Experiences

To help visitors learn more about the role of the regional flood control facility, “Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel,” we have increased the appeal of our tours and begun the second installment of this ongoing social experiment. In addition to the wildly popular tour of the surge tank, known as the "underground shrine," we have added secret passages, pump rooms, and sections of the gas turbine which will be opened to the public in 4 different courses. We encourage you to experience the grandeur of the “Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel.” Please check the URL below for details regarding tours and facilities. Notes on the reservation site: You can switch to English by clicking on the mark next to the earth symbol in the top right corner of a header section

Become your favorite anime character! This photo studio specializes in cosplay experiences, and is located in a traditional Japanese-style house. Costumes, wigs, and other garments are all provided, so you don't have to bring or purchase anything on the day. Even those trying out cosplay for the first time are welcome to join. The package includes full cosplay makeup and skincare along with 6 photos and editing by a specialist cosplay photographer. Plus, you’ll get a 5-minute video recording on your smartphone. The sets, costumes, wigs, and props are made by staff with over 10 years of cosplay experience, and each photo is edited by a professional to match the character's appearance.

The Railway Museum opened in Omiya, Saitama City, on October 14, 2007 as the main project to commemorate the 20th anniversary of JR East. In July 2018, the new South Wing was opened and the permanent exhibits in the Main Wing were completely renewed. This renewal has transformed the museum into one that develops a rich story of people and railroads from a variety of perspectives by dividing the museum into five stations: rolling stock, history, jobs, science, and the future.

A cultural complex that combines a library, art gallery, and museum. Under the supervision of editorial engineer Seigo Matsuoka, naturalist Hiroshi Aramata, architect Kengo Kuma, and curator and arts researcher Shingo Jinno, it presents culture from multiple perspectives, from common culture to pop culture.

To make traditional Japanese washi paper, you need icy cold and clear water. Ogawamachi, in northwest Saitama Prefecture, is a region that has both of these conditions. The Hosokawa paper made here is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and is highly regarded worldwide, having even been used to restore the Louvre and the British Museum. The Ogawa Washi Learning Center is a historical building constructed in 1936 for the study of washi paper, and is a place where craftspeople can learn and practice papermaking. Visitors can also observe and experience the washi-making process, ranging from simple introductory courses to a comprehensive four-day experience. *Reservations are required for experiences. Brochures in English and Chinese are available, but staff explanations are in Japanese only, so if you need an interpreter, please contact the Saitama Tourism Support Desk.

In the town of Kamikawa in the northwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, there is a sword smith who opened a sword smithy as if guided by the god of steel. The Japanese sword is known as one of Japan's world-class traditional crafts, but in fact it is so connected to the spiritual world of the Japanese people that it can be said to be the very soul of Japan. The Japanese sword, which has been handed down from the Heian period to the present, is not only a work of art, but also a spiritual guardian deity that protects people from illness and evil spirits. You can experience the traditional skills and spirit of Japanese swordsmithing at Fusahiro, where the ancient swordsmith method has been preserved and passed down from generation to generation. Please experience the culture and spirit of the Japanese sword by feeling the burning flames, the hot air, and the sound of striking iron with your whole body, and experience the ultimate forging technique.

A producer of authentic Sayama tea, Miyanoen, which is located in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture, offers not only a program for experiencing traditional tea leaf picking in their vast tea garden, but also various kinds of tea experience courses.

Embark on a captivating journey through Japan's cultural heritage with Miyazaki Tatami Shop's tatami-making experience. Uncover the 1,300-year history of tatami mats, integral to navigating Japan's varied climates. Join us for an immersive factory tour and hands-on session, where our amiable owner will guide you through crafting miniature tatami mats in just 30 minutes. Immerse yourself in the artistry of Japanese tradition and culture, departing with a tangible piece of cherished craftsmanship. Curious about what a tatami mat is? In essence, it's a traditional Japanese flooring material crafted from rice straw or compressed wood, commonly found in Japanese-style rooms. A standard tatami mat measures about 3 feet by 6 feet (0.9 meters by 1.8 meters), frequently used to define room layouts in Japanese architecture.

Just 80 minutes away from Ikebukuro by Seibu Express, Sayama-shi in Saitama Prefecture boasts one of the largest sightseeing farm in the Eastern Honshu, also known as the Kanto region. A highlight of this destination is the diverse fruit-picking experiences available throughout the seasons. Notably, the farm is universally designed, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable visit for individuals with pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Experience the splendor of Sayama Tea fields at your leisure with family and friends. Delight in a special combination of Sayama tea, sencha gelato and a Japanese style lunch box while seated on our terrace, encircled by picturesque vistas. We provide tables, comfortable cushions and camera stands to help you capture precious moments. Following your terrace indulgence, engage with local tea farmers, learn about their challenges and enjoy friendly conversations. This experience offers a distinctive and unhurried approach to immersing yourself in Japan's renowned tea culture. The fields are located about an hour away from Tokyo Station or an easy thirty-minute train ride from Ikebukuro Station. The tour package includes the expertise of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, private transportation from Irumashi Station and a delectable lunch. Schedule: 11:30 AM: Meet at Irumashi Station (Your English-speaking guide will be there to welcome you); 12:00 Noon: Stop by restaurant "Chadokoro Issen" to pick-up lunch; 12:10 PM: Explore Yamakyu Nakajima Garden (Receive a tea set and an explanation on how to use it); 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Enjoy the Cha-no-wa Terrace, reserved exclusively for 90 minutes; 2:00 PM: Return the tea set. Receive a souvenir at Yamakyu Nakajima Garden to take home with you; 2:30 PM: End the tour at Irumashi Station or Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma; Copyright(C)Iruma City

This is a unique factory tour facility where you can have fun watching, learning and studying about the world of confectioneries. Visitors can enjoy learning about chocolate, take a quiz tour, visit the museum zone where 1,500 "toys" are on display, and even make their own original confections (for a fee).

Chichibu Geogravity Park offers a full set of adrenaline pumping, dare devilish gravity-related activities for everyone to enjoy, especially thrill-seekers! Chichibu is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo. Chichibu Geogravity Park was created in 2019 as Japan's first gravity-based activity park. Gravity Park is operated with the strictest safety management in place, to provide maximum enjoyment. We dare say that you will enjoy yourself to the fullest, with many of our “first-of-a-kind” activities in Japan!

A world filled with warmth and happiness (From ASOVIEW ) Once you step into the venue, you will be transported back to the nostalgic world of the 1960s, where energy, vitality, and enthusiasm abound. Guests themselves will be immersed in the unpredictable and breathtaking live performances that will take place throughout the shopping arcade. Seibuen currency will be introduced to turn the shopping experience into an attraction. The cinema, perched on a hill above the shopping arcade, will be showing "Ultraman the Ride: The Great Duel of the Century" and "Godzilla the Ride: The Great Monster Summit Battle," two large-scale ride attractions that combine the wisdom of Japan's leading creators, that opened up on September 14th. Beyond the lively shopping district, visitors will find an array of amusement park attractions that is sure to immerse them in a very nostalgic experience.

Ever wondered how Japan's famous soy sauce is made? Dive into the experience at Kinbue Soy Sauce Park! Established in 1789, Kinbue Soy Sauce continues to practice traditional brewing methods, and invites visitors to explore its Kinbue Syoyu Park to enjoy everything soy sauce has to offer by “eating,” “learning,” “shopping,” and “playing.” Join an informative and fun guided factory tour, compare different soy sauce flavors at the restaurant, and discover an array of soy sauce-based souvenirs at the shop.

While Kyoto is the most famous producer of kimono textiles, it’s far from the only one in Japan. Nestled among spectacular mountains, the Chichibu region has also been a producer of kimono textiles for around 2,000 years. Sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, flourished in mountainous regions like Chichibu where rice cultivation was limited. Initially, silk was used as clothing for commoners, with stronger varieties prized by warriors. Over time, advancements in design gave rise to Chichibu-Meisen silk, renowned for its beauty and popularized nationwide from the Taisho to early Showa era (1912-1945) as fashionable attire for women. Textile work, including sericulture, employed about 70% of Chichibu's population during this period, establishing it as the region's primary industry. The over 100-year-old Suzaki Ryokan, located in the charming old highway town of Ogano, offers a kimono dressing experience allowing visitors to partake in this cherished tradition.

Kagura stands as one of Japan's oldest forms of entertainment, steeped in ritualistic devotion to the gods. Preserved and passed down by the people, Sato-kagura represents a 'one-of-a-kind' experience plan where you can (1) watch, (2) dance, and (3) toast with the performers of Sato-kagura, carefully handed down in Kawagoe, where Edo culture from the 1600 to the 1800 endures. Capture the memories with as many photos as you like! Your guides, goodwill tourism ambassadors adorned in kimonos, will foster connections among participants by providing lively and easy-to-understand explanations. Whether joining alone or with others, a great time is assured. The tour concludes with a toast featuring seasonal sake from a local brewery, ensuring both participants and performers enjoy the experience. Plus, get insights directly from the performers themselves.

We will take you to a world roughly 1,000 meters up in the air, to experience a Free Flight (an untethered flight) in a hot-air balloon. With numerous options available, you can create a romantic experience with your loved one, or make memories with friends and family, or create your own original experience together. Before the free flight experience, you will receive a "Certificate of Flight" as a gift! We will also hold a traditional ceremony to celebrate your first flight in a hot-air balloon with a toast of champagne! We will prepare a set of drinks (non-alcoholic) on the ground, for you to eat in the air or at your leisure. English speaking staff is on-site for your convenience.

Discover the art of Japanese tea appreciation through a unique experience known as "tea fighting." This plan highlights Sayama tea, one of Japan's top three tea brands, celebrated for its exquisite flavor. What makes this experience truly exceptional is the opportunity to savor "single-origin" Japanese tea, cultivated and processed on the owner's tea farm. Your journey will be guided by the tea shop owner, starting from the tea farm and continuing to the processing factory. For lunch, relish a delightful meal at the "Chadokoro Issen" restaurant near the Iruma City Museum ‘ALIT’ – Tea Museum, where you will savor exquisite Sayama Tea Cuisine. Afterward, explore the Tea Museum to complete your comprehensive immersion into the world of tea. This tour is conveniently located about one hour away from Tokyo Station and 30 minutes from Ikebukuro Station by train. It includes a local guide, private transportation from Irumashi Station, and a delectable lunch, ensuring that international visitors may participate with ease and peace of mind. Schedule - 10:30 AM: Meet up at Irumashi Station (an English-speaking guide will welcome you), and drive along a road through tea plantations; 11:00 AM: Arrive at the Tea Shop, Tea Farm and Factory Tour / Sayama Tea Seminar/Toucha (Fighting Tea) Experience / Shopping, receive a drinking comparison set as a souvenir to take home, featuring five tea varieties; 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Chadokoro Issen restaurant, Menu : Sayama Tea Cuisine; after lunch, visit the Iruma City Museum ‘ALIT’ Tea Museum; 1:30 PM: Arrive at Irumashi Station to conclude the tour.

Our tour will take you on a leisurely stroll through the renowned Omiya Bonsai Village, a true mecca for bonsai enthusiasts, with an expert guide who shares your love of bonsai. Omiya Bonsai Village is one of the rare places where bonsai artisans reside and collaborate, creating and perfecting this unique art form. At its height, the village boasted more than 30 bonsai gardens; today, six of these magnificent gardens are open to visitors. Over the course of three hours, we'll visit the Bonsai Museum and three distinctive bonsai gardens in the area, each with its own unique style and appearance. Our guide, steeped in knowledge and passion for bonsai, will provide fascinating insight into the cultivation and care of these miniature masterpieces, enhancing your appreciation of the art form.

Join us on a flavorful exploration of Kawagoe, renowned for its historic streets and hidden culinary treasures. This tour unveils the secrets behind the mouthwatering offerings of Ramen Ganja, a local gem that has captured hearts far and wide. Discover the essence of great ramen as we delve into the art of crafting soy sauce and dashi (soup stock). Immerse yourself in a sensory experience with a visit to a traditional soy sauce warehouse and indulge in a soup stock tasting session. Tour Highlights: 1. Soy Sauce Warehouse Excursion; 2. Dry Food Store Visit and Soup Stock Tasting; 3. Indulge in Ramen at Ramen Ganja, a beloved local hotspot. Led by Koedo Tourism Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Ariya Vesolowski, this unique journey promises to uncover the secrets behind the umami-rich world of Japanese ramen.

Embark on a unique adventure as you craft Hana Chozu, Water Basin Flower Arrangements, at Oshijo Castle in Gyoda City, a location celebrated in novels and movies. Choose your favorite flowers to create a personalized masterpiece and capture a memorable photo with your creation! Join us for this exclusive experience, tailored to our unique setting. English-speaking guides are available for our international guests.

Tantoku, a lumber merchant, was founded in 1869 in Rokkencho, Kawagoe City. The annex (hanare), built by first generation Tokujiro Suzuki, and the 200 tsubo (1,860 ㎡) Japanese garden (karesansui) are open to the public.

Take a train from Tokyo Station, and in just 40 minutes, you'll arrive at Yamako Senbei Honpo in Soka City, Saitama. Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of crafting Soka Senbei, a beloved Japanese delight. With Soka City's history of abundant rice production, Soka Senbei emerged as a flavorful solution using surplus rice. Now a celebrated snack with 41 shops in Soka City, it's time to relish the hands-on experience of baking Soka Senbei. Let the flavors come to life through your eyes, hands, and sense of smell. Creating your very own rice cracker is sure to be an unforgettable adventure!

Visitors can delight in an indigo dyeing encounter rooted in traditional methods, free from the use of chemicals. This simplified version offers a beginner-friendly approach to the professional traditional method, making it accessible for first-time foreign visitors to authentically experience indigo dyeing. Rarely can you find a location where you have the opportunity to engage in natural indigo dyeing firsthand. Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of indigo dyeing. We trust you'll relish the experience.