Banba Street

Banba Street is a cobblestone road leading to Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, featuring structures dating from the early 1900s that create an atmosphere evoking times past. Many shops operate in buildings designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties by the national government, allowing visitors to experience historical Japanese architecture while patronizing active businesses.

The street showcases Taisho-era architectural gems housed in meticulously preserved Japanese-Western buildings of the early 1900s. Notable establishments include Pari Shokudo, established in 1927 and run by third generation owner Yoshitomo Kawabe, which is designated as a registered tangible cultural property. The street's cultural significance stems from its role as the traditional approach to Chichibu Shrine, an important spiritual center for local residents throughout history.

Visitors can explore a variety of restaurants, cafes, sweet shops, and traditional stores lining the street. The area maintains a Taisho-era romantic feel, with many businesses continuing to operate in historically designated buildings. The street offers opportunities to sample local cuisine, purchase traditional crafts, and experience the nostalgic charm of early twentieth-century Japan while strolling through the preserved townscape.

Chichibu can be reached via direct Red Arrow limited express trains from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station, requiring approximately 80 minutes with a one-way fare of 1700 yen. Alternatively, the journey takes about 20 minutes longer with a transfer at Hanno Station but costs only 800 yen via express trains.

The Seibu 1-Day Pass, available for 1000 yen, provides unlimited travel on all Seibu train lines except the Tamagawa Line for one calendar day. Banba Street is located within walking distance from both Chichibu Station and Seibu-Chichibu Station, approximately 9 minutes on foot or 500 meters from Seibu-Chichibu Station. The street itself is free to access and open for exploration throughout the day.