Matsuoka Sake Brewery

From handcrafting Japanese paper to seasonal experiences and workshops related to the Japanese paper, hand-making soba and udon, purchasing specialty goods of Japanese paper and agricultural products. There is also a plentiful food court full of the local village cuisine such as the salted grilled char and oyaki. Furthermore, there is a paper-making house with a thatched roof inside the Japanese garden, which makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the Edo period. The area is designed to allow for a relaxing time.

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?

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.

Fresh vegetables and locally-produced eggs harvested by more than 130 local farmers along with handmade dishes (to be served with rice) can be bought in the bright shop where you can feel the warmth of the wooden interior. Outside, a shop put out by the local butcher sells Yakitori and dumplings made of pure rice. This farmers' market is very popular with the people of the town. Products brought in by farmers in the morning are sold on the day, for the whole day. The best part about it all is the freshness.

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