Sightseeing Spots

Situated at the Nakacho intersection, the entrance to the Kurazukuri district, the Kawagoe City Nakacho Information Center is filled with useful information and housed in a traditional warehouse! You can also connect to their free Wi-Fi and use their baggage storage service (for a fee).

The history of the temple is said to date back about 2,000 years ago, to the reign of Emperor Keiko. During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when faith in Mt. Mitumine spread, Hatakeyama Shigetada, Nitta Yoshioki, and others worshipped here. During the Tokugawa period (1603-1867), the Kishu shogunate and the Kishu family were revered, and gifts from the Kishu family in particular are still treasured by this shrine. When autumn arrives, the “Fifteen Nights and Moon Reading Festival” is held to herald the arrival of autumn in the mountains of Chichibu.

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.

The "tanjun (simple)" hot spring, a variety of hot spring common among the top hot springs, can be enjoyed here in a typical Japanese rock style bath. Furthermore, you can enjoy Ganban’ yoku “Rakujyudō”, reclining chairs, and massage machines freely! Other than these, we are equipped with a high-concentration carbonated spring that even gathers attention from the medical industry! This is a luxurious facility to spend a fulfilling day.

You can experience the aspects: “to eat,” “to learn,” “to buy,” “to play” at Saitama Prefecture Kawajima-machi’s “Kinbue Syōyu Park” (Soy Sauce Theme Park) through factory visits of soy sauce breweries, “Kinbue Syōyu Gakkō” and “Syōyu-gura no Restaurant.” Fueki Syōyu manages the long-established soy sauce brewery founded in 1789. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below)

Founded in 1549 by Renkei Daishi, the mother of Kawagoe Castle Lord Masashige Daidoji. Later during the Tokugawa period, it was officially recognized as a temple and made into a school for Buddhist monks, and many Buddhist monks were educated there. In addition, the temple enshrines Fukurokuju, one of the 7 lucky gods of Kawagoe. Events are held at the temple on a regular basis.

Other than natural hot springs, low in alkalinity, said to have effects similar to the so-called "beauty baths", there is a large-scale Ganban’ yoku “Onnetsubō” which can be enjoyed unisex and is very popular! At the Four Seasons Buffet, “Kohansaryō”, vegetables harvested locally based on the four seasons can be tasted while enjoying the view. ※ This is a facility for those older than elementary school. Preschoolers are not allowed to enter.

“Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu”, is a large combination hot spring facility based on Chichibu’s specialty, “Festivals.” The facility contains Matsuri no Yu, with four types of open-air baths, a highly concentrated artificial carbonated hot spring and six indoor baths (five for men) to enjoy. Additionally in this area, which takes pride in its rich variety of hot springs, there is a Japanese style food court and an area selling local products perfect as souvenirs, making this facility packed full of Chichibu’s local charm. “Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu”, is a large combination hot spring facility based on Chichibu’s specialty, “Festivals.” The facility contains Matsuri no Yu, with four types of open-air baths, a highly concentrated artificial carbonated hot spring and six indoor baths (five for men) to enjoy. Additionally in this area, which takes pride in its rich variety of hot springs, there is a Japanese style food court and an area selling local products perfect as souvenirs, making this facility packed full of Chichibu’s local charm.　

In the Oshamoji-Yama Park, located by the South entrance of the town, cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. Azalea flowers surround the entire mountain, attracting people, and creating a lively atmosphere. The origin of the name, “Oshamoji-Yama”, comes from the fact that the small shrine where the Shamoji mother goddess (god Oshamoji) is enshrined is located at its base. From the park’s observatory, the Kanto Plains and Chichibu mountains can be seen.

Sakuranoyama Park has about 300 Someiyoshino cherry trees that display their full beauty as they bloom in early April. At the top of the "mountain park," there is an observation deck where you can look out over the Saitama-Shintoshin area. On the second Saturday of May every year, a big fireworks display is held.

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!

The Sakitama Shrine holds a history of a thousand and a few hundred years and is an ancient shrine with a majestic and calm atmosphere originating from Saitama Prefecture. 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 tumulus named Sengenzuka (mound) and adjoins to Saitama Kofun Group. The deity has two pillars: Sakitamahimenomikoto and Sakitamahikonomikoto and are gods that protect individuals, brings good fortune and matrimony. Recently, there are limited edition Shuin (seal stamps) with the motif of 4 cats that reside in the shrine (every month on the 22nd including a few days before and after) and is very popular.

Centering around a permanent exhibit regarding local Asaka introduced under the 4 categories: archaeology, history, folklore, arts and crafts, it is an “environment for learning and being in peace” with events such as special exhibits, exhibits with a particular theme, lectures and trial classes taking place.

At YOT-TOKO you will discover the many delicious foods and great places to visit in Tokorozawa! In addition to providing tourist information and selling unique local foods and specialties, there are also displays of traditional noh masks, kumade rakes and hina dolls; a showcase of the many charms of Tokorozawa. Among these are the eye-catching packages of Sayama tea, the pride of local tea producers, and this shop is the only place where all brands are available in one place. The shop is connected to Tokorozawa Sakura Town via the Tokorozawa Sakura Town Bridge.

Enjoy the all-you-can-eat package at the farm, or pick and take the strawberries home instead! It's possible the all-you-can-eat will end depending on the season's harvest. All-you-can-eat varieties: Beni-poppe, Tochiotome, Yayoihime, Souvenir varieties: Amarin, Beni-poppe, Tochiotome, Yayoihime

The Kawagoe Castle was built in the first year of Chōroku Era (1457) under the command of the vassals, Ōta Dōshin and Dōkan (father and son), for Ōgigayatsu Uesugi Mochitomo to compete against Koga Ashikaga Shigeuji. In the Edo period, it was of utmost importance to protect the north side of Edo, which is why the top vassal traditionally become the lord of the castle. The current building was constructed in the first year of Kaei era (1848). It is open to the public after a two and a half year restoration.

With the bath being close to the source, the water gushing out from the source 2,000 meters below is used. The hot water containing rich sodium wraps the body, warming up the body to its core. The thermal effects are taken advantage of from the sodium, making it known as“Atatamari-no-yu (hot water for warmth)”. In addition, the concentration of the hydrogen ion is a pH of 8.1. The hot water with weak alkalinity is soft, and is good at making the surface layers of one’s skin soft, hence, making it known as “Bihada-no-yu (hot water for beautiful skin)”. Please enjoy the best bath from the source of Kachōfūgetsu. Within the vast interior of the facility, there is a beauty salon, a massage parlor, a refreshing oxygen room, and facilities other than the hot spring that brings healing qualities. We provide a relaxing environment for every customer. (Please refer to the URL below for more information regarding the facility.)

“Tabi to Kurashi (Tabi and Life’s) Museum” was originally a factory of tabi socks delivering to tabi stores under the name Bokuya Honten (Main Branch), however, most of the factory’s appearance was kept and was reborn as a museum. At the museum, demonstrations by individuals who used to be tabi craftsmen can be seen, and your own original tabi (additional cost) can be made every second Sunday of the month.

This roadside station is designed to resemble a strawberry castle and is aimed at families with tons of places for children to play. Processed goods such as fresh dorayaki made from strawberries grown in Yoshimi are available for purchase. It is also a popular place to take a break while enjoying delicious soft ice cream.

Built on the site of Japan's first airfield, Tokorozawa Airfield, this large park has an area of about 50 hectares. Overflowing with nature, the park is never without visitors. There are real airplanes, as well as sports facilities, an athletic field with artificial grass, a tennis court, and a baseball field. There is also an outdoor stage, tearoom, and a Japanese garden, making the park a center for exchange between sports and culture in the western part of the prefecture. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below.)

This is the site of Hatakeyama Shigetada's mansion, which is maintained as a park. In the park, there is a five-ring pagoda, said to be the grave of Shigetada and his vassals. Furthermore, you can also find a well said to be where Shigetada had his first bath after being born and a bronze statue of Shigetada himself.

Jigenji is Chichibu’s 13th sacred site on Japan’s 100 Kannon Pilgrimage. It has been famous as a temple for "eyes" for 780 years. Worshippers come from all over Japan with worries and concerns regarding the eye.

The only sake brewery at Kura no Machi, Kawagoe. Though the sake brewery cannot be toured, the adjoining Matsumoto Shōyu, established 200 years ago, can be toured free of charge. Please stop by for a visit! The sake brewery is only 1 minute by foot from the Toki no Kane, the center of Kawagoe’s tourist destination.

Newly reopened in 2021 with the concept: "A heart-warming world nestled in happiness." Find yourself in a world of wonder with high-quality replicas of retro townscapes, interactions with townspeople and spontaneous live performances, and delicious nostalgic foods. There are also new and exciting immersive light-up attractions for you to enjoy!