Sightseeing Spots

Our building is located in a place that has undergone a transition from the Kamakura period’s samurai’s palace, “Sugaya-yakata”, to the Sengoku period’s castle, “Sugaya-jō”. Opened as the Saitama Prefectural Historical Data Museum in April of 1976, and later in April 1st of 2006, based on the plan for reorganization and maintenance of the prefectural museum facility, documents related to the Sugaya-yakata along with the collection, storage, and research investigation of archaeological materials related to medieval historic sites such as the medieval castles were completed. Plotting its application, the museum was rebuilt with the purpose of contributing to the development of education, learning, and culture. At this time, the name of the building was changed from Saitama Prefectural Historical Data Museum to its current name. (For more information regarding the facility, please refer to the URL below)

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.

The ruins of Matsuyama Castle, once a superb flatland-mountain castle in the Kitamusashi region, have been designated as a prefectural historical site since 1925. In 2008, the ruins of Sugaya yakata (Ranzan Town), which had already been designated as a national historic site, were joined by the ruins of Sugiyama Castle (Ranzan Town) and Kokura Castle (Tokigawa, Ranzan, and Ogawa Town) to form the Hiki Castle Ruins Group, which now is designated as a national historic site. The castle is surrounded by a swampy area formed by the Ichino River, which creates a natural barrier.

With the improvements of the biotop, the marshes are much more approachable. Suitable as a fishing place, many individuals come to fish throughout the year.

In 1970, the Gogaku Kenshujo (lit. village school training institution) Foundation was established on the site of the former Japan Farmers' School founded by Dr. Masahiro Yasuoka in the early Showa period. In 2012, the official name of the foundation was changed to "Gogaku Kenshujo / Yasuoka Masahiro Memorial Museum," and it has been working to promote Gogaku (the study of the countryside) and to pass on to future generations the teachings and anthropology of Dr. Yasuoka Masahiro, which are needed in this day and age, while continuing the tradition of the Japan Agricultural School.

The historic site "Sugaya Yakata Castle" (a national historic castle site) overlooking the Toki River to the south is said to be the place where Hatakeyama Shigetada built his mansion in the early Kamakura period. Inside Sugaya-kan, there is a museum dedicated to the historic remains of Ranzan Town. Furthermore, the area is also known for its Yamayuri (Mountain Lilies), which grow wild and are at their best around July every year. In addition, plum and cherry trees are also planted here. Together with Sugaya-kan, Ranzan town is home to Sugiyama Castle, and both of them were appointed as being among the "Continued 100 Fine Castles of Japan" on April 6, 2017.

This Tourist Information Center is located on the second floor of the Station Building adjacent to Higashimatsuyama Station. Here you can find pamphlets on sightseeing spots and events in the city, walking maps, and more. City mascot character goods and other specialties of the city are also available for purchase. A pamphlet rack is also 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.

In 712, it is said that during the Heian period, Minamoto-no-Yorinobu, who was heading towards the suppression of Taira-no-Tadatsune, saw a dream in which he received an arrow and bow from a God riding on a white fox. Thanks to this, he was able to gain his victory in the battle, which led him to contribute to the establishment of this shrine. This prefectural cultural property is constructed as an incarnation of Buddha and the inside and outside of the main building of the shrine is crafted through the use of advanced techniques. Praying here is known to bring abundant harvests, prosperity in business, art proficiency, and good luck in challenges. Because it can be read as “Yakyū”, many of those involved in baseball visit to pray. The best time to see the flowers of the peony park is around mid-April as it blooms with the wisteria and azalea.

Around 200 flowers bloom here during the peak season. Based on analytic results, this flower is an ancient form of the lotus flower. However, its age cannot be specified but is assumed to be a lotus from about 1,200 years ago. The best time to see them is around early July to late July, with the flowers blooming from around 5 in the morning. Since these flowers bloom in the middle of a residential area, please keep quiet when viewing them.

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

The Sennen no Sono Lavender Field spans approximately 6.5 hectares and boasts around 22,000 lavender plants, including more than 10 different varieties such as Grosso, Hidcote, and Avonview (16 types in 2023). In late May, visitors can enjoy the enchanting sight of red, pink, and white poppies blooming alongside early-blooming lavender. By mid-June, a portion of the field transforms into a golden sea of wheat known as "Nourin 61." Towards the end of June, visitors can witness the spectacle of wheat harvesting. The annual Ranzan Lavender Festival takes place from early to late June, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of the lavender field. *Please note that access to the fields is restricted after the festival as they undergo harvesting.

Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels was built by the collaborative husband and wife artists Iri and Toshi Maruki. Their goal was to create a place where anyone, at any time, could see their collaborative work "The Hiroshima Panels," 15 panels depicting the effects of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In 1966, they moved to Shimo Karako, Higashi Matsuyama City, and the following year, they opened the Maruki Gallery for the Hiroshima Panels, where they spent more than 30 years completing all 15 panels. The museum also holds special exhibitions, lectures, concerts, and other events on the theme of war and life.

This is a unique factory tour facility where you can have a fun time while learning about the world of sweets. You can observe the manufacturing process of Pocky and Pretz up close, learn about chocolate in a fun way, enjoy a quiz tour, watch the museum zone where 1500 toys are exhibited, and you can even take part in a workshop to make your own sweets! This is a spot that not only children but also adults can enjoy through a wide variety of experiences!

This is a private museum on the theme of ’Shishimai' (traditional lion dance), featuring authentic lion masks, costumes, documentation, performance videos from all over the country, and even local toys related to the lion.

Atarashii Mura, or The New Village, is a tourist facility with "agriculture" as its theme. The facility has a market called "Mori no Ichiba Yui" that sells fresh vegetables produced by the local farmers of Atarashii Mura. Furthermore, there is a cafe called Mori no Cafe, where visitors can enjoy a light meal or a drink. Lastly, At the facility called "Noh no Ie," they have a herb garden that contains more than 100 different species. Among other things, they offer hands-on experiences of harvesting lavender and mint, programs and lectures on agriculture and food, and rent out their facilities. If that isn't enough, they even grow their own rice, a popular product that many visitors buy and bring home.

The Iwadonokyūryō around the experience center mainly comes from the Toki River layer group, a stratum accumulated from 15 million to 10 million years ago, containing a wide range of fossils. The experience center is one of the only facilities within the prefecture in which the digging of fossils, such as 15 million-year-old shark teeth, can be experienced. Challenge yourself to dig up fossils using a sieve, hammer, and graver with a lecturer! Fossils you find, with some expectations, can be brought home. Since the digging of fossils takes place inside, this is a facility in which activities can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

JA Saitama Chuo's Higashi Matsuyama direct sales center "Inahoterasu" is an open building constructed with local wood and natural material. The name was chosen through a contest where locals participated and came with suggestions. Inahoterasu symbolizes how the ears of rice (=inaho) will light up (=terasu) a bright future for people. Here you can find a wide variety of souvenirs from Higashimatsuyama City, such as processed pears and chestnuts, yakitori rice crackers, and other sweets!

This is a historical shrine said to have started Jikaku Daishi Ennin In 849. There is also a letter bearing the shogun’s scarlet seal.

Saitama prefecture's largest rose garden blooms twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. The best time to visit is in early May to early June or early October to mid-November. With over 400 species and more than 5000 individual roses, the beauty is simply overwhelming. There is also a garden of hydrangeas that blooms in June. Walking through the park's relaxing atmosphere, you will find various sport and recreation facilities, waterside areas, playground equipment, large sandpits, and much more, all coming together into a stimulating environment that provides something for people of every age!

Located in the Kitamoto Nature Observation Park, this is a facility that serves as a base for Saitama Prefecture’s nature learning and environmental education. Centering around Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, various events related to the observation and experience of nature are hosted. Within the building, there are exhibits about the problems within nature and the environment and a fulfilling information center with books related to nature. Staff is stationed, providing 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.

This is a facility made in 2006 for “farmers” x “merchants” as a base for revitalizing the area. The line-up consists of fresh vegetables and locally produced processed foods. If you plan on using the “Kawa-no-Hiroba Barbecue (River Square Barbecue Area)”, please contact us in advance. We await you alongside our mascot character, “Norabitan” which is based on the town’s local delicacy: “Norabō-na (Norabō greens)” and “Ao-Nasu (Blue eggplant)”.

The barbecue place opened on the river site in 2013 is the first in Tokyo to be operated by a private company. Reserve your favorite spot by the Toki River and enjoy barbecuing while being immersed in nature.

This is a day trip hot spring facility that was built by relocating an ancient house. Located close to the Tokigawa River, if you soak in the footbath on the engawa (Japanese-style terrace), you will be able to clearly hear the calming sound of the small stream. There is an area for BBQ nearby, and you can enjoy it without any equipment. After the BBQ, heal, recharge, and wash off your sweat in the hot spring.

Being rich in wood, Tokigawa Town’s local industry is prominent in the production of fixtures. Products beings sold center around fixtures, furniture, handicrafts, and agricultural products that hold warmth. You are guaranteed to encounter handicrafts made with care. Orders of fixtures and furniture, as well as consultation, can be done. How would you like an “exclusive product” only for you?