NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Chichibu isn't just a small valley city that's conveniently several hours from Tokyo, it's also a tucked-away paradise filled with breathtaking natural wonders and exciting cultural and religious festivals. Chichibu Jinja is the region's primary Shinto shrine and home of the Chichibu Kawasematsuri and Chichibu Yomatsuri. The Kawasematsuri is descended from the Heian Era's Gion festival and is held every July, where participants parade around gigantic wooden shrines to the sound of booming taiko drums. The Yomatsuri, or Night Festival, is held every December and is regarded as one of Japan's largest float festivals.

The valley is filled with nature sights and outdoor adventures, making Chichibu a prime destination even if there aren't any festivals scheduled soon. Hitsujiyama Park is home to the Moss Pink Hill, an area filled with moss phlox plants that flower every spring and color the whole landscape in various shades of pink. Alongside this, the park is also home to 1000 cherry trees, making it a fantastic spot for sakura flower viewing.

Bowing (ojigi): It's advisable to bow to show respect when greeting someone. It can also be done to show gratitude or convey an apology.
Shoe etiquette: You must remove your outside footwear before stepping on the elevated area of the genkan (entrance) and entering a house. You should also ensure not to step on the lower area of the genkan without your shoes on. Shoes must be kept facing the entrance. If you wear socks, they should be clean and without any holes.
Slipper etiquette: It's usually better to wear fresh socks or slippers inside the house, especially for formal situations. Make sure to remove your slippers before stepping into a room with tatami mats on the floor. There should also be a separate set of slippers for the washroom.
Dining etiquette: How you hold and place your chopsticks while dining is crucial. For example, they shouldn't be held upright when eating rice. You must also place them on a holder when you're not using them. It's good to say "Itadakimasu" before starting a meal and "Gochisousama deshita" after completing it.
Tipping etiquette: Tipping isn't a common practice in Japan and may be considered rude.
Luggage etiquette: Luggage, especially those with wheels, should be carried instead of being dragged across the floor as it might damage the tatami mats or wooden flooring.
Photography etiquette: Photography rules can change from place to place, so make sure to check for signs or ask the staff before taking pictures anywhere.
Queueing etiquette: Make sure to maintain queues and never cut in line.
Onsen etiquette: Some onsens don't allow tattoos, so check with the staff before getting into one. You must also shower and be clean before entering a shared onsen bath.
Bathing etiquette: Japanese baths include separate areas for washing while the tub itself is meant only for soaking. This means bathers must first wash, scrub, and rinse themselves before entering the bath tub.