Sightseeing Spots

At the Hanayoi Glass Studio run by Tamami Sudo, a glass artist who has had numerous exhibitions at famous department stores, you can try your hand at glass blowing and sandblasting (reservations required). Participants receive careful instructions which are easy for even beginners, and the workshops are popular for making wedding anniversary or children's milestone mementos. The stunning works of Tamami Sudo that are on display in the studio.

This strawberry farm is located in the peaceful landscape of Ashigakubo in Chichibu. Located on a hill, the view is fantastic! Please enjoy the sweet and juicy strawberries grown in our carefully maintained soil☆

This is a long-established rice cracker shop recognized by its large signboard. The cute "namazu sembei (rice cracker)" in the shape of a catfish symbolize Yoshikawa, the home of the catfish, and is a popular souvenir. Another favorite with many repeat customers are the Yoshikawa Chips, made with 100% Yoshikawa-grown rice flour and deep-fried in a secret recipe of soy sauce and vegetable oil. Both products have been certified as premium brands by Yoshikawa City.

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.

These marshes have been made more visitor-friendly through improving the habitat (biotope). A well-loved fishing spot, many people come to fish throughout the year.

This monument of a golden catfish, the symbol of Yoshikawa City, is proudly displayed in the Yoshikawa Station South Exit rotary on the JR Musashino Line. It welcomes visitors to Yoshikawa City, which promotes itself as the "home of the catfish." It was created by Kazumi Murose, a lacquer artist considered a "national living treasure," and was installed on May 9th, 1995.

At Umesono, you can buy products made from Ogose's local specialties, ume (plum) and yuzu (Japanese citrus). The central location makes it a popular resting place for hikers and other travelers.

Built in 1894 by Kimura Kuzō, a company that pours its utmost effort into improving sericulture technique, this facility is a designated cultural property of Saitama Prefecture. It is a modernized inheritance (Silk Industry Heritage) where visitors can get a glimpse of the industry of sericulture.

Doukan Omotenashi (hospitality) Plaza provides information on Ogose Town tourist attractions, historical sites, hiking trails, cherry blossom forecasts, and specialty products. Be sure to stop by when visiting Ogose Town!

A shop that sells handmade soba made from 100% local buckwheat flour. They also use ingredients which are grown pesticide free or use 50% lower pesticides certified by the prefecture. Izumi-tei offers dishes made from ingredients at the peak of freshness and cultivated with the highest level of safety. Soba making experiences are also available with a reservation.

Free rental bicycles are available at the Number 1 Bicycle Parking Lot, only a two-minute walk from the Yoshikawa Station North Exit on the JR Musashino Line. Feel free to use them to explore the city!

The Tokaen garden was originally located on the grounds of Renge-in, a Buddhist temple of Shingon sect. After the temple was abandoned in 1864 by its head priest, Kozo Fujioka, it was transferred to its current owner. According to legend, the wisteria here were personally planted by Kobo Daishi* nearly 1,200 years ago. *Also known as Kukai, Kobo Daishi was the monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism.

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.

This riverside course has a mix of flat and undulating greens and is blessed with a rich natural scenery, with a view of the three mountains of Jōmō and Mt. Asama, and a carpet of red spider lilies in bloom during peak season. The specialty of the course is No. 17, a 595-yd (regular), par 6, extra-long course.

This farmers market sells mainly local agricultural products and specialty goods and functions as a hub for agricultural promotion and regional revitalization. In addition to local agricultural products, handicrafts and processed goods from both in and outside of the prefecture are available. The store has an dine-in space where you can enjoy food and drink, and there is also a spacious lawn. In the future, they plan to offer a rental kitchen where anyone can make sweets and side dishes to sell.

Come visit a key piece of shrine history in Japan! The city name Omiya, is actually derived from the presence of this very old and famous shrine, it’s full name being Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja. This is one of the oldest and most significant shrines in the Kanto region, with an impressive history of over 2,000 years! That even tops the most popular shrines in Kyoto! Very popular for the locals during seasonal events, this shrine is a central part of Omiya’s history and culture. While the bustling festival atmosphere during the new year or summer seasons is a thrill, the quiet serenity of low-traffic seasons and weekdays makes for a more mystical experience. Be sure to pick up a good luck charm for a souvenir from one the most historic shrines around.

This facility provides a place for interaction among those in and outside of the region. The facility has a spacious lawn and a variety of playground equipment that can be freely used by anyone. In addition to renting out the training room and processing room facilities, the Exchange and Experience Center also holds independent projects such as hands-on classes and exhibitions.

Shimabu-ji Temple is the No.1 temple of Chichibu Fudasho (34 sacred places of the Kannon) . The main hall (Kannon-do), built in 1697, has been designated as a tangible cultural property of Saitama Prefecture. The carvings on the front balustrade, 'Jigoku no zu' and 'Gokuraku no zu', are magnificent. The main hall enshrines the deity Otasuke Kannon, who is said to help people out of their troubles and suffering. The Great Ceremony held every year on 24 August in the Shishoku Shokudo to the right of the main hall is also famous. It is a very lively gathering of monks from Chichibu, regardless of denomination. This event is famous as one of the three major offerings in the Kanto region, along with the Gyokusoin no Daisegaki in Saitama City and the Dojo Shigaki in Eifukuji in Sugito-cho, Kitakatsushika-gun.

Constructed in 1721 and the largest private residence in the prefecture, this residence features a hip-and-gable thatched roof demonstrating the age of the building, and has been designated a National Important Cultural Property. The building measures 21.8 meters in length and 10.5 meters between beams. Visitors can sit around the sunken hearth (irori) and enjoy old-fashioned udon (wheat noodles), dango (rice dumplings) and other foods.

A brewery which holds a prefectural record for winning the gold medal at the Annual Japan Sake Awards for 8 consecutive years. Matsuoka Brewery originated when first generation brewer Matsuoka Emon, in search of higher quality water, moved his brewery from Niigata to Ogawamachi. The brewing water sourced from the Chichibu mountains has a higher concentration of minerals, pumped from a source 130 meters underground. At our brewery tour (reservation required), visitors can view the brewing warehouse, learn about the sake brewing process and enjoy a sake tasting. The Daiginjo (super premium sake) ice cream available at the brewery direct sales shop is a hit with children and adults alike. There is also a brewery restaurant, “Shofuan,” adjacent to the facility.