Features

In Saitama Prefecture, you’ll find many kinds of delicious food ranging from B-grade gourmet to traditional Japanese cuisine. Today, we introduce 6 dishes in Saitama Prefecture that you absolutely MUST eat! By all means, try all of them the next time you take a trip to Saitama!

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.

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 a various 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 scenery, and 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 very own personalized Saitama journey.

Located in northeastern Saitama Prefecture, Gyoda City has deep historical roots, appearing in Japan’s oldest existing poetry collection "The Man'yōshū," as well as in ancient geography manuscripts, collectively known as “Fudoki,” under the name “Sakitama”—which some say is Saitama Prefecture’s former 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 Japanese history and culture.

Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, tea is a major commodity in Japan. Famous tea producers include Kyoto and Shizuoka, and Tokyo’s neighboring prefecture of Saitama is also 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 local people. 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.

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!

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!

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.