Chinsekikan questions

Hello! Years ago I had seen some photos of this attraction (Chinsekikan/The Hall of Curious Stones/Museum of Charming Stones/Rocks with Faces) in Chichibu and it's lived in the back of my mind as something I'd love to see in person someday. I'm finally planning my first trip to Japan in October 2026, but I haven't been able to find many actual accounts to people visiting this attraction recently (and it looks like their website 404's, if I'm looking at the correct link.)

Many English language sites seem to be pulling information and photos from each other, and there isn't much information on the Japanese travel/booking sites I've found. Has anyone been to Chinsekikan recently? Does it still require a phone call upon arrival to be let in (and is there any barrier to doing this with my foreign phone)?

If it's still open, do you recommend any other local attractions or accommodations for this time of year? I had hoped to make this just a day trip out of Tokyo, but I'm open to extending my stay in the area.

Curious museum indeed.
They have an instagram page. I canft open it because I donft have the app, but from google search summary it seems they are open. (I found an instagram note saying itfs closed on 16/1/2026. ) maybe someone else can check instagram for you.

Regarding other things to do in Chichibu, itfs part of a pilgrimage route. I personally like the temples scattered around Urayamaguchi for its variety and relative closeness to that station. An other attraction is a big park if you are there in flower season and a central huge shrine.

Plus there is an onsen right inside the station.

I didn't even consider checking Instagram! They do seem to still be active! Have you visited this museum before? I'd love to hear more about what to expect in the space itself.

I've read about there being a lot of temples in the area but have yet to look deeper into visiting any in particular, but it's encouraging to learn there's so much so close to the station!

The Shibazakura festival looks gorgeous, but I'll be there in the wrong time of year sadly. There's beauty to be seen in every season, but it will be a shame to miss seeing some big flower fields in full bloom. An onsen in the station is intriguing, thanks for the tip!

There are recent reviews on Google, and I did see one entry on TripAdvisor.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Chinsekikan&oq=Chinsekikan#wptab=si:AL...
For the insta page, that came up as this link.
https://www.instagram.com/chinsekikan?igsh=MWtraGl5ZWRlNjBmbg%3D%3D

I havenft been to that museum. But it definitely looks intriguing. It also doesnft look like one can spend there too much time.

The temples I refer to arenft close to Chichibu station but Urayamaguchi station. Which is a few stations away. But it should be doable as a day trip from Tokyo OG you get started early enough. There are more temples more centrally in Chichibu, but I find those a bit more normal.

One of the ones in Urayamaguchi area even has a cave.

Alternatively there is also a steam train that runs from Chichibu to ward Kumagaya (not sure exactly where the end is).

There are also outdoor activities like kayaking in the valley towards Kumagaya. One can definitely pass several days in the area.

Mistumine jinja is also very specially but would need some planning how to get there. There are busses. Or if you are into hiking itfs definitely a great goal.

I also often run into monkeys in that area. Not in the city itself but a bit more outside in the mountains. I think on every trip I have done so far to Chichibu area I did meet some monkeys.

https://bicycletraveljapan.blogspot.com/search/label/Saitama?m=1