Wakui Museum

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.

This is the oldest grand shrine in Kanto. It is said to have been founded by descendants of the Izumo family because of its old nickname, Hazenomiya; another theory is that it was established by Yamato Takeru 1900 years ago in the time of Emperor Keikō. The Washimiya Saibara Kagura music and dance is a tradition in the shrine and is designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of the country. The shrine also appears in the animation “Lucky Star,” and Washimiya shrine uses this connection to the work to revitalize the area.

Although the original Kisai Castle was a one-story building enclosed by earthworks and walls, it was restored as a castle with an impressive keep. Local collections of the unearthed artifacts and historical collections found through the excavations of the Kisai region are displayed in the exhibition room.

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 his inspiration when composing songs such as “Tanabatasama,” “Nogiku” and “Hanabi.” “Ōtone Koshihikari” rice, harvested with plentiful water and one of the leading varieties “delicious Koshihikari” rice from Saitama, is sold here as “Dōyō no Furusato Ōtone" (hometown of nursery rhymes, Ōtone).

With old storage houses dating from the second half of the Edo period to the Shōwa era, visitors can feel the charm of this authentic brewery. The historic Tamashiki Shrine and Kisai Castle are nearby, and there is a promenade set up for a relaxed stroll in the countryside.