Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture
Clouds swallowed the town on a Chichibu morning Watching a bridge tower emerge from the clouds at Tabidachi Hill in autumn
On an autumn morning—especially around November—look out over the Chichibu Basin from Tabidachi Hill. As a bridge tower and mountain ridges rise above the clouds, the familiar town takes on a whole new shape.
Read the story of an autumn morning spent watching the sea of clouds from Tabidachi Hill.
AutumnAutumn, especially the pre-dawn and early morning hours in November
A bridge tower emerged from the clouds
While it was still dark, my friend and I set off for Chichibu Muse Park. We’d decided to see the morning view from Tabidachi Hill, so we met even earlier than usual. Leaves crackled underfoot as we got out of the car and walked. I pulled my coat closed and headed toward the observation deck, my scarf clutched to my chest.
I thought I’d be looking down at the town, but before I spotted any buildings, a blanket of white cloud filled my view. It spread across the basin, with mountain ridges beyond. A moment ago I’d been driving along the road; now I was looking down on a sea of clouds. The change caught me off guard. I started to say something to my friend, then just stood there taking it in.
A bridge tower rose out of the clouds. I couldn’t see the whole thing; only the top stood above them. I wanted to trace it with my eyes and imagine the road and town below. When I realized my friend had spotted the same tower, I smiled. Before we said a word, we were both looking in the same direction.
Sunlight came over the mountains and brightened the surface of the clouds. I’d brought my scarf to wrap around my neck, but somehow I’d spent the whole time clutching it against my chest. I finally wrapped it around my neck and felt its warmth at my throat, just beneath my chilled cheeks. I looked at the view once more, and the clouds had shifted a little. I couldn’t look away again.
My friend and I talked about how we’d like to stop in Chichibu for soba on the way back. We were about to descend into the town hidden beneath the clouds. Before we left, I took one more look from the deck at the bridge tower and mountain ridges. I was glad I’d gotten up early. That morning would stay with me as more than a photo: I’d remember the cold air and the feel of my scarf against my chest, too.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local food to enjoy on your trip
Chichibu soba
Soba is part of Chichibu’s local food culture. After watching the sea of clouds, I’d like a bowl in town. As I explore the town I’d just seen from above, that morning view will probably come back to me.
Highlights
A hill in the town where a graduation song was written
A monument commemorates “Tabidachi no Hi ni”, a song written at a junior high school in Chichibu. On the deck at the far end, you’ll hear a chorus by students from Kagemori Junior High School. The song and the town’s scenery come together here.
Looking down on the basin’s mist as a sea of clouds
Chichibu is a basin ringed by mountains. Seen from higher up, the thick mist near the ground spreads out like a sea. The morning I spotted the bridge tower, I found myself wondering about the town hidden underneath.
Road and location details
Yui-machi Road (Sky Road)
- Walking path length
- About 3,000m
- Walking path width
- 18m
It’s a walking path linking the park’s three zones from north to south. After taking in the morning view from Tabidachi Hill, you can stretch your legs and explore the park too.
The figures here refer to the Sky Road’s length and width. This is a walking and cycling path inside the park, separate from the roads for cars. I’d like to make time for a walk after I park the car, too.
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