Onouchi Gorge

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Onouchi Gorge

A gorge made famous by its winter icicles, suspension bridge and water falls.

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Onouchi Gorge was formed from the waters of Mt. Ryokami and the Chichibu Mountains in Saitama. Tucked deep within the reaches of a thick forest, this destination is truly a hidden spot. It boasts a large suspension bridge that hangs across its length, and widely acclaimed views of the waterfalls.

The landscape here is gorgeous in its autumn reds and verdant greens, but its biggest draw happens every year from mid-January to late February, when the Onouchi Icicles are available to see. According to local volunteers here, the massive sheet of icicles is as much as 250-meters wide and 60-meters tall, and can be seen during the “Chichibu’s Three Largest Icicles” event! From TV and magazines to a wide range of outlets, this winter tradition continues to draw crowds each year. There’s even a limited-time illumination season, offering a view of lights as they play across the icicles and suspension bridge; a sight that’s magical enough to forget about the cold. Free amazake drinks are available during event season, as well as other stalls with local foods to keep you warm during your visit. Deep in the mountains, surrounded by the grandeur of beauty and form, this winter-only landscape is one you won’t want to miss!

Highlights

  • Onouchi Icicles are an especially picture-perfect spot to light up your social media feeds.
  • The icicles are illuminated each year from mid-January to late February.
  • You can see the Onouchi icicles from 8:00am-4:00pm. 500yen for middle-school aged children and up.
  • Limited-time, regional dishes available to try only during this time.

Photos

  • Onouchi Icicles in view from the suspension bridge.

    Onouchi Icicles in view from the suspension bridge.

  • Onouchi Icicles in view from the suspension bridge.

    Onouchi Icicles in view from the suspension bridge.

  • Illumination from mid-January to late February.

    Illumination from mid-January to late February.

  • Onouchi Gorge, rich with negatively charged ions in its greenest seasons.

    Onouchi Gorge, rich with negatively charged ions in its greenest seasons.

  • Food stalls available during the icicle event.

    Food stalls available during the icicle event.

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Details

Name in Japanese
尾ノ内渓谷
Postal Code
368-0113
Address
996-1 Kawarasawa, Oganomachi, Chichibugun, Saitama
Telephone
0494-75-5060 (OGANO-RYOKAMI tourist association)
Hours
8:00am - 4:00pm (During the illumination event on weekends and holidays: 8:00am - 8:00pm)
Season
late January to late February
Fee
Viewing the Onouchi Icicles: 500 yen.
Access
(1) Take a 70 min bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu-Chichibu Line, and walk approx. 20 mins.
(2) Approx. 100 min. drive from Hanazono IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)