Glicopia East

Okegawajuku, home to cultural properties such as Takemura Ryokan (former Hatago) and the residences of the Shimamura and Kobayashi families, is reminiscent of the past Nakasendo post town. Okegawa's specialty, the safflower, brought wealth and culture to Okegawajuku and decorates the stone lanterns donated by safflower merchants seen at the Okegawa Inari Shrine.

Located in the Kitamoto Nature Observation Park, this facility serves as a base for Saitama Prefecture’s nature learning and environmental education. Various events related to observation and nature experiences are hosted on primarily Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Inside the building, there are exhibits about nature and environmental issues and an information center filled with books related to nature. Staff are also stationed to provide 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.

There are many exhibits that tell the history of Konosu Town as well as hina dolls and akamono dolls, a warehouse built in the Meiji period (designated as an important building of Saitama Prefecture's landscape), and a stage decorated with mosaic art. The museum also provides sightseeing information and sells local specialties. Make sure to stop by for an enjoyable time!

Saitama prefecture's largest rose garden blooms twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. The best times to visit are from early May to early June and early October to mid-November. There are over 400 varieties and more than 5000 individual roses in this garden of overwhelming beauty. There is also a garden of hydrangeas that blooms in June. Walk through the park and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, finding various sport and recreation facilities, waterside areas, playground equipment, large sandpits, and much more, which come together to create a stimulating environment with something for everyone!

The temple was rebuilt by Seigon Shonin at the end of the 16th century and became one of eighteen monk training schools for the Jodo sect. As a temple associated with the Tokugawa Shogunate, the use of the "three-leaf hollyhock crest" was permitted. There are many cultural assets on the temple grounds that tell the ancient history in the present day. They hold the "Ten Nights Memorial Service," one of the three major memorial services in Kanto, every year on November 14, and the "Doll Memorial Service," unique to this town which is known for its hina dolls.