At Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen in Yokoze, Saitama Prefecture, two new experiences are debuting to mark the final stretch of the "Chichibu Fudasho Year of the Horse Grand Kaicho," which wraps up in November: a "Kannon Loryu" sauna session and a "Chichibu Fudasho Bath," both starting Friday, September 18, 2026, alongside the launch of original goshuincho bands. The onsen is operated by Onsen Dojo Co., Ltd. (Tokigawa, Saitama Prefecture; President Toshiki Yamazaki).
Chichibu Fudasho Bath
Cypress (hinoki) wood bearing the Chichibu Fudasho logo will float in both the men's and women's baths.
Period: September 18 (Friday) – September 30 (Wednesday), 2026
Location: Men's and women's bathing areas
Kannon Loryu Sauna Session
In the men's sauna room, guests can enjoy a Chichibu-style loryu (sauna steam) session accented with the scent of sandalwood and background music of sutra chanting.
Period: September 18 (Friday) – September 30 (Wednesday), 2026
Location: Men's sauna room
Original Goshuincho Bands Go on Sale
A limited quantity of original goshuincho bands featuring the Chichibu Fudasho logo will go on sale. The first 34 guests who have completed the pilgrimage to all 34 Chichibu Fudasho temples can purchase one at half the regular price, for 340 yen.
Regular price: 680 yen (tax included)
Sales period: From September 18 (Friday), 2026, while supplies last
Guests wishing to purchase at the half-price rate should present goshuin from all 34 temples at the front desk.
Free Rental Towel With Goshuin
Guests who present a goshuin from any of the 34 Chichibu Fudasho temples, dated the same day or the day before their visit, receive a complimentary rental towel set (normally 300 yen).
Chichibu Fudasho 34-Temple Fortune Stamp Rally
Across the Chichibu region, a smartphone stamp rally is underway to mark the Year of the Horse Grand Kaicho: visitors earn a stamp for each of the 34 Chichibu Fudasho temples they visit, and collecting enough stamps brings a chance to win prizes. Coupons usable at around 100 restaurants, souvenir shops, and other businesses across the Chichibu area are also included, and Buko Onsen is taking part with its own perks.
Period: March 18 (Wednesday) – November 30 (Monday), 2026
Buko Onsen perks: 100 yen off draft beer / 50 yen off soft-serve ice cream
https://event.chichibufudasho.com/
About Chichibu Fudasho
Chichibu has long thrived as a center of religious faith. The Chichibu Fudasho are 34 temples scattered across the Chichibu region, connected by a pilgrimage route spanning roughly 100 kilometers from Temple No. 1 to Temple No. 34. Walking the route through quiet townscapes and mountain paths amid beautiful natural scenery is a hallmark of the pilgrimage, drawing visitors of all ages from around the world. In 2026, the temples are holding the Year of the Horse Grand Kaicho, a once-every-12-years unveiling of hidden Buddhist statues.
About Chichibu Yumoto Buko Onsen
Buko Onsen is a bathing facility at the foot of Mt. Buko, Chichibu's symbolic peak, along the Yokoze River — about a 10-minute walk from Yokoze Station on the Seibu Railway. It features an open-air bath surrounded by greenery, jet baths, a sauna, and more. Lodging and a campsite are also on-site, making it a convenient base for exploring Chichibu and Nagatoro.
Yokoze 4628-3, Yokoze-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
