Spots List

Matoba Tanukiyama Park

Matoba Tanukiyama Park

A park in the Matoba residential area. True to its name, raccoon dog statues sit atop a small hill in the spacious grounds. This wooded hill is actually an ancient round barrow (kofun), and the park was created to preserve it. Though close to the Kawagoe-Hidaka prefectural road, it remains quiet.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Rikendo Hall

A hand-carved seal workshop with a long history, founded in 1937 and located mid-way along Taisho Roman Yume-dori Street. First-class carving technicians still produce seals entirely by hand. Reconstructed in 1997, it won the Urban Landscape Point Award for its harmony with Kawagoe's historic scenery.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Renkeiji Temple

Renkeiji Temple

A Jodo sect temple with ties to the Tokugawa family, founded in the Muromachi period by the mother of a Kawagoe castle lord. The grounds bustle with events, including the "Donryu Day" festival on the 8th of every month. Located on the path from the station to the tourist area, it attracts many visitors.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ryotei Yamaya

A long-established traditional restaurant located down an alley across from the Saitama Resona Bank Kawagoe Branch. It moved in 1868 after taking over the former Yokota family villa. The 900-tsubo grounds house seven Japanese-style rooms, including a large hall of 28 tatami mats. Dining while viewing the seasonal garden offers a luxurious experience. It is also popular as a wedding venue showcasing the best of traditional Japanese culture.

Saitama
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ichiban-gai Shopping Street

Ichiban-gai Shopping Street

Fire-resistant "Kurazukuri" storehouses formed the cityscape from the late Edo period through the Meiji era after the Great Kawagoe Fire of 1893. These structures were a symbol of status for Kawagoe merchants. From the Taisho era, one can see the era's distinctive architecture, such as the cutting-edge steel-framed reinforced concrete of the former Saitama Resona Bank and townhouses decorated with Western-style finishes like artificial stone wash-outs.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kawagoe City

Known as "Little Edo," it preserves castle town architecture. Iconic for the Time Bell tower and Candy Alley. Located just 30 mins from Tokyo, it's a popular spot for visitors to rent kimonos and walk through history.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
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Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park

Kinchakuda Manjushage Park

Japan's largest colony of red spider lilies, where 5 million flowers create a crimson carpet in autumn. The unique scenery along the meandering river is a sensation on social media, offering a breathtaking autumn view.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Saitama City

Saitama's capital, blending modern skyscrapers with history. Home to the world-famous Omiya Bonsai Village, Hikawa Shrine, and the Railway Museum. It offers diverse experiences from traditional crafts to sports.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Food
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kumagaya City

Known as a rugby mecca and a historic post town. The "Kumagaya Sakura Embankment" features 2km of cherry blossoms and canola flowers. Famous for its summer heat, it's also the best place to try "Yukikuma" shaved ice.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nagatoro River Boating (Line Kudari)

Nagatoro River Boating (Line Kudari)

A thrilling boat ride down the Arakawa River past the "Iwadatami" rock formations. Skilled boatmen navigate the rapids, offering scenic valley views. It's a highlight of Nagatoro tourism for experiencing nature and tradition.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kawagoe Castle

A key stronghold for defending Edo. The Honmaru Palace is a rare surviving example of its kind in Japan. Visitors can explore tatami rooms and courtyards, catching a real glimpse into the lives of samurai.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Mitsumine Jinja Shrine

Mitsumine Jinja Shrine

A powerful spiritual site 1,100m high in the Chichibu mountains. It uniquely enshrines wolves as messengers of god. Known as the "Shrine in the Sky," its mystical atmosphere and potential sea of clouds attract many seekers.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Menuma Shoden-zan Temple

Menuma Shoden-zan Temple

Called "Saitama's Nikko," this National Treasure temple boasts intricate, colorful carvings. It is a hidden gem for art and history lovers, offering a quiet atmosphere to admire masterful craftsmanship.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kamikawa Town

Famous for pear picking and "winter cherry blossoms" (Fuyu-zakura) that bloom from winter to spring. The unique sight of autumn colors and cherry blossoms together is a popular photo spot for international visitors.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chichibu City

A treasure trove of spiritual power spots and traditions. The Chichibu Night Festival (UNESCO Heritage) is world-famous. With unkai (sea of clouds), hot springs, and natural beauty, it's a profound cultural destination.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyoshi Town

The closest agricultural town to Tokyo, preserving Edo-period farming landscapes. Famous for "Kawagoe Imo" sweet potatoes grown with traditional compost. Visitors can enjoy potato picking and fresh produce.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Hanno City

Known as a "Forest Culture City," it features Moominvalley Park. Surrounded by forests, it's perfect for outdoor activities like canoeing and hiking, all within an hour from central Tokyo.

Saitama
Area Info
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nanaegawa Erosion Control Dams

Nanaegawa Erosion Control Dams

A group of historic erosion control dams built to protect the area. These stone-built structures harmonize perfectly with the mountains. Visitors can experience Japan's water management history while hiking along clear streams.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kakkaku Dam (Nishichichibu Momoko)

Kakkaku Dam (Nishichichibu Momoko)

A beautiful arch dam lake known as "Nishichichibu Momoko." Surrounded by greenery, it offers stunning views of peach blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn. It's an ideal, quiet spot for nature walks and picnics.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Banba-dori Street

Banba-dori Street

A shopping street with retro architecture from the 1920s and 30s. Walking down the cobblestone path feels like time travel. It is a popular spot for international guests to enjoy "tabearuki" (street food) while taking photos.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chichibu Furusatokan

Chichibu Furusatokan

A tourism hub in a renovated early 20th-century merchant house. A Registered Tangible Cultural Property where you can buy local specialties and eat regional cuisine. It is a perfect spot to rest while enjoying historical architecture.

Saitama
Sightseeing
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chichibu Meisenkan

Chichibu Meisenkan

A facility where you can experience "Chichibu Meisen," a traditional silk fabric. In a retro building from the early Showa era, you can observe craftsmen's skills. It is popular among tourists for its bold designs and hands-on weaving workshops.

Saitama
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Bukou Shuzo Yanagida So-honten

Bukou Shuzo Yanagida So-honten

A historic sake brewery using spring water from Mt. Buko. The building is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Visitors can tour the brewery and enjoy tastings of fresh local sake, experiencing the deep history of Japanese brewing.

Saitama
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Saitama Arakawa Ultra Paddle Race “ULTRA A80”

Saitama Arakawa Ultra Paddle Race “ULTRA A80”

Japan's largest paddle race, covering 80km down the Arakawa River. Canoe and SUP enthusiasts test their limits of endurance and skill amidst Saitama's nature. It's an exciting event for spectators to see athletes power through changing landscapes.

Saitama
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter