Sightseeing Spot

Jyōshinin Hyakutai Kannon-dō, commonly called, “Sazaedō”, was built to pray for the victims of the great eruption of Mt. Asama in Shinshu that took place in 1783. The corridor has a helical structure, that makes it look as if there are two external layers, however, there are 3 layers internally, making it a unique architectural style. Further, it conforms to Buddhism’s rules of etiquette in which one walks in the right direction thrice to worship. The first layer symbolizes Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) of Chichibu’s 34th holy precincts in the center of the Sei-Kannondō, the second layer symbolizes the Kannon of Bandō’s 33rd holy precincts, and lastly, the third layer symbolizes Kannon of Saikoku’s 33rd holy precincts. The reception for admission is taking place at Honjō City’s Tourism and Agriculture Center.

It is the oldest remaining gravity dam for agricultural use in eastern Japan. The weir of the dam and its management bridge are both registered as tangible cultural properties of Japan. The area is also known as a famous place for fishing for crucian carp and wakasagi. Furthermore, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery of cherry blossoms in spring and vividly colored leaves in the autumn.

A shop with handmade soba that uses 100% local buckwheat flour. It is a store that uses Saitama Prefecture’s specially cultivated crops with the agricultural products harvested with more than a 50% reduction in the number of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizer customarily used and has been certified by the prefecture. At Izumi-tei they use local, fresh, safe, and healthy ingredients bought directly from the source. In addition, if you make a reservation beforehand, you can experience making your own soba.

Established at the end of Edo’s Kaei period (1850), Japanese sake, ume liqueur, sake lees are sold at the old-fashioned sake brewery and Taishō period’s store. A cozy experience that can only be enjoyed at a small brewery. In the case of touring the brewery, you will get a small sake cup as a present. The taste of various alcohols kept at different temperatures can be compared, with games for sake tasting on the menu. Please consult with us regarding the content of the experience along with the price range. Tours are not based on a particular season, however, the sake is prepared during the winter. It may be difficult to tour during the periods in which sake is prepared.

Experience indigo dyeing, either a handkerchief or any item that you decide to bring! For those trying this out, you can also tour the connected museum archive.

The Katakura Silk Commemorative Museum is built in the cocoon warehouse of the Kumagaya Factory, the last silk manufacturing plant of Katakura Industries, and has been recognized as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. To preserve and pass on the 121-year history of the company's silk production, the museum displays the machinery used to produce silk at the Kumagaya Factory, and you can follow the entire process from cocoons to raw silk.

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.

In 1805 a traveling merchant from the former Oomi province, the current Shiga prefecture, arrived in Gyoda city searching for good water. In the area closest to Tone river and Arakawa river, the groundwater was plentiful, so he chose this place to build a Sake brewery. Nowadays, this place is famous for its clean water, and they are still producing exquisite sake here. The southern style of brewing sake, fermenting the rice at a low temperature, is a masterful technique that lets you feel the soul of the brewer. This sake is truly a masterpiece.

The Hachimanyama Kofun (Mount Hachiman burial mound), is the central burial mound within the group of Wakakodama burial mounds that can be found in the area. It is estimated to be built in the 7th century and has a diameter of 80 meters. It was restored in 1981. From the stone hut, the “Urushi Nuri Mokkan (lacquered wooden casket)” was found in almost perfect condition. Those buried inside are assumed to have been people of power. It is called “Kanto-no-Ishibutai (Kanto’s Ishibutai) because it is a grand stone hut that matches those of the Ishibutai Kofun (Ishibutal burial mound) of Asukamura of Nara prefecture.

As spring approaches, bunches of Asian fawn lily spread in the mountains and forests of the Tsuburata district. There are many hikers visiting during the season in which the flower blooms. Best viewed: Late March to Early April

“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.

Reopened in April 2021 as a tourism and souvenir center! The store has a modern Japanese atmosphere that stays true to Gyoda City, which has been recognized as a Japanese Heritage site. The center offers 150 unique products from about 50 companies, including locally produced goods such as fashionably designed tabi (split-toed socks) and Minamikawara slippers made of colorful fabrics from Africa and other foreign countries. Furthermore, you can also satisfy your appetite with "Gyoda no gyoza (dumplings)" made from local flour, Narazuke pickles, Jumangoku Manju (steamed bun), Wataboku Milk, and more. You can even rent bicycles here, so make sure to stop by when sightseeing in Gyoda City.

Gyōdahachiman Shrine is called “Fūji-no-miya (Palace of Sealing)” due to its secret method of praying which helps children sleep, prevents nervousness, cancer, diseases, bad habits, and dementia for the elderly. In the precincts, there is a “shrine of the eyes”, Kasamori Inari Shrine, for the god of eczema and beautiful skin, along with “Okuninushi Shrine” that enshrines Oshi Castle’s 7 lucky gods. Recently, “nade momo” is said to be a place for spiritual energy, and is famous for the god of fencing off suffering from illness and misfortune.

Oshi Castle has been counted as one of the 7 famous castles in the Kanto region; it was built in the civilization years of the Muromachi period. It is known as an “Uki-jō (Floating Castle)” as it is said to have endured the flooding of Ishida Mitsunari during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s suppression of Kanto. This story has been modeled for the movie “Nobō-no-Shiro (The Floating Castle)”. As of now, it has been listed as one of the 100 famous Japanese castles. The “Oshijyō Gosankaiyagura (Oshi Castle Three Story Turret)” was torn down during the Meiji period and was rebuilt in 1988, with the inside being an exhibition room of the local museum; the whole view of the city can be seen on the top floor.

With around 500 trees blooming along the bank of the Arakawa River, this spot has been famous for its cherry blossoms since the Edo period (1603-1868). It has even been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom spots in Japan by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association. During the Kumagaya Cherry Blossom Festival, held from late March to early April, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night so that visitors can enjoy them after sunset as well!

Harvesting can be experienced throughout the year with tomato and strawberry picking in the spring, eggplant and blueberry picking in the summer, chestnut picking and sweet potato digging in the autumn, and finally harvesting broccoli, onions, and radishes in the winter. Also, barbecue, camping (mess kit for rice making), and classes of Kazo City’s famous handmade udon are available. From late March to the end of November, there will be a stage show of popular characters among children such as Pretty Cure, Kamen Rider, Anpanman. On a day with clear weather, it will take place on the stage outside while on a rainy day, it will take place at the family building hall.

It is a place located very close to the Ōshi Castle and is noted for its water hyacinth. The Aoi-no-ike (lake) within the park displays beautiful water hyacinth at a certain season. The square is also known for its 200 trees of sakura (cherry blossom). In addition, “Inaka Kyōshi-no Bungakuhi" (Literary Monument of a Country Teacher) of Katai Tayama was built here. In the monument, a verse from the book Inaka Kyōshi, “The road to Yori was long…”, is engraved.

From mid-June to early August, 12,000 stocks of 42 different types of lotus flowers bloom on the surface of the lotus pond. The Gyōda lotus (ancient lotus) takes a primitive form with the number of petals being few; it is said to be a lotus from about 1,400 to 3,000 years ago. Lotus flowers are best-viewed midmorning. There are botanical gardens for aquatic plants, lakes for aquatic birds, peony gardens, ume gardens, and a hanami place with sakura trees, making it a place where one can feel the beauty of nature all year round. In addition, from mid-July to mid-October, rice paddy art is at its prime and can be viewed from the Ancient Lotus Hall’s Observation Room. The rice paddy art of Gyōda City started in 2008, with rice transplanting taking place yearly due to several volunteers and participants; not only are the designs original, but some have been collaborations with movies, TV shows, games. In 2015 it has been recorded in the Guinness World Records due to the area of the art being “the world’s largest (rice paddy art)”.

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.

This is a museum that exhibits the collection of pictures and sculptures owned by Tabei Jinichi. Along with the exhibition of famous painters, the artworks of artist, Konoki Mioku, is permanently exhibited.

At the building of Haniwa located inside the Saitama Kofun Group, anyone can experience making their own Haniwa with the help of an instructor. In order to create a Haniwa, there are 3 steps: 90 minutes of molding, drying for about a month, heating in the kiln located inside the building at a heat of 800℃ for approximately 7 hours. Once the Haniwa is complete, it can either be retrieved in person or can be delivered and paid on arrival.

From the “Sakitama Kofun (Tumulus)” built between the late 5th century to the early 7th century to the national treasure “Musashi Sakitama Inariyama Kofun Artifact”, much of these valuable cultural properties are stored here. Also, this is a facility that allows you to climb both the Inariyama Kofun and Maruhakayama Kofun. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below.)

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.

This park is a natural trail in the Tokyo metropolitan area. On the north side, you have Shimokubo Dam (Kanna Lake), and from spring to autumn, many flowers bloom, bringing joy to visiting tourists. In addition, about 600 winter cherry trees are planted in the park, which is a rare cherry blossom that blooms from late October to early December, creating a very special atmosphere. There are also campsites, restaurants, souvenir shops, BBQ-areas, observation decks, and more. A perfect place to enjoy a great day with the family!