Experiences

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!