Introduction to Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture is located to the north of Tokyo and is an area full of attractions blessed with rich nature, history, culture, and delicious food. Easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it is ideal for day trips and weekend getaways.
Geographic location
Saitama Prefecture is located in the northern part of the Kanto region, adjacent to Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, Gunma, and Nagano prefectures. The prefectural capital is Saitama City, with a population of approximately 7.36 million (as of 2022).
History & culture
Saitama is a place where you can experience Japanese culture in depth, with a different charm from that of Tokyo. Experience Japanese culture firsthand through the historical cityscape, traditional crafts, and enthusiastic festivals.
Tourist attraction
Saitama has many tourist attractions and landmarks.
Kawagoe
Kawagoe is a town that combines the atmosphere of the Edo period with modern charm. It is a recommended tourist destination for those who want to enjoy history, culture, and gourmet food.
Popular sightseeing spots include Ichiban-gai, where the warehouse-style townscape remains, Kashiya Yokocho, Toki no Kane (bell of time), and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. There are also many cafes and general merchandise stores that make use of the warehouse-style streetscape, making a stroll through the area enjoyable.
Chichibu
Chichibu is an area surrounded by mountains located in the western part of Saitama Prefecture, and is easily accessible from Tokyo in about 2 hours by train. It is a popular tourist destination for foreign tourists, with many shrines and temples that have been worshipped by people since ancient times, as well as beautiful nature.
Line rafting in Nagatoro Gorge, grass cherry blossoms in Hitsujiyama Park, and the spectacular view from Sanjyutsujibashi Bridge are popular. Another attraction is the spiritual journey to Chichibu Shrine and the 34 sacred sites of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy).
Kadokawa Musashino Museum
Kadokawa Musashino Museum in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, is the world’s first cultural complex that combines Japanese culture, entertainment, and nature.
The museum offers a wide range of Japanese culture, from ukiyo-e prints of the Edo period to contemporary art. Another attraction is the hands-on exhibits that make full use of Kadokawa Dwango’s digital technology.
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama Super Arena, located in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the largest multipurpose arenas in Japan, opened in 2000, and hosts more than 200 events annually, including concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions.
Food culture
Saitama’s food culture is supported by fresh ingredients and local specialties.
Miso Potato
Miso Potato is a B gourmet dish popular in the Chichibu region of Saitama Prefecture. It is loved by the locals for its simple flavor.
Chichibu soba
Chichibu soba is a traditional local dish that has been served since the Edo period. The good quality of water and the large difference in temperatures are ideal for buckwheat cultivation, resulting in a richly aromatic buckwheat flour harvest.
Many restaurants grind locally produced buckwheat flour on a millstone and carefully hand-mill it, so that the original flavor and texture of the buckwheat can be fully appreciated.
Yamada udon
Yamada Udon is a chain of udon noodle restaurants operating mainly in Saitama Prefecture, and since its establishment in 1976, it has been a soul food loved by local people.
The charm of Yamada Udon lies in its generous portions and reasonable prices. The Katsu-don set is recommended for tourists. The crispy cutlet and sweet and spicy sauce are an exquisite combination, popular with both Japanese and non-Japanese alike.
Soka senbei (rice cracker)
Soka senbei is a traditional rice cracker that has been produced in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, since the Edo period. Characterized by its savory soy sauce flavor and crispy texture, it is a popular souvenir not only in Japan but also overseas.
Soka senbei are not only great for eating on their own, but also as an excellent accompaniment to tea or alcohol. They can also be crushed and served as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Activities
Saitama offers a wide variety of activities.
Enjoy the nature of Chichibu
There are many activities to enjoy the magnificent nature of Chichibu, such as line rafting in Nagatoro Gorge, canoeing, hiking to Mimine Shrine, and more. We encourage you to try these activities when you visit Chichibu.
Learn about the history of railroads at the Railway Museum
The Chichibu Railway Museum, located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Japanese railroads.The museum was opened in 1988 and reopened in 2017. The museum exhibits many valuable vehicles and materials, and is a fun spot for both children and adults, as well as railroad fans. In particular, the train driving simulator, which allows visitors to actually feel like a driver, is very popular with children.
View art at the Kadokawa Musashino Museum
The Kadokawa Musashino Museum is a spectacular library designed by Kengo Kuma in Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan.Opened in 2020, the facility is a cultural complex with various functions including a bookstore, museum, theater, and cafe.
This spot is recommended for book lovers as well as those interested in architecture and art.
Sauna at Soka Health Center
Soka Health Center, located in Soka City, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the most popular sauna facilities among sauna lovers, open 24 hours a day and offering a wide variety of saunas and baths. It is the sauna facility that the author, Gen, likes the most, and it is a place that sauna lovers should visit at least once.
Seasonal Recommendations
Saitama is an area that can be enjoyed in all four seasons.
Spring
- Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour: Saitama Prefecture is home to many famous cherry blossom viewing spots, including Oshijo Castle and Kitamoto Nature Park. Take a stroll along the beautiful cherry blossom trees and enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms.
- Strawberry Picking: Saitama Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of strawberries. In spring, visitors can enjoy picking fresh strawberries.
Summer
- River Fun in Nagatoro Gorge: Nagatoro Gorge is a representative scenic spot in Saitama Prefecture. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as river rafting and canoeing.
- Chichibu Summer Festivals: Saitama Prefecture is home to a number of enthusiastic summer festivals, including the Chichibu Night Festival and the Kawagoe Festival.
Autumn
- Foliage viewing: Saitama Prefecture is home to many famous autumn foliage viewing spots, such as Mt. Hoto, you can enjoy hiking and driving while gazing at the colorfully tinted mountains.
- Gourmet: Saitama Prefecture is rich in specialty products, such as Fukaya leeks and Soka senbei. In the fall, visitors can taste dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Winter
- Chichibu Muse Park: Chichibu Muse Park, with its fantastic illumination, is a great spot for a winter date.
- Onsen: Saitama Prefecture has a variety of hot springs, including the Soka Health Center and Tamagawa Onsen. Warm up and relax in the cold winter.
Local Culture
Saitama’s culture is expressed in traditional crafts and local festivals.
Festival
- Kawagoe Festival: Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, this festival features a parade of gorgeous floats.
- Chichibu Night Festival: With a history of over 300 years, this festival features a parade of heroic floats.
Traditional crafts
- Kumagaya Fans: A traditional craft made in Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture, these fans have a history of over 400 years and are a summer tradition that brings a cool breeze.
Transportation
Access to Saitama is very convenient.
Railway
It takes about 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Urawa Station by Saikyo Line or Keihin Tohoku Line.
Shinkansen
It takes about 40 minutes from Tokyo Station to Kumagaya Station by Shinkansen bullet train.
Express Bus
It takes about 1 hour from Tokyo Station to Urawa Station.
Lastly
Saitama Prefecture is a tourist destination with easy access from Tokyo, where you can enjoy the charms of each of the four seasons. We invite you to visit Saitama Prefecture, where you can enjoy history, culture, nature, and food in a variety of ways.