nagatoro, and how to reach Mitsumine Shrine in Okuchichibu, and lists the roads and places to stop.

Map of the Chichibu area

The line on the map is the route described below under "First visit: one day from Yokoze through central Chichibu to Nagatoro". The numbers are places to stop: green for views and nature, blue for roadside stations. Hover over or tap a number to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: one day from Yokoze through central Chichibu to Nagatoro

From Michi-no-Eki Kajuen Ashigakubo, take Route 299 into central Chichibu and stop at Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu Shrine and Michi-no-Eki Chichibu, then climb to Chichibu Muse Park. Stop at Minoyama Park in Minano and Michi-no-Eki Minano, then follow Route 140 to the Hodosan Ropeway in Nagatoro. The route is about 42 km and about 1 hour 10 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and do not include traffic.

For the way back, take Route 140 from Nagatoro to Hanazono IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. It is about 30 minutes from Hanazono IC to Nagatoro. Route 140 between Yorii and Minano is very busy, so you can also use the Minano-Yorii Toll Road (¥430 for a standard car).

To Mitsumine Shrine from Futase by the Mitsumine Sightseeing Road

For Mitsumine Shrine, take Route 140 to Lake Chichibu (Futase Dam), then climb the Mitsumine Sightseeing Road for about 9 km. It is about 2 hours from Hanazono IC to Mitsumine Shrine. The Mitsumine Sightseeing Road has many sharp bends and narrow sections, and there are no toilets along its roughly 9 km. On holidays the cars waiting to enter the Mitsumine car park (¥520 for a standard car) cause a major jam.

Autumn leaves and the Night Festival

At Chichibu Muse Park the autumn leaves were at their best in most places as of 23 October. In Otaki in Okuchichibu they usually peak from late October to late November. The Chichibu Night Festival is on 2 and 3 December, but the 2026 traffic restrictions and temporary car parks have not been announced yet.

Roads you can drive

Of the 30 forest roads in Chichibu, 25 have restrictions. Some, including the Sadamine Line and the Takashino-toge Line, are fully closed.

Places to stop

Views and nature

The numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

Busy places and times

• On holidays, the Mitsumine car park fills and cars waiting to enter cause a major jam.
• Route 140 between Yorii and Minano is very busy. Using the Minano-Yorii Toll Road saves 15 minutes on average.
• The roads around Hitsujiyama Park are very busy during the moss phlox season.

Closures and restrictions (as of 26 October)

• The Nagatoro Line-kudari boat ride is cancelled all day on 26 October because of bad weather.
• Route 140 from Hakure Station to Nakanoue is closed from 9:00 to 17:00 on 29 October (reserve day: 30 October).
• Chichibu Overpass on Route 140 is closed for demolition work. Follow the detour.
• The Minano-Yorii Toll Road is fully closed from 10:00 to 11:00 on 5 November.
• In heavy snow, Route 140 may be closed from the Niekawa intersection towards Karisaka. While it is closed, you cannot travel between Saitama and Yamanashi.

Getting there and fuel

There are no petrol stations at the roadside stations. Fill up in central Chichibu before going to Mitsumine Shrine or Nakatsugawa. The Mitsumine car park is at about 1,000 m and gets very cold.

If you don't have a car

Driving in Japan on a foreign licence needs a 1949 Geneva international driving permit or an official Japanese translation; see Driving in Japan on a Foreign License. If you are picking up a car at the airport, see Renting a Car at Haneda, Narita or Kansai Airport: Pickup and Return.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best one-day drive in Chichibu?

Start at Yokoze and take Route 299 into central Chichibu, go round Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu Shrine and Chichibu Muse Park, and finish at Minoyama Park and Nagatoro. It is about 42 km and about 1 hour 10 minutes of driving.

Can I drive to Mitsumine Shrine?

Yes. Take Route 140 to Lake Chichibu, then climb the Mitsumine Sightseeing Road for about 9 km. The city-run Mitsumine car park costs ¥520 for a standard car. On holidays the cars waiting to enter the car park cause a major jam.

Should I come to Chichibu from the Kan-etsu Expressway or the Ken-O Expressway?

For Nagatoro and Minano, use Hanazono IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. For Yokoze and central Chichibu, you can use Sayama-Hidaka IC on the Ken-O Expressway and take Route 299 through the Shomaru Tunnel.

Can I drive to Chichibu on the days of the Night Festival?

The Chichibu Night Festival is on 2 and 3 December. The 2026 traffic restrictions and temporary car parks have not been announced yet.

Can I buy petrol in Chichibu?

There are no petrol stations at the roadside stations. Fill up in central Chichibu before going to Mitsumine Shrine or Nakatsugawa.

Nearby areas and guides

• Saitama Prefecture driving and travel guide
• Driving in Japan on a Foreign License: IDP or Translation
• Renting a Car at Haneda, Narita or Kansai Airport: Pickup and Return