Features

Tucked away in the picturesque mountains of Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture lies the enchanting town of Ogano, a mere two-hour journey from Tokyo. Known as the "Home of Kabuki," Ogano captivates visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage, and rich historical legacy. Visitors can immerse themselves in captivating rural kabuki performances, try on exquisite traditional Meisen silk kimono, and explore local wineries to savor fine wines that reflect the region's unique terroir. The town's spectacular dahlia garden is another must-see attraction, bursting with colorful blooms. Steeped in Japanese tradition and natural beauty, Ogano offers the perfect escape from urban life, inviting visitors to unwind and experience moments of serene tranquility.

Just 30 minutes from central Tokyo lies Kawagoe, a charming town famous for its old-time townscape made up of well-preserved traditional warehouses. This popular destination appeals to visitors of all ages and, with its short distance from Tokyo, makes for a perfect day trip. Join us as we guide you through some of Kawagoe's must-see spots, where you can immerse yourself in Japanese food culture and time-honored craftsmanship while strolling through its historic streets.

Step into a world where history and culture come alive at Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, a sacred site with over 2,400 years of history, exploring its highlights and learning fascinating trivia and proper visiting etiquette. Discover the surprising connection between a historic ship that shaped Japan's modernization and this ancient shrine! Continue on your journey with visits to two cultural spots showcasing traditional Japan; the Iwatsuki Doll Museum, to get immersed in Iwatsuki’s cherished “ningyo” doll culture dating back to the Edo period, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama, to discover the serene artistry of Omiya Bonsai. Whether you're a history lover, culture enthusiast, or curious traveler, this Saitama itinerary promises a day filled with discovery!

Not far away from central Tokyo sits Nagatoro, a paradise for nature lovers. On top of its river cruise and historic shrines, you’ll be captivated by its breathtaking autumn foliage. Our itinerary highlights the must-see spots around Nagatoro Station. If you’re new to the area, definitely check it out!

Omiya, located in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, is a railway town known for its massive terminal, Omiya Station, and the Railway Museum. This area is brimming with attractions, including spots beloved by train enthusiasts and popular annual railway-related events.

With such deep roots in Japanese culture, tea is a major commodity in Japan. Famous tea producers include Kyoto and Shizuoka, but Tokyo’s neighboring prefecture Saitama is a hidden gem of tea production. The tea here, known as “Sayama tea” (Sayama-cha), is complex, delicious, and a source of great pride for the locals. For this article, we headed to the city of Iruma in Saitama to learn more about Sayama tea from friendly tea producers and discover its nuances with refreshing tastings.

Dive into the world of the Emmy Award-winning series “SHOGUN” at the historic city of Kawagoe! Known as ""Little Edo"", Kawagoe has beautifully preserved the spirit of feudal Japan with iconic sites like Kawagoe Kitain Temple and Kawagoe Castle. Each site introduced in this article tells a compelling story of the Edo period's political intrigue, military strength, and cultural richness that shaped Japan's history.

Escape the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Hanno, Saitama—a city that lives in harmony with nature. Here, visitors have the rare opportunity to embrace traditional Japanese customs and experience wellness practices that harmonize body, mind, and spirit. Whether you begin your day with Zen meditation, listening to the soothing shakuhachi bamboo flute played in a forest of towering bamboo, or nourish your soul with a delicate vegetarian Buddhist meal, you'll enjoy a truly immersive traditional Japan experience unlike anywhere else!

Located in northern Saitama Prefecture, the Watarase Wetland Reserve is a natural treasure known for its thriving ecosystem. This unique landscape features vast grasslands with ever-changing seasonal vegetation and serves as a sanctuary for diverse bird species. It's also Japan's only location offering year-round hot air balloon flights. Start your day with an early morning balloon ride soaring above Saitama's breathtaking panoramas, then explore the surrounding region to immerse yourself in local culture and activities. These three distinct tours combine nature, cultural experiences, and adventure – perfect for creating your personalized Saitama journey.

Nestled at the northernmost tip of Saitama Prefecture, just 80 kilometers from the heart of Tokyo, the towns of Kamikawa and Kodama form a region rich in natural wonders, tradition, cuisine, and craftsmanship. Surrounded by mountains, crystal-clear streams, and fertile farmland, this serene countryside offers a harmonious blend of nature and culture. Visitors can marvel at rare winter cherry blossoms in Jomine Park, explore history at the ancient Kanasana Shrine, and enjoy hands-on experiences like organic soy sauce and tofu-making at Yamaki Brewery. This charming corner of Saitama will deepen your appreciation for Japanese traditions!

Located in northeastern Saitama Prefecture, Gyoda City has deep historical roots, appearing in Japan’s oldest extant poetry collection, the Manyoshu, as well as some ancient geography manuscripts collectively known as “Fudoki” under the name “Sakitama”—which, some say, is the origin of Saitama Prefecture’s name. The city is mostly flat, shaped by the Tone and Arakawa rivers, and is home to the legendary Oshi Castle, a fortress so strong that even one of the great unifiers of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, could not take it down. Gyoda is also known as a major production center for "tabi", traditional split-toe socks, making it a great place to experience both Japanese history and culture.

This article will introduce you to hands-on traditional craft experiences and must-visit attractions in Kasukabe and Yoshimi in Saitama Prefecture. Kasukabe City, best known as the setting for the popular Japanese anime “Crayon Shin-chan”, has long been a major transportation hub and a thriving post town. Its rich natural resources helped foster traditional crafts such as paulownia chests and oshie-hagoita (decorative paddle boards). Yoshimi Town is not far from Kasukabe, and it is home to the famous Yoshimi Hyakuana (Yoshimi Hundred Caves) and workshops that produce one of Japan’s most culturally significant products, the tatami mat.