Sightseeing Spots

Hanataen is a circular water garden of about 2 hectares that is centered around a beautiful pond and displays Japanese culture and tradition. It has a characteristic wooden bridge centered on a beautiful pond, a tea room built in Sukiya style, an artificial hill overlooking the garden, and atmospheric stone lanterns. Also, various trees such as cherry blossoms and plums are planted, and you can enjoy both the autumn leaves and the flowers of each season. Furthermore, the garden is adjacent to Saitama Prefecture's only outdoor Noh (a traditional type of theater) stage, Koshigaya Noh Theater. A great place to both enjoy the beauty of Japan's culture and natural beauty.

The Sakado City History Folk Museum is part of the commemoration project operated under the municipal system with the purpose of contributing to the development of education, learning, and culture and was opened in October 1980. The building is a removed, reconstructed, and repaired part of the old Suguro Elementary School Building and inside the building, there are archaeological records unearthed from the remains found in the city as well as folk materials gathered from each region on display. The multiple articles for everyday use on display are the witnesses of history, conveying the lifestyle people had at the time and articulates the wisdom that local predecessors gathered. They are tools that people cherished and used over a long period of time. In addition, archaeological records such as the human clay figures unearthed from Kitamine Kofun group as well as tiles from the abandoned ancient temple, Katsuro, are data that represent Sakado city. At the museum, these materials are permanently exhibited with planned exhibitions of the articles for everyday use.

Sakitama Kofun Park is home to 9 large "kofuns", megalithic tombs where, among other things, the national treasure "Inariyama burial-mound sword" was excavated. You can also see the largest kofun in Japan, "Maruhaka yama kofun" here, which also serves as a great cherry blossom spot. Gyoda City, where the park is located, is also known as the origin of Saitama prefecture's name, and you can see the stone monument celebrating this in the park.

The railway museum opened on October 14th, 2007 in Ōmiya, Saitama as part of Japan Railways (JR) Group’s 20th-anniversary commemorative project. The South Building was newly opened in July of 2018, with the permanent exhibition of the main building renewed extensively. Through this renewal, the inside of the building has been divided into stations of 5 categories: rolling stock, history, job, science, and future, updating the museum to tell the rich story of the relationship between humans and railways from a unique and diverse perspective.

This is a tourist information center located in the Honjō Station of JR Takasaki Line. Pamphlets related to tourism and information regarding the city can be obtained, along with Honjō City’s souvenir. In addition, there are sweets and Japanese goods recommended by the Honjō City Tourism Association along with Honjō’s Kasuri.

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.

In hopes of having the role of the “Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel”, a regional flood control facility, understood at a deeper level, we have made our study tours more appealing and have started a new study tour. In addition to the popular tour of the surge tank, known as  "underground shrine" , secret passages, pump rooms, and sections for the gas turbine will be opened to the public through 4 different courses. Please experience the grandeur of the “Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel”. Please check the URL below for details regarding tours and facilities.

This is the birthplace of “Kan’ichi Shimofusa”, a musician who produced famous nursery rhymes. It is said that the atmosphere of the old town of Ōtone was imagined when composing songs such as “Tanabatasama”, “Nogiku”, “Hanabi”. And the “Ōtone Koshihikari” is harvested with rich water making it one of the leading “delicious Koshihikari” of Saitama, and is sold as “Dōyō no Furusato Ōtone”.

We sell over 450 types of souvenirs that represent Saitama. Other than the regular Sōka Sembei (rice cracker), Koedo Kawagoe Imo (sweet potato) sweets, Ajino Sayamacha, local brew, there are traditional crafts and goods featuring Saitama Prefecture’s mascot “Kobaton”; we sell many popular products unique to Saitama area.

As a core facility for promoting the culture of bonsai, it is the world’s first public museum specializing in bonsai. In order to spread the culture of bonsai which is designated as Saitama’s traditional industry, not only bonsai, but bonki (vase), suiseki (rocks), paintings of bonsai can be enjoyed, making it a diverse exhibit. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below.)

From the observation deck located at an altitude of 370 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yorii Town and the glittering night view of the skyline. In September, this place turns into a hotspot for observing the seasonal migration of the hawks.

Henjo-in was founded in 1394 during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). 　The main deity of the temple is the Great Sage Fudo Myoo. He is believed to take the form of pure anger to guide those whose sins are so deep that they can't be brought on the right path in any other way. He is worshipped as a Buddha who fulfills wishes, prevents disasters, and provides wealth.

The sakura garden in Gongendo is a hot spot for cherry blossoms, thanks to the 1000 Yoshino cherry trees that line up along a stretch of 1 km. Surrounded by beautiful yellow rapeseed, this place is a popular destination for spring explorers. Furthermore, in June, you can enjoy stunning Hydrangea, in September the vivid red Spider lily, and in January, charming white Daffodils. A wonderful spot to visit, regardless of the season!

Strawberry picking is available from January to May. Grape picking from August to October. Sweet potato digging from September to October. You can also enjoy a set menu of seasonal fruit picking and barbecue with reservation. For larger groups, please contact us at least seven days in advance for reservations. When making a reservation, please note that harvest conditions may vary depending on weather and other factors. Please contact us in advance to inquire about harvest conditions.

From handcrafting Japanese paper to seasonal experiences and workshops related to the Japanese paper, hand-making soba and udon, purchasing specialty goods of Japanese paper and agricultural products. There is also a plentiful food court full of the local village cuisine such as the salted grilled char and oyaki. Furthermore, there is a paper-making house with a thatched roof inside the Japanese garden, which makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the Edo period. The area is designed to allow for a relaxing time.

This is a facility where one can experience farming that cannot be experienced in the city, such as rice growing and harvesting of vegetables. Start your own rice planting and rice reaping by becoming an owner of a rice field, you can also experience harvesting greenhouse strawberries. Further, inside the site attached to the Kitagawa local museum, there are agricultural tools on display, elaborately devised through the predecessors’ wisdom.

The suspension bridge over Arakawa valley is a great place to enjoy activities utilizing gravity! Strap up with a harness and walk over the suspension bridge, connect to a cable and cross over the Arakawa valley, or swing over the valley on a trapeze! Many adrenaline-pumping activities in the beautiful nature of Arakawa valley!

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.

Ranzan Valley is one of the famous scenic spot in Saitama prefecture known for its Iwadatami rock terraces, clear stream of the Tsukikawa River, and a rich natural environment. Especially in the area called Hosohara, which extends from Mt. Ohira, the river channel is large and turns 180 degrees, creating a unique peninsula-like terrain. You can see the beautiful scenery of the valley and the surrounding red pine forest. The beautiful scenery of the valley is very similar to Arashiyama in Kyoto so that when Dr. Seiroku Honda, the first person in Japan to hold a Ph.D. of forestry, visited and said, "This is “Arashiyama of Musashi no kuni.”  From the fact that he muttered at the time, it is the origin of the name of the town “Ranzan-machi” which is another way to pronounce the kanji-signs for Arashiyama.   In the early summer, you can enjoy the scenery that you wouldn’t believe it's just an hour away from the centre of the city with fresh greenery, the sound of the river flowing, and the birds chirping. In autumn, please enjoy the colours reflected on the surface of the water and the fiery red maple trees. *Best time to see the autumn leaves: Mid-November to early December

In 1187, the Yoshikawa clan reestablished the indigenous deity of Suwa shrine as the guardian deity of the Yoshikawa Shrine. The precincts of the shrine also include a Yasaka Shrine, Furumine Shrine, Inari Shrine, Matsuo Shrine, Yoshikawa Tenmangu Shrine, Suijingu Eight Great Dragons, and Shikatou Daimyojin. The old Shimotsuma Highway runs behind the shrine, and the large bay and camphor trees in the front and back parts of the precincts tell us that this is a shrine with a long history. Every year in July, the Yasaka Festival, which has a history of about 400 years, is held. The highlight is the "mikoshi," portable shrines that are carried and thrown high above the heads of the bearers.

The Museum of History and Folklore collects and stores documents related to Saitama’s history and folklore. Through conducting a comprehensive research investigation, the regional characteristic of Saitama is made visible and shared through exhibitions and online information. This makes the museum a place for learning-related activities and human interaction. In doing so, it contributes to the enrichment of life and the creation of a new culture for all citizens of the prefecture. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below)

This is the village shrine of Ōsawa. It is said to be the Katori Shrine from Saishiro which was transferred here. The establishment is mentioned as Ōei era (1394 to 1428) in the “Meisaichō”. Given that the vicinity belonged to Shimo-usa-no-kuni in medieval times, the Shimo-usa-no-kuni Ichi-no-miya Katori Jingū was made into the village’s shrine in hopes of the Buddha honoring his presence in the village. Despite the shrine being built in Sagishiro, with the maintenance of the Ōushū Kaidō, it was built on the current ground around the Kan’ei era (1624 to 1644). According to the date of construction, the current main shrine was rebuilt in 1866. Around one side of the main shrine, a sign of the dyer’s operation is engraved. It is the work of Takejiro Hasegawa who resides in Mount Asama San’ya-machi and is the city’s designated cultural property.

Situated near the Nakacho intersection, the entrance to the Kurazukuri district, this information center takes the shape of a traditional storehouse and is packed with useful information! You can also use their baggage storage service (for a fee) and connect to their free Wi-Fi!

Toki no Kane is said to have been first built in the Castletown Tagachō during the Kan’ei era (1624-1644) by the lord of Kawagoe Castle, Sakai Tadakatsu. The current bell tower was rebuilt the year following Kawagoe’s great fire in 1893, and is a three-story tower with a height of about 16 meters. It is a symbol of Kawagoe and denotes that “time” is indispensable for daily life. As of today, the bell rings four times a day (6 am, noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm).