Sightseeing Spots

The Arakawa Line downstream boating in Chichibu Nagatoro allows you to ride upon the beautifully layered stone riverbed, which is designated as a national natural monument. It is a relaxing course with a couple of thrills along the way, but perfectly safe for children and seniors to enjoy as well. While listening to the boatman's entertaining speech, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring, the cool breeze in the summer, the beautiful colors of autumn, and the warmth of the kotatsu (heated table) boat in the winter. In other words, a perfect outdoor activity regardless of the season!

The magnificent and beautiful “Ashigakubo Icicles” is one of Chichibu’s three major icicle formations. These icicles, measuring about 30 meters high and 200 meters wide, are artificially created by sprinkling stream water on the slope of the mountain. Every year from early January to late February, you can immerse yourself in a fantasy realm created by nature and the locals.

Enjoy the refreshing air around this beautiful waterfall originating from a mountain stream that flows from Mt. Ryokami in the Chichibu mountain range. Also, Onouchi Hyakukei Icicle, one of the three major icicles of Chichibu, can be found here from the beginning of January to the end of February every year.

Located in Chichibu Muse park's "Forest of Sports," this is a facility that anyone can enjoy regardless of age! In a mix of planted and native forests, seven zip lines have been installed high above the valley, making it one of the largest parks in Japan. The park is for adults and children aged 10 years and older. The courses are set at high altitudes making this forest adventure particularly popular among adults!

Ranzan Valley is one of Saitama Prefecture's famous scenic spots known for the Iwadatami rock terraces, the clear streams of the Tsukikawa River, and the heavily wooded natural environment. The Hosokawa area has a particularly unique peninsula-like topography, where a large river channel turns at a sharp 180 degree angle. The valley and surrounding Japanese red pine forests are a stunning sight! When Dr. Seiroku Honda, the first person in Japan to hold a Ph.D. of forestry, visited the area, he noted its great similarity to the landscape of Arashiyama in Kyoto, and referring to it as the "Arashiyama of Musashi Province," provided the origin of the name "Ranzan," another way to read "Arashiyama." In the summer, one can enjoy the fresh green and sounds of babbling brooks and chirping birds, in just an unbelievable one hour distance from the metropolis. In autumn you can also enjoy the reflection of the leaves on the surface of the water emphasized by the fiery red of the momiji maple trees. *Peak season for autumn leaves is mid-November to early December.

This single-house inn sits high in the mountains, encircled by deciduous trees and the sounds of seasonal birdsong. Located in a forest near the Terasaka Rice Terrace, this inn has been well-loved since its establishment for its “Yakusō-no-yu" (medicinal herb bath). The pride of the lodge is the medicinal herb bath which contains chameleon plant and Japanese mugwort, which improve blood circulation and warm the body to its core. One can expect relief from fatigue and improved skin.

This is the only waterfall in Saitama Prefecture that has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. Along a promenade of about 1.5km, you can enjoy the changing seasons with fresh greenery and autumn leaves. The waterfall is divided by 3 large steps, and the 76 meter drop is powerful and impressive!

Kuroyama Santaki is the name of a group of three waterfalls known as Odaki (male waterfall), Medaki (female waterfall) and Tengu Taki (demon waterfall). This scenic spot was selected as one of Japan’s 100 best sightseeing destinations. Enjoy fresh greenery in the spring, refreshing cool air in the summer and remarkably beautiful leaves in autumn.

This is the site of the battle of Kanagawa, the largest field battle to have ever taken place in the Kanto region. The fierce battle took place from June 18th to 19th, 1582 on the border between Musashi (Tokyo and Kanagawa) and Ueno (Gunma) along the Kannagawa River. The battle was between Takikawa Kazumasu, lord of Ueno Umabashi Castle, and forces led by Hojo Ujikuni, lord of Musashi Hachigata Castle, and Hojo Ujinao, lord of Odawara Castle. The battle was also known as the “Battle of Kanakubohara" due to being fought in and around Kanakubo and Bisado areas of Kamisato-town.

In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom and azalea flowers cover the mountain at Oshamoji-yama Park, located at the town's south entrance, and the many revelers make for a boisterous flower-viewing party. The Shamoji mother-goddess (god Oshamoji) is enshrined in a hokora (miniature shrine) at the foot of the mountain, thus the park is named “Oshamoji-yama.” The Kanto Plain and mountains of Chichibu can be seen from the park's observatory.

You can enjoy a variety of gravity-based activities from suspension bridges built on the banks of the Arakawa River using the piers of the former Shirakawa Bridge. Wear a harness and walk on the suspension bridge, cross the Arakawa Valley while connected to a cable, or swing over the valley on a trapeze! You can even bungee jump! Enjoy the great outdoors of the Arakawa Valley while taking part in many thrilling activities!

Located in the Kitamoto Nature Observation Park, this facility serves as a base for Saitama Prefecture’s nature learning and environmental education. Various events related to observation and nature experiences are hosted on primarily Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Inside the building, there are exhibits about nature and environmental issues and an information center filled with books related to nature. Staff are also stationed to provide information regarding nature within the park. There is a section on our website named “Park Journal,” where you can get daily updates on opening hours and events.

At Saitama Prefecture's largest rice terraces, a rural landscape unique to Japan unfolds with each changing season. Currently, 4 (about 250 fields) out of the total 5.2 hectares are in use. In summer an event is held where around 600 bonfires are lit, for a night of magical ambience one cannot experience in the city. In autumn, the bulbs of around 2 million red spider lilies bloom around the rice paddies.

Just a close 15 minute walk from the station, this popular Hanno City tourist spot is filled with people in the summer. The contrast of the deep green trees with the red Wareiwa Bridge provides an ideal photo background, making this the perfect riverside spot for capturing fun summer memories. Rental BBQ equipment and ingredients are also readily available at nearby stores, so revelers can arrive empty-handed.

Myoonzawa springs up from a steep wooded slope located along the Kurome river in the southern part of Niiza, Saitama. It is a clear stream selected by the Ministry of Environment as one of the "Top 100 Waters of the Heisei Era." Myoonzawa covers a stretch of about 100 m before joining with the Kurome river. You can find many rare creatures and plants that only can live in the cleanest of waters in this exceptional stream.

"Musenyama, KDDI Forest" is number thirteen of the fourteen designated Green Trust Conservation sites in Saitama. Located on the eastern edge of Ōmiya Plateau, the area consists mainly of jolcham oak and other deciduous broad-leaved trees. On the west side, there is also a row of Yoshino cherry blossom trees that attract many people in the spring. There was once a station for wireless transmission belonging to KDDI Corporation located here. As a result, the mountain area was nicknamed "Musenyama" (the wireless mountain), by locals.

With a height of 305 meters, this charming little mountain is a familiar symbol of Hidaka City. There are hiking courses with a variety of terrains, including a gentle slope for beginners and a rocky slope for the veteran climber. At the top of the mountain is a Japanese Hokyointo Pagoda and the entire area of Hidaka City is visible from here. On a clear day, you can even see the skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the Tokyo Sky Tree towering in the distance.

You'll spend a delightful time with family and friends at Metsa Village, whether shopping for Nordic brand goods that give you a taste of Nordic lifestyle, perusing handicrafts at the market, enjoying a Nordic meal at the restaurant, taking part in arts and crafts workshops, renting a boat to cruise the lake, or through various seasonal events. There's plenty to experience at this lakeside forest.

The Nobidome Yosui irrigation canal was diverted from the Tamagawa Aqueduct (Tokyo, Kodaira City) in 1655 to use as drinking water by the pioneers of the plateau, by order of Kawagoe’s daimyō, Matsudaira Nobutsuna, to his vassal, Yasumatsu Kinemon. Today, a promenade set up around the canal transforms this road into a valued spot for nature and relaxation. It has a total length of about 24 km, and also nourishes the rice paddies of Shiki City, Muneoka.

Ranked 16th in the 1988 Japan Big Trees Ranking, this giant camphor tree is certified 1st in the prefecture. The tree has a trunk circumference of 15m, a height of 30m, and is over 1,000 years old. The tree canopy is also a magnificent sight to see. It is designated a natural monument of the prefecture.

This barbecue area opened along the river in 2013 is the first in Tokyo to be operated by a private company. Reserve your favorite spot by the Toki River and enjoy barbecuing in the great outdoors!

In the rural moutain village satoyama of Ishizaka no Mori, you'll be surrounded by lush nature. Visited by many as a place for finding health and purpose, one can gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems and nature conservation. Be the first to experience the new face of rural Japan, in the satoyama of Ishizaka no Mori.

The dam constructed on the Arakawa River in Yorii Town is called the "Tamayodo Dam," and the artificial lake created by the Tamayodo Dam is known as “Lake Tamayodo (Tamayodoko).” Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing and rafting on this peaceful lake known for its highly transparent water and surrounded by forest. It is also a famous spot for autumn leaves in Yorii Town.

Yoshimi Town is dotted with man-made swamps, which are reservoirs built for rice paddy cultivation. Lake Hatcho is one such man-made swamp with an area of about 52,000 square meters. The kanji character for "Ha" can mean both "eight" and "many." Since several "eights" together has a catchy sound, there are historical expressions in the Japanese language which repeat the number eight to mean "many," such as "happyaku yacho" (many towns in Edo) or "happyaku yabashi" (many bridges in Osaka). Lake Hatcho used to be called "Hatcho Hattan no Numa" (one town block and 8,000 sq.meters) as a play on these expressions, but since the surface area of the lake isn't technically that big, this name isn't in use anymore.