Illuminated icicles in Chichibu, Japan

© JTB Photo/UIG/age fotostoc

The Icicles of Misotsuchi. A wonder in winter

Chichibu, Japan, attracts many visitors during the winter by capitalizing on the cold temperatures that bring unusually large icicles to the terraced banks of the Arakawa River. The attraction, called ‘Misotsuchi no Tsurara,’ is only open from mid-January through mid-February, and includes colored lights after dark, to enhance the otherworldly feel of the scene. Since much of Chichibu sits in or near the Chichibu Tama Kai National Park, there’s abundant nature to see after you’ve witnessed the illuminated icicles on the Arakawa’s banks.