Misotsuchi Icicles

Water springing from the rocky surface in the headwaters of the Arakawa River freezes in the winter cold to create these natural icicles, which take on a different shape each year. The wall of ice grows to Approx. 8 meters high and Approx. 30 meters wide, like a grand sculpture shaped by nature, leaving visitors in awe. It can be seen on the Arakawa riverside directly below Wood Roof Okuchichibu Auto Campground. From the viewing deck and walking path, you can admire the icicles up close.

The best time to visit is from mid-January to mid-February. During the day, you can enjoy the crystal-clear beauty of the ice shining in the sunlight, while at night the icicles are illuminated in fantastical shades of blue, purple, and warm colors, revealing a completely different side.

Because they depend heavily on natural conditions, the shape and size change from year to year, making each visit a chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime kind of beauty. This is a spot where you will want to take in a form of ice art found only in Chichibu’s bitterly cold winter.