Sightseeing Spots

In 2008, cherry trees, which were sprouted from the seeds of the Jindai cherry tree in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, traveled to space with astronaut Koichi Wakata, and were subsequently planted in Seki Park on April 6th, 2019 through the Kibou (Hope) Cherry Blossom Project, a project aiming to plant cherry trees in municipalities affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. The decision to plant the trees in Yoshikawa City was based on the children's communication with astronaut Kanai Yoshishige in space, the dispatching of staff to Iitate Village in Fukushima Prefecture, which was evacuated after the 2011 earthquake, and the desire to pass on an explanation of the damage caused by Typhoon Kathleen from 70 years ago to future generations. The Sakura Festival is also held at Seki Park every March.

This roadside station, with a play tower designed to resemble a strawberry castle, is easy for families to stop by. Goods such as fresh dorayaki made from Yoshimi grown strawberries are available for purchase. It is also a popular place to take a break and enjoy a delicious soft-serve ice cream.

The date of its establishment is unknown, but it is said to have been built either in the Meiō period (1492-1501) or in the first year of Jokyo (1684). It is said that when a Buddhist priest named Genkai visited the Fushimi Inari, he built a sutra mound with 10,000 Lotus Sutras buried inside. In the precincts, you can also find a shrine dedicated to Shingoro Takahashi and his wife Ise, who developed Warabi's textile industry, and a heart-shaped stone known to grant visitors success in their pursuit of love.

At this park on the Kanto Friendship Trail (Kanto Fureai no Michi), the blooming flowers around the Shimokubo Dam (Lake Kanna), visible from below on the north side, are the delight of many tourists from spring to autumn. In addition, around 600 rare winter cherry trees blooming in the park from late October to early December create a very special atmosphere. There are also campsites, restaurants, souvenir shops, BBQ areas, observation decks, and more. It's the perfect place to enjoy a day of fun with the family!

Ancient trees, said to have been planted more than 350 years ago, line either side of the stone steps of Godaison, where the five statues of Myo-o, the gods of wisdom, are enshrined. The adjacent Azalea park is one of the best Azalea viewing spots in the Kanto region, with about 10,000 azalea plants in bloom.

Mt. Seitai Hōchōji Temple, the seventh sacred site and temple, is called Ushibusedo, and the main deity is the eleven-faced Kannon. The eleven-faced Kannon was originally located at Ushibuse in the third ward of Negoya. Due to a disaster in 1782, it was moved to the main hall of Hōchōji Temple, where it has been enshrined ever since. Hōchōji temple is called "Fudasho No.7," also "Mt. Seitai," and it follows the Sōtō school of Buddhism. The temple was founded by Ryodo Kansei, who passed away in 1606. The founder of the Buddhist sect here was Shigekata Uchida, the second generation head of the Uchida family, and the Uchida family is said to be of the Fujita lineage, after adopting Hōjō Ujikuni as a son-in-law.

This spot located nearby Ōshi Castle is famous for its water hyacinth. The park's Blue Lake (Aoi no Ike) displays beautiful water hyacinth when in season. The square is also known for its 200 cherry blossom trees. There is also the "Literary Monument of a Country Teacher“ (Inaka Kyōshi-no Bungakuhi) of Katai Tayama. A verse from the book Inaka Kyōshi, “The road to Yori was long…,” is engraved on the monument.

A museum based on the nature and culture of Namegawa Town and utilized as a center for gathering the latest information on these topics. Research efforts related to the artificial breeding and ecology of the Tokyo bitterling, a freshwater carp native to Japan and designated as a national treasure, are also being made to realize its reintroduction into the wild.

Enshrining Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of the sea and storms, this shrine is known to protect against evil and plague. Inside the shrine is a lion mask called the "Hirakata Lion" which is popular with locals. Every year in July, a mysterious festival is held called "Doroinkyo." This festival is designated as an intangible folk cultural asset by Saitama Prefecture. The giant zelkova tree and enoki mushrooms within the precincts are designated as natural monuments by Ageo City.

This is the site of Hatakeyama Shigetada's mansion, which is maintained as a park. In the park there is a five-story pagoda, said to be the grave of Shigetada and his vassals, a well said to be where Shigetada had his first bath after birth, and a bronze statue of Shigetada himself.

The temple was rebuilt by Seigon Shonin at the end of the 16th century and became one of eighteen monk training schools for the Jodo sect. As a temple associated with the Tokugawa Shogunate, the use of the "three-leaf hollyhock crest" was permitted. There are many cultural assets on the temple grounds that tell the ancient history in the present day. They hold the "Ten Nights Memorial Service," one of the three major memorial services in Kanto, every year on November 14, and the "Doll Memorial Service," unique to this town which is known for its hina dolls.

Sakitama Shrine is an ancient shrine with a majestic and calm atmosphere which holds a history of a thousand and a few hundred years, and is the origin of Saitama Prefecture's name. The main building of the shrine has a height of 8.7 meters, a circumference of about 92 meters, and is built on top of a megalith tomb (kofun) called Sengenzuka, connected to the Saitama Kofun Group. The deity has two pillars: Sakitamahime-no-mikoto and Sakitamahiko-no-mikoto, gods that protect individuals and bring good fortune and success in matrimony. Recently, a popular limited edition go-shuin (seal stamp) with a motif of the 4 cats that reside in the shrine is available (every month on the 22nd including a few days before and after).

This facility is a center for socializing and tourism established in the early Meiji period merchant's inn, "Chichibu-Kan," which was renovated in a way to preserve its original appearance. The first floor is a free rest space with a large irori (sunken hearth) surrounded by rental boxes where citizens can display and sell their handicrafts and ceramics. Whether you're searching for tourist information or would like mingle with the locals, we hope you will visit Hot Spot Chichibu-Kan!

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.

This day trip hot spring facility was built in a relocated old private house. Located near the Tokigawa River, guests using the footbath on the Japanese-style terrace (engawa) are treated to the sounds of the calming babbling brook. There is also a nearby BBQ area you can visit with no preparation. After BBQ, you can relax and recharge in the hot spring.

This is one of the largest flower markets in eastern Japan. There is a guided course through the market facility, allowing visitors to easily observe the auction (Monday/Wednesday/Friday). There is also a restaurant inside the facility.

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 this facility visitors can get a farming experience not obtainable in the city, such as rice growing and vegetable harvesting. Become the owner of your own rice field and plant and reap your own rice, or experience harvesting greenhouse strawberries. In the attached Kitagawabe History Museum, there are agricultural tools on display created from the wisdom and ingenuity of predecessors.

This district park is known for its stunning lawn of green grass and 18-hole golf course. In addition to the golf course, there is also a children's area, a multipurpose plaza, and a parkway that can be used for jogging and other activities. The park enables people from different generations to meet and enjoy spending a relaxing and healthy time together outdoors.

This tourist information center is located on the second floor of the station building adjacent to Higashi-Matsuyama Station. Here you can find pamphlets on sightseeing spots and city events, walking maps, and more. City mascot character goods and other local specialty goods are also available for purchase. A pamphlet rack is located in front of the ticket gates of Higashi-Matsuyama Station, allowing you to easily grab what you need on your way to the train.

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!

About 12 million poppies bloom in full on this vast slope 500 meters above sea level. The contrast between the red poppies and clear blue sky is a sight to behold. Coinciding with the peak bloom season, the "Poppies in the Sky" (Tenku no Poppy) event is held here, and local gourmet food and specialty products are available for sale. A temporary parking lot is also made available. We hope to see you there!

This is a newly developed park in Hatoyama Town, with two large fir trees designated as “Hatoyama Town Scenic Trees." There is also the Midoyama near the entrance, the adjoining 88 temples of Takanokura and the yew oak of Hachiman Shrine, designated as a natural treasure by the town, allowing visitors to enjoy the “four seasons” of Hatoyama.

The largest Taiwanese Shinto shrine in Japan. This gorgeous structure is worth seeing at least once. The spiral ceiling assembled without any nails, the 5-meter Kowloon stone pillar, a 4-meter door with wood carvings of warrior gods and a coffered ceiling with dragons. You can experience authentic Taiwanese-style worship and omikuji (fortune slips) here.