Chichibu City and its local tourism association are lighting up streets and temple grounds across Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, with "Chichibu Night Street: Irodori Sanpo," a nighttime walking event starting September 18 (Friday).
The event has previously run in winter, but this year brings its first-ever autumn edition, timed to the fall foliage season. It also runs through November 30, the finale of the Chichibu Fudasho Year of the Horse Grand Opening, held only once every 12 years.
Chichibu Shrine, along with Jigen-ji (pilgrimage temple 13) and Shorin-ji (pilgrimage temple 15), will be lit up in an autumn-toned, modern take on traditional lighting. At Myoken no Mori Park, the main venue, a projection-mapping display returns on the dome of Japanese umbrellas that proved popular in previous runs.
A range of events, some held for the first time, will take place throughout the light-up period, giving visitors more reasons to explore each illuminated site.
Highlights
Free "NAKED Distance Lantern" rentals
Visitors can borrow the popular "NAKED Distance Lantern," which casts artistic light patterns on the ground, free of charge this time. Using a participating shop while carrying the lantern also comes with a small extra perk.
- Rental dates and hours: September 20 (Sun), 26 (Sat); October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Sat); November 7, 14 (Sat), 2026, 5:30 PM–8:00 PM (returns accepted until 8:45 PM)
- Rental location: Myoken no Mori Park
- Rental fee: Free
Chichibu Yoru Baru Matsuri prize draw
A prize draw runs alongside the light-up, using tickets earned by visiting participating shops around the venues while enjoying autumn flavors and local sake.
- Draw dates and hours: Same dates as the lantern rental above, 5:30 PM–9:00 PM, at Myoken no Mori Park (ends early each day once prizes run out)
- Ticket distribution period: September 18 – November 14, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, at participating shops near the light-up venues
- How to earn a ticket: One ticket per ¥2,000 (tax included) spent (ends when tickets run out each day)
First joint goshuin from two Chichibu pilgrimage temples
Jigen-ji (Temple 13) and Shorin-ji (Temple 15), both part of the light-up, are offering a joint goshuin stamp for the first time, marking the finale of the Chichibu Fudasho Year of the Horse Grand Opening.
- Dates: September 18 – November 15, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (during regular temple hours)
- Location: Chichibu Pilgrimage Temple 13 Jigen-ji and Chichibu Pilgrimage Temple 15 Shorin-ji (same design at both)
- Price: ¥1,000
Kids' "Candy Thief" walk
An orientation-style event for elementary school age and younger children, who pick up a candy bag at the start and gather treats while following the light-up route to the finish.
- Date and time: September 26 (Sat), 5:30 PM–6:30 PM (check-in window); limited to the first 50 participants, ends once full
- Check-in location: Myoken no Mori Park (start and finish)
- Fee: Free
- Eligibility: Elementary school age and younger, accompanied by a guardian
Instagram photo contest
Visitors can enter a photo contest by posting their "Chichibu Night Street" photos on Instagram, with five to ten winners receiving a Chichibu souvenir set worth about ¥5,000.
- Period: September 18 – November 15, 2026
- How to enter: Follow the Chichibu City Tourism Division's official Instagram account and post using the hashtag "#秩父夜街2026秋," tagging the account
Additional events are planned throughout the season, with updates posted on the official website.
Event Details
Event name: Chichibu Night Street: Irodori Sanpo 2026 Autumn
Dates: September 18 – November 30, 2026, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays
Light-up hours: 5:30 PM–9:00 PM (visits to Chichibu Shrine accepted until 8:00 PM)
Main venues: Chichibu Shrine, Myoken no Mori Park, Chichibu Pilgrimage Temple 13 Jigen-ji, Chichibu Pilgrimage Temple 15 Shorin-ji, the monument plaza in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station, and other locations
