Iwadono Kannon Shoboji

The Ishizaka no Mori, is a mountain village where you can easily come in contact with the vast nature. Many people build a relationship with the area to search for additional value in their lives or to delve deeper into the understanding of ecosystems and the conservation of nature. This is a place where you can become a part of creating the new version of countryside life before anyone else.

At the vast site that spreads 46 hectares towards Hiki Hills, popular animals such as the giraffes, red pandas, koalas, as well as the ecological park of Humboldt penguins known as the “Penguin Hills” can be enjoyed. Adjacent to the park, there is a path to take strolls and a path for those interesting in cross country. This is the only zoo in Japan in which Eco Houchoo’s Gundi, Hyrax, and the world’s smallest deer, Pudu, and the Quokka, which joined to commemorate the park’s 40th anniversary, can be seen. Winter’s seasonal tradition: “Capybara Hot Spring” is very popular as well.

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.

A park surrounded by water and greenery. The park is free of charge to enter. All year round, the park is crowded with families using the park as a place of rest within the region.

The ruins of a kiln used in the 7th century which is said to be one of the oldest artifacts of Saitama Prefecture. It is designated as one of Saitama Prefecture’s historic spots. It is thought that the kiln was made for the establishment of the Musashi Kokubunji Temple, however, due to the careful inspection of an unearthed tile, it was made clear that the kiln was crafted for Saguro Temple.