CHICHIBU, Saitama -- Biting winds continue to blow across the country, and east Japan's Chichibu region is welcoming the season of its three great icicle formations.

       In the city of Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, "the icicles of Misotsuchi" opened on Jan. 7. Meanwhile, "the icicles of Ashigakubo," in the prefectural town of Yokoze, started on Jan. 8, and "the icicles of Onouchi" in the town of Ogano are set to open on Jan. 9.

       The many long, slender Misotsuchi icicles gild the cliff faces along the banks of the Arakawa River. On Jan. 7, early morning temperatures had been minus 6 degrees Celsius. On the downstream side, freezing clear water began forming icicles off the rock from around Christmas. On the upstream side, water has been applied to create artificial icicles measuring 55 meters wide and 25 meters high, and streams of people appeared to take pictures from across the river.

       The viewing period for all three areas could be shortened based on weather conditions.

       (Japanese original by Ken Yamada, Chichibu Local Bureau)

       The icicles of Misotsuchi are expected to be open until Feb. 23. Light-up events will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 20. Admissions is 200 yen (about $1.70) for people of junior high school age or older. Inquiries can be directed to the Chichibu tourism association's Otaki branch at 0494-55-0707 (Japanese language only).

       The icicles of Ashigakubo are expected to be open until Feb. 23. Light-up events will be held on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and visitors are required to make reservations. Daytime admission is 400 yen (about $3.50) for people of junior high school age or older, and light-up events cost 500 yen (around $4). Inquiries can be directed to the Yokoze town Buko-san tourist information center at 0494-25-0450 (Japanese language only).

       The icicles of Onouchi are expected to be open until Feb. 27. Light-up events will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Jan. 22 to Feb. 20. Admission is 400 yen for people of junior high school age or older. Inquiries can be made to the Ogano town government's Omotenashi section at 0494-79-1100.

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