Are you thinking about visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai, Japan? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai worth visiting?
This national park is a good place to visit for one to two days. Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is an accessible national park that is just two hours from Tokyo. It makes a great break from city life, and many locals enjoy visiting for a day or overnight trip. There are camping places as well as many hikes that pass by gorges and lush forests.
Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, Japan (©MOEJ)
Reasons to Visit Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Hiking
There are a range of hikes in this park that include everything from day trip hikes and multi-day treks with camping and mountain huts available. The trails run along gorges, pass by lakes, and take you through pristine forests.
Authenticity
Chichibu-Tama-Kai has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
The weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The gorgeous scenery this time of year is the main attraction. This is the perfect time to hike around the area and take in the amazing scenery. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable national park, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the hiking.
Summer Weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (78°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 177 mm (7 in) |
Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai worth visiting in the Autumn?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (62°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Chichibu-Tama-Kai, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. Even though Chichibu-Tama-Kai is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery and go hiking.
Autumn Weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 17°C (62°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| November | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 4°C (39°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to .
Winter Weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 4°C (39°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| February | 4°C (40°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| March | 8°C (46°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Chichibu-Tama-Kai worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Chichibu-Tama-Kai. Even though Chichibu-Tama-Kai is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Get out into the wilderness to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery.
Spring Weather in Chichibu-Tama-Kai
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (56°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| June | 22°C (71°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Chichibu-Tama-Kai
Museums: Chichibu-Tama-Kai isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. There are hikes that pass by historic villages and you'll see several ancient shrines such as Musashi-Mitake-jinja Shrine. Between the months of June and November you may even be able to see kagura, which is a traditional Shinto dance performance that has been passed down through the generations.
Food: Chichibu-Tama-Kai doesn't top the list for most foodies. There are a couple of restaurants in and near the park, but if you're going for a longer hike, you're better off packing your own picnic.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Chichibu-Tama-Kai might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Chichibu-Tama-Kai here or see if Chichibu-Tama-Kai is expensive here.
Related
What is Chichibu-Tama-Kai most famous for?
Chichibu-Tama-Kai is most famous for its beautiful hikes and accessibility from Tokyo. It is often described as relaxing, natural, beautiful, and peaceful.
What is the most famous sight in Chichibu-Tama-Kai?
The most popular sight in Chichibu-Tama-Kai is Mitake-Shosenkyo Gorge. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Chichibu-Tama-Kai on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Mitake-Shosenkyo Gorge and other attractions here.
How touristy is Chichibu-Tama-Kai? Is it a popular national park to visit?
Chichibu-Tama-Kai is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
How long should I spend in Chichibu-Tama-Kai?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Chichibu-Tama-Kai is one to two days. Since Chichibu-Tama-Kai has activities such as hiking, many visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Chichibu-Tama-Kai?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.