Sightseeing Spots

There are around 1,500 hydrangea plants in bloom along this 3-kilometer-long road, and you can enjoy the fresh air and chirping of birds while surrounded by nature.

It is said that Minamoto no Yorinobu, on his way to defeat Taira no Tadatsune in the Heian period (794-1185), had a dream that a god on a white fox gave him a bow and arrow, aiding his win in the battle, thus spurning him to establish this shrine out of gratitude. Yakyū Inari Shrine is designated as a prefectural cultural property for its gongen-zukuri style, with highly sophisticated carvings on the interior and exterior of the building. Known for the god of good harvest, prosperous business and the arts, and most notably as the god of victory, many baseball players visit the shrine to pray due to the shrine being named "Yakyū" (baseball). The peony gardens are at peak bloom alongside wisteria and azaleas during mid-April.

This comprehensive museum houses materials and artifacts related to Saitama's history, folklore and art, such as national treasure swords and daggers. The permanent exhibition introduces, "The Life and Culture of Saitama," through these topics, and themed special and planned exhibitions are held regularly. There are also a variety of hands-on experience workshops for both children and adults to enjoy. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below)

The shrine's beginnings trace back to when samurai warlord Hatakeyama Shigetada offered a statue of an ogre (oni) holding an iron rod as protection against ogres during the construction of Sugaya Yakata. One of the few shrines in Japan that worships "ogres" (oni), they celebrate Setsubun every year on February 3rd with an unusual chant: "Fuku wa uchi, Oni wa uchi, Akuma soto" (In with good fortune and the ogre, out with evil spirits). It is also known as the shrine of the God of Victory, and many soldiers came to pray for good fortune during the war.

Here you can see the only castanet-playing haniwa (clay figurine) and dancing female haniwa (clay figurine) ever found in Japan! In addition to the many earthenware and stone tools on display, you'll get an introduction to the life of Kiku Nishizaki, the first Japanese female seaplane pilot and great historical figure of Kamisato, who was the model for the heroine of an NHK TV series.

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.

You can feel the warmth of the trees in this energetic store brimming with fresh vegetables, eggs and readymade side dishes (souzai) supplied by over 130 local farmers. Outside are stalls run by meat suppliers selling yakitori, and junmai dango (pure rice dumplings) are also available. This store is popular even with the local people. The items brought in for sale by the farmers are limited to one day only. We are committed to freshness!

Hachigata Castle is a quintessential castle from the Warring States period and was selected as one of the 100 famous castles of Japan. The castle is said to have been built in 1476 by Nagao Kageharu, a retainer of the Yamanouchi Uesugi clan and leader of the Kanto region, and the castle was later expanded to its current size by the Odawara clan. When the feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked and besieged the castle in 1590, the soldiers inside held out for one month before giving up, surrendering the castle in exchange for their lives. The castle was later demolished and abandoned, but you can still see a large number of ruins that remain largely undisturbed, reminding us of the strong fortress of the past.

Reopened in April 2021 as a tourism and souvenir center! This store has a modern Japanese atmosphere that stays true to Gyoda City, which has been recognized as a Japanese Heritage site. There are a wide range of 150 different types of products available for sale from around 50 brands, including local goods such as fashionably designed tabi (split-toed socks), Minamikawara slippers made of colorful fabrics from Africa and other foreign countries, "Gyoda no gyoza" (dumplings) made from local flour, Narazuke pickles, Jumangoku Manju (steamed bun), Wataboku Milk, and more. So can also rent bicycles here, so be sure to stop by on your way to sightseeing.

At the Haniwa building located inside the Saitama Kofun Group, anyone can experience making their own Haniwa with the help of an instructor. Creating a Haniwa takes 3 steps: molding for 90 to 120 minutes, drying for about a month, and finally heating the Haniwa in the kiln located inside the building for around 7 hours at 800℃. Once the Haniwa is completed, it can either be retrieved in person or be delivered and paid for on arrival.

This is a private museum exhibiting ’Shishimai' (traditional lion dance), featuring authentic lion masks, costumes, documentation, performance videos from all over the country and local toys related to the lion.

We sell over 450 types of souvenirs representing Saitama. In addition to the well-loved Sōka Sembei (rice cracker), we also sell many popular products unique to the Saitama area, such as Koedo Kawagoe Imo (sweet potato) sweets, Ajino Sayamacha, locally brewed alcohol and traditional crafts and goods featuring Saitama Prefecture’s mascot “Kobaton."

The Museum of Modern Art Saitama (MOMAS) was opened in the rich greenery of Kitaurawa Park in 1982. A collection of superb art pieces is on display, with works from artistic masters such as Monet, Chagall, Picasso and modern Japanese artists. Special exhibitions with unique themes are frequently held, and there are many "good design" chairs that can be used freely. In addition, there are museum concerts, lectures, and workshops for both parents and children to enjoy. There are also museum shops with select art books and goods, along with a restaurant serving authentic Italian food, making the museum an ideal place for both fun and comfort. (For more information regarding the facility, please check the URL below.)

Opened on November 11th, 1995 (the same day and month of Shibusawa Eiichi's passing). In the museum's materials room there is a recording of Eiichi's actual voice and many other ink and photograph materials on display. There is also a bronze statue of Eiichi overlooking his hometown landscape on the north side of the museum.

Atarashii Mura, or The New Village, is an agriculture-themed tourist facility. There is a market in the facility called "Mori no Ichiba Yui" that sells fresh vegetables produced by the local farmers of Atarashii Mura. There is also a cafe called "Mori no Cafe," where visitors can enjoy a drink or light meal. Lastly, at the facility, "Noh no Ie," they host hands-on experiences and lectures on agriculture and food, offer facility rentals, and have an herb garden of more than 100 different species where hands-on harvesting experiences for lavender and mint are available. They also grown their own rice, a popular product.

Located immediately next to the Ogose Station West Exit, this facility is used by many as a rest spot and meeting place, as a rendezvous point for hiking and to purchase souvenirs and light meals (rice balls, pizza, coffee, juice). There is also a free shuttle bus to SPA O Park OGOSE that departs from in front of the facility.

The Saitama Prefectural Forest Park "Kenmin no Mori" is a recreation area that spreads northwards of Mt. Maruyama (altitude 960m). You can enjoy the forest and wild grass of each season, see flowers and trees that you’ve only seen in photos, and meet animals in their natural state. Enjoy a heart-warming and refreshing experience!

Our tea factory holds tours, and we lead tea picking experiences during the new tea season (around May 20th, end of June). There is also a direct sales office where you can buy our products cheaper than in regular stores (10% off bags of tea leaves, some products are excluded).

Built on the ruins of Iwatsuki Castle, this park has lush natural trails and wide, open spaces, and is a popular place of relaxation for the local people. There is also a tennis court, baseball field, playground equipment, a picnic area with a fountain, a pond covered by a vermillion-lacquered zigzag bridge, and a vintage Tobu Railway Romancecar "Kinu No.1" on display, making this park enjoyable for all ages! In the spring, the park is known for its 600 cherry blossom trees and the lively events it sponsors.

This store was originally the main building of a meisen silk wholesaler that prospered in the Taisho era. It has now been restored as a tourist center that also displays and sells local products. You can also try out the local cuisine at the soba noodle shop!

The Saitama Museum of Rivers is an experience-oriented comprehensive museum centering around the Arakawa river with the theme of water and the livelihood of people.

This facility was built in 2006 for "farmers and merchants" as a center for regional revitalization. The shelves are lined with fresh vegetables and locally processed foods. Please visit here for inquiries related to use of the nearby “Kawa no Hiroba BBQ" (river sqaure BBQ area). Our mascot character "Norabitan," based on the local delicacies Norabō-na (Norabō greens) and Ao-Nasu (blue eggplant), is waiting together with us for your next visit!

During wisteria season, you can enjoy vines of purple wisteria flowers descending from the trees in the precincts of Gokado Temple on Mt. Ogawa. Magohachi Honma, who built the temple, spent a night discussing the art of waka poetry with a traveling monk to finally master its secrets, and thus named the temple "Gokado" (words and songs temple). According to legend, the monk was said to have been the incarnation of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The stone Buddha in the Koshinto pagoda on the right side of the hall is one of few existing in Chichibu. Collectible goshuin seals are available at Chokoji Temple, about 250 meters away.

At Bokuunji Temple of Mt. Kōyō, also known as Oginodo, the main deity of Saint Kannon is said to have once stood on the summit of Mt. Bukō. Bokuunji Temple is also dedicated to rare items such as a Seiryoji-style Sakyamuni statue, a picture scroll of good fortune, and a tooth of Yamanba (a mountain witch). A magnificent view of Mt. Bukō is visible from the front of the temple.