Chichibu One-Day Tour, Macha, Shakyo, Onsen and Japanese Cuisine

### Chichibu One-Day Tour – Chichibu Pilgrimage Tour, October 27, 2024

## Experience Traditional Japanese Culture

## Join us for a day trip to explore Japanese culture through sutra copying, shrine visits, and the Chichibu Pilgrimage. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Japanese meal and relax in a hot spring—an ideal way to unwind and relieve stress.

### Tour Highlights:

Sutra Copying Experience: Begin your spiritual journey by practicing sutra copying, a meditative activity that connects you to centuries-old Buddhist traditions.
Visit to Chichibu Shrine: Explore the revered Chichibu Shrine, known for its intricate carvings and deep ties to local folklore. Learn about the history and significance of this important Shinto shrine.
Pilgrimage Sites: Visit two of Chichibu’s famous pilgrimage temples (札所), part of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage, which has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years seeking spiritual renewal.
Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch at a historic restaurant, complete with matcha tea to enhance your experience of local flavors.
Relaxation in a Hot Spring: After a day of spiritual exploration, unwind in a traditional Japanese hot spring, letting the warm waters refresh your body and mind.
With an English-speaking guide to enrich your experience, this tour is perfect for those looking to explore Japan’s spiritual side, learn about its religious customs, and enjoy the beauty of Chichibu’s natural surroundings.

Summary of the Tour
Date: Sunday, October 27th
Meeting Point: Seibu Ikebukuro Station at 8:15 AM (We take Seibu Ikebukuro Line’s 8:30 AM Laview Limited Express from Ikebukuro, arriving at Seibu Chichibu at 9:54 AM.) or Seibu Chichibu Station at 10:00 AM
End Time: Program concludes at 6:00 PM at Seibu Chichibu Station (in time for the 6:24 PM Laview to Ikebukuro, arriving at 7:46 PM).

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### Tour Schedule

• 8:30 AM Leaving Seibu Ikebukuro Station (8:15 Meeting at Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Ikebukuro Station, Arrival at Seibu Ikebukuro at 9:50 AM)
• 10:15 AM – Orientation at “Kan” Rest House, covering sutra copying and an introduction to Chichibu Shrine and the Chichibu Pilgrimage
• 11:00 – 11:45 AM – Sutra copying at “Ku”
• 11:45 – 12:45 PM – Lunch at “Kan”
• 12:45 – 3:00 PM – Visit Chichibu Pilgrimage sites (Jigenji, Shorinji) and Chichibu Shrine on foot
• 3:00 – 4:30 PM – Relax in the “Matsuri no Yu” hot spring
• 4:30 – 5:45 PM – Dinner at “Kan” (including sake)
• 6:24 PM – Departure on Laview Limited Express from Seibu Chichibu Station to Ikebukuro (arrival at 7:46 PM)

Participation fee: from IKEBUKURO Yen 19400
from Seibu Chichibu Station 16000