Seibuchichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsurinoyu is a modern hot spring facility located directly in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. Opened in 2017, this relatively new onsen complex was designed to provide convenient access to natural hot spring bathing for visitors exploring the Chichibu region, particularly those arriving by the Seibu Railway line from Tokyo. The facility draws its mineral-rich waters from approximately 1,500 meters below ground, offering authentic onsen experiences in an urban-accessible setting.
The name "Matsurinoyu" translates to "Festival Hot Spring," reflecting Chichibu's renowned festival culture, particularly the Chichibu Night Festival, designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event. The facility's architecture and interior design incorporate elements celebrating this heritage, with decorative motifs and displays that educate visitors about local traditions. The hot spring water is classified as an alkaline simple spring, known for its smooth texture and skin-softening properties, making it popular among both therapeutic bathers and casual visitors.
Visitors can experience multiple bathing areas including indoor and outdoor baths with views of the surrounding mountains, a rotenburo (open-air bath), and separate male and female facilities equipped with saunas and cold plunge pools. The complex also houses a restaurant serving local Chichibu cuisine, a relaxation lounge, and a shop selling regional products and souvenirs. The facility serves as both a destination and a convenient stop for travelers beginning or ending their exploration of Chichibu's natural and cultural attractions, including nearby Mount Buko and the historic Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage temples.
Access is exceptionally straightforward, as the facility is located less than one minute on foot from Seibu-Chichibu Station, the terminus of the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Direct limited express trains from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo reach Seibu-Chichibu in approximately 78 minutes, making day trips feasible for Tokyo-based travelers. Standard admission for adults costs around ¥900 on weekdays and ¥1,000 on weekends and holidays.