History of Saitama Prefecture Course

Menuma Shōdenzan Kangiin Temple is known as one of Japan’s three Shōten (Three Great Saints) and is said to bring blessings for all kinds of good fortune, such as the fulfillment of good marriage, safety in the home, protection from bad luck, and advancement in academics. In 2012, the main sanctuary of Menuma Shōdenzan Kangiin Temple was designated as a national treasure due to its skillfully constructed carvings, decorative modern architecture and because it was built using donations from the public, which is a rare occurrence. Events are held throughout the year, such as annual grand festivals and Setsubun festival during the spring and autumn.

Oshi Castle is counted among one of the “7 famous castles” in the Kanto region. Built during the Bunmei era of the Muromachi period, it is known as the “Uki-jō (Floating Castle)” as it is said to have endured a water invasion by Ishida Mitsunari during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s suppression of Kanto. This story was the model for the movie “Nobō-no-Shiro (The Floating Castle).” Currently, it is listed as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan. The “Oshijyō Gosankaiyagura (Oshi Castle Three Story Turret)” was torn down during the Meiji period, rebuilt in 1988 and the inside turned into an exhibition room of the local museum, with a view of the whole city visible from the top floor.

“Tabi to Kurashi (Tabi and Life) Museum” was formerly a tabi socks factory that delivered to stores under the name Bokuya Honten (Main Branch); most of the factory’s appearance was retained and the building reborn as a museum. At the museum, you can see demonstrations by tabi craftsmen, and for an additional cost, you can make your very own original tabi every second Sunday of the month.

Sakitama Kofun Park is home to 9 large "kofuns", megalithic tombs where the national treasure "Inariyama burial-mound sword" was excavated, among other things. You can also see the largest kofun in Japan, "Maruhaka yama kofun,” which also serves as a great cherry blossom viewing spot. Gyoda City, where the park is located, is also known as the birthplace of Saitama prefecture's name, and you can see the stone monument celebrating this in the park.