SAITAMA, JAPAN

Access Guide
Shinkansen
JR Lines
Seibu Line
Tobu Line
NEW SHUTTLE
Other Private Railways Line
Kitakanto Expressway
Kan-etsu Expressway
Takasaki Line
17
Honjowaseda
Hanyu
125
Kumagaya
Nagatoro
Tobu Tojo Line
Minano
Gyodashi
Yorii
299
Chichibu
SeibuChichibu
Ogose
Mitsumineguchi
Tobu Ogose Line
Seibu Chichibu Line
Chichibu & North Area
West Area
Central & East Area
Special train and
bus deals!
16
254
Hanno
16
Keisei Narita
SKY ACCESS Line
Omiya
Koshigaya
Urawamisono
463
Kawaguchi
Kokubunji
Tachikawa
Chuo Line
CHIBA
Chuo Expressway
Ueno
Shinjuku
Hamamatsucho
Yamanote Line
Tomei Expressway
Keisei Line
Sobu Main Line
Chiba
Haneda Airport
(Tokyo International Airport)
Shinagawa
Tokyo Monorail
Keikyu Line
Narita
Airport
Terminal 1
Narita Line
Tokyo
Seibu
Shinjuku Line
Narita Airport
Terminal 2
Yashio
Ikebukuro
Haijima
Hachioji
Narita
International
Airport
Soka
Niiza
Tokorozawa
Itsukaichi Line
Ken-o Expressway
Joban Expressway
254
Seibu Ikebukuro Line
TOKYO
17
Kawagoe
HigashiHanno
Ome Line
Kasukabe
Inachuo
Komagawa
Kawagoe Line
Saitama Railway
Musashino Line
4
Sakado HonKawagoe
140
Satte
Kuki
Konosu
Higashimatsuyama
SAITAMA
Tobu Nikko Line
NEW SHUTTLE
Tobu Urban Park (Noda) Line
Tobu Skytree Line
Kurihashi
122
407
Ogawamachi
There's
plenty
to see !
©U/F・S・A・A,
Saitama Sightseeing
Supporter
Fukaya
Hachiko Line
Chichibu Railway
Utsunomiya
Line
Tobu
Isesaki Line
Honjo
Joshin-etsu Expressway
Tohoku
Expressway
Joetsu Shinkansen /
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Crayon Shin-chan
SAITAMA, JAPAN
– Just North of Tokyo –
Nature, Koedo, shopping
and events
North Area
Chichibu &
a
West Are
Haneda Airport Terminal 2
Haneda Airport International Terminal
Haneda Airport Domestic Terminal
Haneda Airport Terminal 1
Tourist offices by area
Saitama City
For Kawagoe
SEIBU Rail Pass
Discount round-trip passes between Takadanobaba
Sta. and Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on sale.
SEIBU Railway
www.seibu-group.co.jp/
railways/tourist/english/
KAWAGOE DISCOUNT PASS
Special discount round-trip passes from Ikebukuro
Sta. to Kawagoe Sta. or Kawagoeshi Sta.
TOBU Railway
www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/
tojo/en/discount/
For Saitama City
TOKYO Wide Pass
Ride freely on JR Shinkansen, limited express, express,
local trains, etc. within Kanto area for 3 days.
East Japan Railway
www.jreast.co.jp/e/
Shopping image photo by iStock
*This publication is current as of January 2016.
*The prices listed in this brochure include tax.
Omiya Tourist Information Center
630 Nishikicho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama
048-644-1144　9:00-19:00 (Normal STIB staff
hours: 10:00-18:30, with break from 13:30 -14:30)
Inside JR Omiya Sta.
www.stib.jp/e/index.html
Kawagoe
Kawagoe City Kawagoe Station
Tourist Information Office
Wi-Fi
24-9 Wakitamachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama
049-222-5556　9:00-16:30
Right outside Kawagoe Sta. on JR Kawagoe Line and
Tobu Tojo Line
www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/tic/kawagoe_city.html
Chichibu
Chichibu Tourist Information Center
Wi-Fi
1-16-15 Nosakamachi, Chichibu City, Saitama
0494-21-2277　[Nov.-Mar.] 9:00-17:00, [Apr.-Oct.] 9:00-17:30
Approx. 1 min. walk from Seibu-Chichibu Sta. on
Seibu Chichibu Line
www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/tic/chichibu.html
Address　Tel. No.　Hours [Period]　Closed　Fee/Price　Access　URL
Saitama International Tourism Promotion Council
East Area
Central &
MAP of SAITAMA
TOCHIGI
GUMMA
Chichibu &
North Area
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SAITAMA
West
Area
Seibu-Chichibu Sta.
Lin
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Kuki
Shiraoka- IC
Shobu IC
Uchijuku Sta.
Sakado
Sta.
Kawagoe IC
OkegawaKitamoto Inachuo
Sta.
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Hon-Kawagoe
Sta.
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Kawagoe
Sta.
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Bijogi
JCT
JAPAN
Nerima IC
b uku
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Shinjuku Sta.
N
SAITAMA
TOKYO
Haneda Airport
(Tokyo International
Airport)
The Omiya
Bonsai Art
Museum,
Saitama
Koshigaya Sta.
Line
The West Area has a historic feel,
highlighted by streets with
kurazukuri-style houses.
Come take a trip through Edo
period townscapes and vintage
Showa period settings!
KANAGAWA
Approx. 1 hr.
and 25 min.
by express bus
For Central &
East Area
Haneda Airport
Omiya Sta.
Approx. 1 hr.
and 30 min.
by express bus
Haneda Airport
Approx. 35 min.
by express bus
For Shinjuku
West Exit of Shinjuku Sta.
Kawaguchi JCT
Misato
JCT
Misatominami IC
Access from Shinjuku Sta.
For Chichibu &
North Area
To Seibu-Chichibu Sta.
Ikebukuro
Sta.
Tokyo Sta.
Ride on JR Shonan Shinjuku Line for
approx. 5 min. from Shinjuku Sta. to
Ikebukuro Sta. Transfer to the Seibu
Ikebukuro Line andNarita
take the limited express
International
train for approx.
1 hr. and 20 min.
Airport
For West Area
To Hon-Kawagoe Sta.
For Central &
East Area
TOKYO
West Area
Narita
International
Airport
Central &
East Area
Soka
yo
Tok ikan ay IC
Ga pressw
Ex
Seibu Shinjuku Line
500km
Kasukabe Sta.
uI
YAMANASHI
Iruma
IC
Tokorozawa
IC
Approx. 2 hr.
by express bus
Access from Haneda Airport
Kuki-Shiraoka JCT
Omiya Sta.
oL
oj
uT
Hanno Sta.
Ome IC
Narita International Airport
For Shinjuku
Kuki Sta.
y
-o
Ken resswa
Exp
b
To
Onsen in
Chichibu Area
Omiya Sta.
Shinjuku Sta.
ine
Tsurugashima
JCT
Komagawa
Sta.
in e Kazo IC
iL
254
Tobu
Ogose Line
iL
NEW
T TLE
SHU
ch
i bu
Is e
sa
k
Narita International Airport
Shopping in Omiya
rk
Pa ne
bu n )Li
To rba da
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(
299
Ogose Sta.
125
Hanyu IC
u
Tobytree
Sk e
Lin
Chich
Ogawamachi Sta.
S
ak
K
Expan-e
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ay
iko
Lin
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140
Ta
ka
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bu
To
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For Central &
East Area
IBARAKI
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kans
en
sen
in e
ink
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Toho
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17
Sh
Utsu no
miy
aL
tsu
Tohoku Ex
Joe
Chichibu Sta.
Access from Narita International Airport
To
b
y
pr e
Nagatoro Sta.
Chichibu &
North Area
uN
Fujioka JCT
299
2
Japanese culture. Have fun in the city!
Yukikuma
shaved ice in
Kumagaya
Fujioka IC
Nagatoro River
White Water Rafting
0
Home of Omiya, the prefecture's premier shopping
destination, and dotted with tourist spots for art and
Mandarin orange
picking in Yorii
Chichibu Area and the North Area are full of
excitement. Refresh the soul in magnificent
natural beauty of Chichibu and Nagatoro, and
taste local dishes of the North Area that have
been developed independently.
NAGANO
Central & East Area
To Omiya Sta.
Approx. 46 min. by limited express train
from Seibu-Shinjuku Sta. on Seibu Shinjuku
Line
Approx. 32 min. by rapid service train from
Shinjuku Sta. on JR Saikyo Line
CHIBA
Access from Ikebukuro Sta.
Town of Kurazukuri–
style houses
in Kawagoe
Haneda Airport
(Tokyo International Airport)
For Chichibu &
North Area
Approx. 1 hr. and 20 min. by limited
express train from Ikebukuro Sta. on Seibu
Ikebukuro Line
For West Area
Approx. 30 min. by express train from
Ikebukuro Sta. on Tobu Tojo Line
For Central &
East Area
Approx. 24 min. from Ikebukuro Sta. on JR
Shonan-Shinjuku Line
To Seibu-Chichibu Sta.
To Hon-Kawagoe Sta.
Tokyo Bay
To Omiya Sta.
3
Look at the
beautiful
flowers!
rea
Chichibu & North A
©U/F・S・A・A,
Saitama Sightseeing
Supporter
Experience nature
This popular area is accessible from the city, featuring
historic townscapes in Chichibu and beautiful forest
and streams in Nagatoro. Come here to enjoy nature
firsthand!
N
0
20km
Nagatoro
Chichibu
Shibazakura Hill,
Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park overlooks
the streets of Chichibu. With a backdrop of
Chichibu's symbol Mt. Buko, more than 400,000
of 9 varieties of shibazakura flowers bloom on
the vast expanses of Shibazakura Hill.
* Chichibu *
6360 Omiya, Chichibu City, Saitama (Hitsujiyama
Park)
8:00-17:00 (Fees required time)
Flower season [Mid-Apr. to early May]
Entry fee: ¥300
Approx. 20 min. walk from Seibu-Chichibu Sta. on
Seibu Chichibu Line
http://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp.e.qg.hp.transer.
com/p_flower/1808/
4
Chichibu &
North Area
Kawagoe
View
the Carpet of Flowers
Chichibu & North
Area
Or take a relaxing hike
s
along the river on the rock
of Iwadatami ♪
Omiya
View
e
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Expe
Beautiful Scenery
ine and
Food stands with local cuis
cent
other stuf f line at the adja
is in full
open space when the hill
mid-April
bloom (every year from
to early May).
Nagatoro River White
Water Rafting
Nagatoro Valley has been a popular spot for its
scenery since long ago. Taking a traditional
boat down the river with gorgeous views of the
Iwadatami rock terraces on one side and the
grand Chichibu Sekiheki red cliff on the other is
a Nagatoro tourist mainstay.
* Nagatoro *
489-2 Nagatoro, Nagatoromachi, Chichibu-gun,
Saitama (Line-Kudari Information Office)
0494-66-0950
9:00-16:00 [Mid-Mar. to early Dec.]
Boat service availability subject to weather and
river conditions
<A course> from ¥1,600 (Time required: Approx.
20 min.)
Approx. 1 min. walk from Chichibu Railway
Nagatoro Sta.
www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/line/
View
Ride the Nagatoro steam
locomotive!
The Paleo Express is a steam
locomotive with service on
the Chichibu Railway. The
tranquil views from the train
window are worth it.
www.chichibu-railway.co.jp
*Operating period: Apr. to early Dec.
5
Chichibu & North Area
View
More Places to Enjoy Nature
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Poppy-Filled
Hills Color the Skies
Mandarin orange picking,
Fifteen million Shirley Poppies grow at an
elevation of 500 meters on the Chichibu Kogen
Farm. The red from the vast fields of the
flowers makes the skies feel even bluer.
with 400 years of history
Yorii is one of the northernmost areas growing mandarin oranges in
Japan, with a history spanning back over 400 years. During the orange
season, many hikers visit the orange orchards to pick fruit.
* Minano *
* Yorii *
Fuppu & Kobayashi area of Yoriimachi, Osato-gun, Saitama
048-581-3012 (Yorii Tourist Agency)
9:00-16:00
[Late Oct. to mid-Dec. *Orchards may close due to weather]
Entry fee: ¥600 (free picking and take home oranges),
orange clusters ¥200
Approx. 30-40 min. walk from Chichibu Railway Hagure Sta.
http://yorii-kanko.jp/mikanyama.html
Eat fresh-picked
mandarin oranges
straight from the tree!
View
2949-1 Oaza-sakamoto, Higashi Chichibu-mura,
Chichibu-gun, Saitama
0494-62-1462 (Poppy Festival Organizing
Committee)
9:00-16:30 [Mid-May to early June]
Entrance fee ¥200
Approx. 20 min. by bus or taxi from Chichibu
Railway Minano Sta.
www.tenku-poppy.jp
Poppy Festival
is held on weekends
.
during the peak season
one
Waterfall in Chichibu is
of the must-see spots ♪
Japan's Top 100 Falls
Marugami Waterfall
Free volunteer guides
available.
A Touch of History
Restored and maintained
park and a history
museum on the premises.
Named one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls. The waterfall has no basin due
to its 3 steps for water to slide down gradually. The falls are 76 meters
high and flow beautifully like white silk.
* Ogano *
Ryokami-komori, Oganomachi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
0494-79-1100 (Ogano Hospitality Division)
Free admission
Take the municipal bus from Seibu-Chichibu Sta. on the Seibu Chichibu Line to the Yakushinoyu stop. Transfer to the
Shiraisaguchi-bound bus, and get off at the Takimae stop. Falls are approx. a 20-minute walk from the bus stop.
www.kanko-ogano.jp/archives/1468/
View
as
You'll lose all track of time
lls
erfa
wat
c
esti
maj
the
capture your soul.
View
Take In the Negative Ions at
Onouchi Valley
With headwaters rooted in Mt. Ryokamisan, Onouchi Valley
offers wonderful views in all four seasons, cycling through
lush greenery, fall colors and icicles. Enjoy the calming effect
of the negative ions from all the waterfalls in the area.
* Ogano *
996-1 Kawarasawa, Oganomachi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
0494-79-1100 (Ogano Hospitality Division)
8:00-16:00 [Icicle season (early Jan. to late Feb)], 8:00-20:00
[Saturdays during the light-up period of icicles (Late Jan. to late Feb.)]
Open 365 days　Icicle season: ¥200
Take the bus from Seibu-Chichibu Sta. on the Seibu Chichibu Line and
get off at the Oganoyakuba bus stop. Transfer to the Sakamoto-bound
bus, get off at Onouchikeikoku bus stop and walk approx. 20 min.
www.nishichichibu.or.jp/hyouchuu/index.htm
6
Menuma Kangiin Shodenzan
Temple Shodendo Hall
Designated National Treasure
Shodendo Hall is the main hall of Menuma Kangiin Shodenzan
Temple with brilliantly-colored, ornate carvings. Come see the
masterful carving technique which earned the hall its
designation as a national treasure in July of 2012 and is said to
be the pinnacle of early modern decorative architecture.
* Kumagaya *
1627 Menuma, Kumagaya City, Saitama　048-588-1644 (Temple office)
10:00-16:30 [Reception: until 16:00]　Entrance fee ¥700
Ride a bus from JR Kumagaya Sta. for approx. 25 min., get off at
Menuma Shoden-mae bus stop and walk a few min.
www.ksky.ne.jp/~shouden/
View
Remains of Hachigata Castle
One of the Nationally designated historic sites
Hachigata Castle is a historic site in Yorii. One of the largest
such sites in the Kanto region, the site was designated as a
national historic site in 1932. Hachigata Castle is also
designated as one of Japan's top 100 castle sites and has
gathered attention as some of old castle ruins.
* Yorii *
2692-2 Oaza-hachigata, Yoriimachi, Osato-gun, Saitama
048-586-0315 (Hachigata Castle History Museum)
10:00-16:30　Open every day, except when necessary for maintenance
Free admission
Approx. 15 min. walk from Yorii Sta. of Chichibu Railway or Tobu Tojo Line
www.town.yorii.saitama.jp/site/rekishikan/kouenannai.html
7
View
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine,
Home to a God of Matchmaking
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a popular tourist destination
known for being home to a god of matchmaking. The
towering large vermilion torii gate on the approach to the
shrine is one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.
* Kawagoe *
Look at
all the
snacks!
West Area
©U/F・S・A・A,
Saitama Sightseeing
Supporter
View
Walk the Streets of Koedo
Featuring streets where kurazukuri-style houses stand
in a row, the Kawagoe area has the feel of a castle
town. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Kawagoe, dotted
with historic and cultural tourist spots.
West Area
N
0
20km
Nagatoro
West Area
Chichibu
Kawagoe
View
Time Bell Tower,
Symbol of Koedo (Traditional Town)
The Time Bell Tower is a symbol of Kawagoe, conspicuously
towering over the streets with kurazukuri-style houses.
Heralding back to the days of the early Edo period, when it
was used to tell time in the castle town of Kawagoe, the
townspeople have grown fond of this bell tower.
* Kawagoe *
15-7 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe City, Saitama
049-222-5556 (Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Office)
Approx. 15 min. walk from Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on Seibu
Shinjuku Line
www.koedo.or.jp/foreign/english/
Take a walk through Kashiya
y) and
Yokocho (Penny Candy Alle
ks ♪
sample various cheap snac
8
To this day, the tower still
keeps time and sounds
four times a day.
Omiya
ri
The Sakurasaku Omamo
ir
charm is a popular souven
2-11-3 Miyashitamachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama
049-224-0589 (Shrine office)
9:00-17:00　Open 365 days　Free admission
Ride a CO-EDO Loop Bus from Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on
Seibu Shinjuku Line, get off at Hikawa Shrine bus stop
and walk a few min.
www.kawagoehikawa.jp
Kita-in Temple
Housing Numerous Important
Cultural Properties
Built in 830, Kawagoe Daishi Kita-in Temple has numerous
nationally designated important cultural properties and
buildings on its grounds, including the birthplace of Iemitsu
Tokugawa and the powder room of Kasuga-no-Tsubone.
* Kawagoe *
1-20-1 Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama
049-222-0859 (Kita-In Temple Office)
[Mar. 1 to Nov. 23] Weekday 8:50-16:30, Sun. and Public
holidays 8:50-16:50 [Nov. 24 to the end of Feb.] Weekday
8:50-16:00, Sun. and Public holidays 8:50-16:20
None scheduled　Admission ¥400
Approx. 15 min. walk from Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on Seibu
Shinjuku Line
www.kawagoe.com/kitain/english/
Also come to see
the 500 Rakan statues!
A Touch of History at
Museum conveying the
its
excitement and high spir
of Kawagoe Festival.
View
Kawagoe Festival Museum
Kawagoe Festival is a nationally designated important
intangible folk cultural property. Come visit Kawagoe
Festival Museum to see how the culture has developed
over the festival's more than 360-year history, adding
Kawagoe-specific features.
* Kawagoe *
2-1-10 Motomachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama
049-225-2727
[Apr. to Sep.] 9:30-18:30 (Last entrance at 18:00),
[Oct. to Mar.] 9:30-17:30 (Last entrance at 17:00)
2nd & 4th Wed. (If a public holiday, the following day will be
closed instead), Dec. 29-Jan. 1 *There are also some
temporary closures.
Entrance fee ¥300
Approx. 15 min. walk from Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on Seibu
Shinjuku Line
www.kawagoematsuri.jp/English/index.html
9
West Area
Plenty of Other Sites!
Kinchakuda, one of
View
Also very popular for
its hiking trail!
Japan's biggest red spider lily
fields
Shaped by the serpentine route of the Koma River, this
flower field is beautiful through all four seasons. Known
in particular for its red spider lilies in autumn, approx.
5.5-hectare grounds amass one of Japan's largest groups
of the flower with 5 million bulbs.
125-2 Komahongo, Hidaka City, Saitama
042-982-0268 (Kinchakuda Management Office)
[Apr. to Oct.] 8:00-17:00, [Nov. to Mar.] 8:00-16:00
[Apr. to Oct.] Open 365 days, [Nov. to Mar.] Tue.
Free admission　Approx. 15 min. walk from Koma Sta. on Seibu Ikebukuro Line
www.kinchakuda.com
e
Learn about traditional culture at
Suisokuken no Mori
Located in the forest around Heirinji Temple, Suisokuken
no Mori (scenic area) once lied on the grounds of the
Yasuzaemon Matsunaga, also known as the great tea
master Jian in the Showa era. Since lent to the city free of
charge, it has been opened as a place for learning about
traditional Japanese culture.
* Niiza *
1-20-12 Nobitome, Niiza City, Saitama
048-482-4004　9:00-16:00
Wed.　Free admission
Ride a bus from Hibarigaoka Sta. on Seibu Ikebukuro Line or Shiki
Sta. on Tobu Tojo Line, get off at Heirinji bus stop and walk 1 min.
www.city.niiza.lg.jp/map/niizashisuisokukennomori.html
10
Food
Hand Papermaking Experience at
Yasuragi Peace House
Popular attractions include a washi paper demonstration
tour and a washi papermaking experience tour. Doubling
as the Ogawamachi Roadside Station, the local products
section of the center also offers shopping for local
vegetables, snacks, handicrafts and more.
This facility is more than 100 years old private house relocated
and reconstructed into a hall for experiencing and interacting
with rural life. Visitors can either make their own udon noodles
(reservation required), or just purchase meals.
Experience and interact with a rural village house
* Tokigawa *
720-1 Oaza-nishidaira, Tokigawamachi, Hiki-gun Saitama
0493-67-0800 (Yasuragi Peace House Management Council)
[Experience] 10:00-16:00, [Meal] 11:00-14:00
Tue., End-of-year and New Year holidays
Udon making experience ¥2,000 [Reservation required]
Ride a bus from Musashi-ranzan Sta. on Tobu Tojo Line, get off at
Seseragi Bus Center bus stop and change buses. Get off at Tategu
Kaikan-mae bus stop and walk approx. 2 min.
www.town.tokigawa.lg.jp/forms/info/info.aspx?info_id=11571
1220 Ogawa, Ogawamachi, Hiki-gun, Saitama　0493-72-1220
[Experience] 10:00-12:00, 13:00-15:00 (Reservations are required for a group)
Mon. (If a public holiday, the following day will be closed
instead), Dec. 29-Jan. 3
Entrance fee ¥300 (Adult), Washi paper hand-making experience from ¥210
Ride a bus from Ogawamachi Sta. on Tobu Tojo Line, get off at
Dento Kogei Kaikan-mae bus stop and walk approx. 1 min.
saitamacraft.com
View
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* Higashi Chichibu *
441 Oaza-mido, Higashi Chichibu-mura,
Chichibu-gun, Saitama
0493-82-1468
9:00-16:00 (Experience: until 15:00)
Mon. (If a public holiday, the following
day will be closed instead), Dec. 29-Jan. 3
Washi paper hand-making experience
from ¥280
Ride a bus from Ogawamachi Sta. on
Tobu Tojo Line, get off at Washinosato
bus stop and walk approx. 3 min.
www.washinosato.co.jp
Washi no Sato
Come here to try Zen
ch
meditation and get in tou
with traditional Japan.
rienc
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* Ogawa *
Grills for barbecuing
also available!
Expe
ping
Shop
Saitama Craft Center
* Hidaka *
View
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Expe
Hand Papermaking and Seasonal Views
Visitors can take a tour to see approx.
1,300-year-old traditional methods for handmaking washi paper, or try for themselves.
Also, take a soothing walk through the
courtyard of the thatched roof papermaking
house and take in the seasonal views.
View
Food
Ranzan Valley, with
Beautiful Kyoto-like Views
Named for its resemblance to Arashiyama in Kyoto, the
charm of Ranzan Valley is best enjoyed in autumn. The
tranquility and pleasant air invite you to take a stroll down
the well-maintained promenade.
* Ranzan *
2857 Kamagata, Ranzanmachi, Hiki-gun, Saitama
0493-81-4511 (Ranzan Tourism Association)
Ride a bus from Musashi-Ranzan Sta. on Tobu Tojo Line for
approx. 10 min., get off the bus and walk approx. 15 min.
www.ranzan-kanko.jp
View
e
rienc
Expe
Extraordinary experiences Naguri Canoe Atelier
await!
on a Quiet Lakeside
Or make your own
canoe!
Enjoy paddling wooden canoes made at this
atelier on Lake Naguri. Forget your daily
troubles in the quiet lakeside of Lake Naguri,
surrounded by tranquil mountains under blue
skies.
* Hanno *
1817-9 Shimonaguri, Hanno City, Saitama
042-979-1117　9:00-16:30　Open 365 days
Canoe rentals: large/medium size ¥10,000, Canadian Canoe
¥2,000 (reservations required)
Ride a bus from Hanno Sta. on Seibu Ikebukuro Line, get off at
Sawarabinoyu bus stop and walk approx. 20 min.
www.naguri-canoe.com
11
View
The Omiya Bonsai Art
Museum, Saitama
Next to the celebrated
bonsai village
Look at all
the stylish
women!
a
Central & East Are
A bonsai-lovers'
paradise with visitors
from around the world!
20km
Chichibu
Omiya
2-24-3 Torocho, Kita-ku, Saitama City, Saitama
048-780-2091　[Mar. to Oct.] 9:00-16:30 (Last admission: 16:00),
[Nov. to Feb.] 9:00-16:00 (Last admission: 15:30)
Thu. (Except public holidays), End-of-year and New
Year holidays, Exhibit switching period　Entrance fee ¥300
Approx. 10 min. walk from Omiya-Koen Sta. on
Tobu Urban Park Line (Noda Line) or approx. 5 min.
walk from Toro Sta. on JR Utsunomiya Line
www.bonsai-art-museum.jp
e
rienc
Expe
Drive a train at
Central &
East Area
Kawagoe
ping
Shop
Omiya is called a shopping paradise, with Lumine Omiya which connected
directly to the station and Omiya Rakuun, a commercial facility.
Central & East
Area
N
0
Nagatoro
Saitama Prefecture's Premier Shopping
Destination
* Saitama *
©U/F・S・A・A,
Saitama Sightseeing
Supporter
Downtown Saitama City
The Saitama City Area is full of spots for shopping,
arts, and Japanese culture. It offers the refinement
as only city can!
Showcases tree pots, viewing stones, painting
materials, historic materials and more with a
focus on bonsai trees. The 8th World Bonsai
Convention in Saitama is also scheduled in 2017
at the museum as a sub-venue.
THE RAILWAY MUSEUM!
Omiya
Features exhibitions on Japan’s railway heritage and
resources, as well as actual train carriages, parts, and
models; hands-on workshops on railway history,
fundamentals, structure and more.
Railcar and steam
locomotive engine
simulators available!
* Saitama *
Pick up that souvenir
or other items you're
looking for here.
* Saitama *
3-47 Onaricho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama
048-651-0088　10:00-18:00 (Last admission: 17:30)
Tue. (It may open during long school breaks), End-of-year and
New Year holidays　Entrance fee [Adult] ¥1,000
Approx. 1 min. walk from Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Sta. on New
Shuttle Line
www.railway-museum.jp/en/index.html
630 Nishikicho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City,
Saitama
Right outside JR Omiya Sta.
Ruins restored at
View
Many lively events
are held here.
e
rienc
Expe
Iwatsuki Joshi Park
The castle grounds are full of color, with cherry blossoms in spring
and Yatsuhashi Bridge, a vermilion bridge stretching across an iris
pond. There are events held year round, including a cherry blossom
festival, Nagashibina, the doll memorial celebration, and more.
* Saitama *
3-4 Ota, Iwatsuki-ku, Saitama City, Saitama
048-757-9122 (Iwatsuki Joshi Park Management Office)
24 hours　Open 365 days　Free admission
Approx. 23 min. walk from Iwatsuki Sta. on Tobu Urban Park Line (Noda Line)
www.stib.jp/info/data/jyoushipark.html
photos by iStock
12
13
Central & East Area
Park Walks
View
National Special Natural Plant
Outside the City
Auto Race
It is a giant wisteria tree, famous for being very big and
having more than 1,200 years, admired as the No.1 in
the world. The flower clusters in full bloom may reach
as much as 2 meters, and the beautiful wisteria purple
of the flowers are fascinating.
View
Capacity for 44,000!
The Wisteria in Ushijima
* Kasukabe *
Kawaguchi Autorace
Largest motorcycle racing track
Also a mother tree of
Kyushaku-fuji
wisteria in Japan.
Kawaguchi Autorace is the largest among the 6 racing
tracks in Japan. Come and feel the exhilarating races with
motorcycles roaring, sprinting at speed of 150 km/h!
786 Ushijima, Kasukabe City, Saitama (Tokaen)
048-752-2012　8:00-18:00 Late Apr. to early May
Entrance fee ¥1,000
Approx. 10 min. walk from Fujino-ushijima Sta. on Tobu Urban Park
(Noda) Line
www.ushijimanofuji.co.jp
* Kawaguchi *
5-21-1 Aoki, Kawaguchi City, Saitama
048-251-4376　10:00-17:00
None scheduled　Free admission
A free shuttle bus operates from Nishi-Kawaguchi Sta. on JR
Keihin-Tohoku Line and Minami-hatogaya Sta. of Saitama
Railway.
www.kawaguchiauto.jp
Historical Tours
Oshijo-Omotenashi
Armor Team is a
must-see, too!
As seen in the
anime Lucky Star!
Big Bonsai Road
Soka Matsubara Promenade
National scenic beauty place of “Oku no Hosomichi”
* Soka *
Sakaecho, Soka City, Saitama (Big Bonsai Road)
048-922-0151 (Soka City Hall)　24 hours　Open 365 days
Free admission
Approx. 5 min. walk from Matsubaradanchi Sta. on Tobu Skytree Line
www.city.soka.saitama.jp/english/index.html
View
View
Remains of Oshijo
Castle Once called one of
Washinomiya Shrine
Kanto's 7 greatest castles
Built in Bunmei era of Muromachi period, Oshijo Castle earned a
reputation as a floating fortress when it withstood an attack at
the end of the Sengoku period in the subjugation of the Kanto
region by Hideyoshi Toyotomi.
* Gyoda *
17-23 Honmaru, Gyoda City, Saitama (Gyoda City Folk Museum)
048-554-5911　9:00-16:30 (Last entrance at 16:00)
Mon. (Open if a holiday), the next day of holiday (Open if it falls on Sat.
or Sun.), 4th Fri. (Open during themed exhibits and planned exhibits),
End-of-year and New Year holidays　Entrance fee ¥200　Approx. 15 min. walk from Gyodashi Sta. of Chichibu Railway
www.oshijo-omotenashi.com
14
Flower Park with a wide spread
of flowers
* Yashio *
2300-2 Kizone, Yashio City, Saitama (Nakagawa Yashio Flower Park)
048-996-1926 (Yashio City Tourism Association)
6:00-18:00 [Flowering peach tree] Early Mar. to early Apr., [Rape
blossom] Early Mar. to mid-Apr., [Cosmos] End of Sep. to late Oct.
Free admission　Ride a bus from Yashio Sta. of Tsukuba Express, get off at Nakagawa
Yashio Flower Park-iriguchi bus stop and walk approx. 5 min.
www.genkiup-yashio.jp
Kanto's oldest grand shrine
Kanto's oldest grand shrine has been well protected by
powerful supporters in each period, with the
Kamakura shogunate rebuilding the main building and
the Tokugawa shogunate contributing 400 koku to the
shrine.
* Kuki *
1-6-1 Washinomiya, Kuki City, Saitama
0480-58-0434
9:00-16:30　Open 365 days
Free admission
Approx. 5 min. walk from Washinomiya Sta. on Tobu Isesaki Line
www.washinomiyajinja.or.jp
Rose Garden with 300 species
and 4,800 rose bushes
* Ina *
732-1 Oaza-kobariuchijuku, Inamachi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama
(Chosei Shikou Kinen Park)　048-721-2111 (Ina Town Office)
9:00-18:00 [Spring rose] Mid-May to early June, Open 24 hours
[Autumn rose] Late-Oct. to early Nov.　Open 365 days
Paid entry during spring rose season only
Approx. 10 min. walk from Uchijuku Sta. on NEW SHUTTLE Line
www.town.saitama-ina.lg.jp/0000000120.html
Satte Gongendo cherry
embankment, scenic spot in Satte
* Satte *
887-3 Uchigoma, Satte City, Saitama (Prefectural Gongendo Park)
0480-44-0873 (Gongendo Park Management Office)
24 hours [Cherry blossoms] Late-Mar. to early Apr.　Free admission
Approx. 30 min. walk from Satte Sta. on Tobu Nikko Line
www.gongendo.jp/fourth/　www.satte-k.com
15
Local Dishes
Hands-on Experience
Unaju with the
perfect combination
of eel and sweet
sauce!
In a prefecture offering both natural and urban sites,
each area of Saitama has developed its own regional
cuisine. Here is a selection of 4 great dishes!
Saitama offers plenty of opportunities to get in touch with Japanese culture
and nature! Get a more intimate look at Japan by trying on some traditional
dress, baking sembei crackers, and many more cultural experiences.
Try on
surprisingly
heavy samurai
armor!
* Ogano *
Have your
picture taken in
a kimono!
Warajikatsu
A Chichibu specialty
Great for big
eaters!
Beloved by the locals, this katsudon dish
features two large deep-fried pork cutlets atop
a bowl of rice. This specialty combines the crisp,
juicy pork cutlets in a secret recipe sauce.
* Kawagoe *
Unagi
* Kawagoe *
A Kawagoe specialty
Being surrounded by rivers, the specialty in
Kawagoe is unagi, or freshwater eel. The unagi is
well marbled with a soft texture that you have to
try at least once. There are numerous longestablished unagi restaurants in Kawagoe City
that date back to Edo times.
* Gyoda *
Try on a kimono in a fitting
traditional town setting
Try out some armor and feel what it's like
to be a warlord.
In the Kawagoe area, there are many shops about that offer
kimono rentals. With the traditional Japanese look of Streets with
kurazukuri-style houses and Time Bell Tower, this is the spot to take
your pictures! Walk around in a kimono and take your own photos.
With its many Sengoku period sites, you can try some
armor on in Gyoda. There is one suit of adult size armor
and one suit of child size armor available for parent and
child to try on together.
14-5 Saiwaicho, Kawagoe City, Saitama
090-3524-8979 (Rental Kimono Vivian)
10:00-17:00 (Sun & Hol.: until 18:00)
Tue. (If the day falls on 18th, the following Wednesday will be closed instead)
Standard kimono (half-width sash) Women: from ¥2,160, Men:
from ¥3,240 *Geisha/maiko plans and more also available
Approx. 15 min. walk from Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on Seibu Shinjuku Line
www.coedovivian.com/index.html
17-23 Honmaru, Gyoda City, Saitama (Gyoda City Folk Museum)
048-554-5911　9:00-16:30 (Last admission: 16:00) [Apr. to June, Oct. to Nov.]
Sun. & Hol.: 13:00-16:00
Entrance fee ¥200, Armor available for free (visitors to the
museum only)
Approx. 15 min. walk from Chichibu Railway Gyodashi Sta.
www.city.gyoda.lg.jp/kyoiku/iinkai/sisetu/hakubutukan.html
Other Experiences
A recent
Higashimatsuyama
yakitori specialty
Each restaurant
has its own
special twist on
the flavor!
* Higashi-matsuyama *
Yakitori (pork)
Slow-cooked over a charcoal grill
The famous yakitori (pork) of Higashi-matsuyama is
an original recipe of skewered meat of pig’s head,
slowly and carefully grilled over charcoal fire. It is
served with a spicy miso sauce, which combination is
exquisite! Try it once, and you'll be hooked.
* Chichibu & Ogano *
Try farmwork with
picking
fruit
* Hidaka *
Koma-nabe Hotpot
Healthy cuisine with local vegetables
This local dish was created to commemorate the 1,300year anniversary of the establishment of the former
Koma County. Required ingredients are kimchi, locally
grown vegetables from Hidaka, and ginseng.
16
Vary by farm
0494-23-3557 (Chichibu Tourism Forest
and Agriculture Association)
Vary by farm [Aug. to Oct.]
Vary by farm
Around Seibu-Chichibu Sta. on Seibu
Chichibu Line
www.cknk.jp
* Soka *
Bake your own Soka sembei
crackers, the local specialty
The real thing, from the source
4-1-40 Yoshicho, Soka City, Saitama
048-922-2061
(Soka Sembei Ikedaya)
10:00-16:00
Baking experience ¥200
(small children must be accompanied by
parents or guardian)
Approx. 7 min. walk from Yatsuka Sta.
on Tobu Skytree Line
www.soka-senbei.jp/taiken.html/
* Ogano *
Learn the art of making
soba noodles
220 Nagaru, Oganomachi, Chichibu-gun,
Saitama (Chichibu Furusatomura)
0494-75-4065
9:00-22:00 [Reservation required]
Soba making experience ¥2,300
Ride a bus for approx. 25 min. from
Chichibu Sta. of Chichibu Railway, get off at
Matsuida bus stop and walk approx. 5 min.
www.chichibufurusatomura.co.jp
17
EVENT
4
d-Apr.
Full bloom: Mi
to early May
5
With 3 major festivals, seasonal offerings of
blooming flowers and autumn leaves, and
Doll’s Festivals unique to Saitama, there are
6
7
8
rly
Full bloom: Ea
June
June to late
9
Red spider
(Hidaka)
Iris and Lavender (Kuki)
Tree peony
(Higashi-matsuyama)
-Sep.
Full bloom: Mid
to late Sep.
Shibazakura (Chichibu)
te
Full bloom: La
to early May
d-May
Full bloom: Mi
to early June
Saitama's 3 big
festivals
Great rings of
fireworks light the
winter night skies.
Dates: Vigil on Dec. 2nd
,
festival on Dec. 3rd
* Chichibu *
Chichibu Yomatsuri,
Night Festival
One of Japan's top 3 hikiyama (float) festivals
Counted as one of Japan's 3 great float festivals along with
Gion Festival in Kyoto and Takayama Festival in Hida. It is
the Big Annual Festival of Chichibu Shrine, which enshrines
several gods from the Chichibu region of Saitama
Prefecture, and has a history of more than 300 years.
1-3 Banbamachi, Chichibu City, Saitama (Chichibu Shrine)
0494-22-0262 (Chichibu Shrine)
Short walk from Chichibu Railway Chichibu Sta.
http://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp.e.qg.hp.transer.com
1
rly
Full bloom: Ea
Feb.
Jan. to late
lily
2
3
Wintersweet (Nagatoro)
te Nov.
Bestview: La
to early Dec.
(Kawagoe)
(Kumagaya)
The height of city
festivals, with an
Edo feel!
* Kawagoe *
featuring Japan's highest hina
doll pyramid
(Ranzan)
Dec. 2nd,
Dates: Vigil on
. 3rd
festival on Dec
(Chichibu)
tree peony park
Dates: 3rd Sat. &
Sun. of Oct.
Around urban areas of Kawasaki City,
Saitama
049-222-5556 (Kawagoe Station Tourist
Information Office)
Short walk from Hon-Kawagoe Sta. on Seibu
Shinjuku Line
www.kawagoematsuri.jp
1148-1 Oya, Higashi-matsuyama City,
Saitama (Higashi-Matsuyama Peony Park)
0493-23-2221
8:30-17:30　Entrance fee ¥500
A shuttle bus operates from Higashimatsuyama Sta. on Tobu Tojo Line (In
service only when peonies are in bloom)
www.higashimatsuyama-kanko.com/01.html
.
Full bloom: Late Apr
to early May
Mid-Feb. to
early Mar.
Full bloom: Early
Jan. to late Feb.
Full bloom: Mid-Apr.
to early May
One of Japan’s largest
held regularly by
Higawa Shrine
1-1-2 Honcho, Konosu City, Saitama (Outside
of Elumi Konosu Shopping Mall Building)
048-540-3333 (Konosu Tourist Association)
10:00-21:00　Free admission
Directly connected to Konosu Sta. on JR
Takasaki Line
www.konosu-kanko.jp
Flowers for four seasons
* Higashi-matsuyama *
Kawagoe
Festival
Konosu Doll Festival
Autumn foliage
Chichibu Yomatsuri,
Night Festival
Kawagoe Festival
Kumagaya Fan Festival
Luxurious floats are pulled
around all day long, and
when they pass each other,
they compete in a
spectacular hayashi
performance (traditional
Japanese orchestra) musical
battle known as "hikkawase".
Nationally designated as an
important intangible folk
cultural heritage.
18
12
t. &
Dates: 3rd Sa
Sun. of Oct.
Dates:
July 20 to 22
Poppy
(Minano)
Apr.
11
* Konosu *
d-Apr.
Full bloom: Mi
to early May
Wisteria
10
te-Mar.
Full bloom: La
to early Apr.
Cherry blossoms at Gongendo (Satte)
(Kasukabe)
plenty of events to enjoy no matter what
season you visit in!
* Nagatoro *
Mountain
summit with the
fragrance of
wintersweet
1766-1 Nagatoro, Nagatoromachi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
(Wintersweet garden is located near summit of Mt. Hodosan)
0494-66-3421 (Hodosan ropeway) 9:00-17:00　Ropeway [one-way] ¥480　Approx. 20 min. walk from
Chichibu Railway Nagatoro Sta. Approx. 5 min. by ropeway
www.hodosan-ropeway.co.jp
Full bloom: Early
June to late June
Bestview: Late Nov.
to early Dec.
Full bloom: Mid-Apr.
to early May
* Kumagaya *
Kumagaya
Fan Festival
* Kasukabe *
A passionate festival
A fan festival regularly
held at Atago Yasaka
Shrine. Referred to as
Kanto's best Gion Festival
for its dazzling display of
12 floats parading
through the urban area
with the Kumagaya
musical accompaniment.
Dates:
July 20 to 22
This passionate
festival continues
from day into
the night!
048-527-0002 (The Secretariat of
Kumagaya Fan Festival
Supporter's Association)
Approx. 5 min. walk from
Kumagaya Sta. on JR Takasaki Line
http://uchiwamatsuri.com
* Kuki *
National Special
Natural Treasure
Ushijima no Fuji
786 Ushijima, Kasukabe City,
Saitama (Tokaen)
048-752-2012　8:00-18:00
Entrance fee ¥1,000
Approx. 10 min. walk from
Fujino-ushijima Sta. on Tobu
Noda Line
www.ushijimanofuji.co.jp
P.15
Iris and Lavender
Blue Festival
38 Shobucho-niibori, Kuki City, Saitama
(Around Kuki Iris General Office)
0480-21-8632 (Kuki City Tourism Association)
9:00-17:00 (During full bloom period)
Free admission
Ride a bus from Kuki Sta. on JR
Utsunomiya Line or Okegawa Sta. on JR
Takasaki Line. Get off at Shobunakahashi
bus stop and walk approx. 15 min.
http://kuki.jpn.org/main/
kankoukyoukai/syoubu/event/
index.html
* Ranzan *
* Chichibu *
Ranzan Valley
Hill carpeted with
Colorful autumn foliage
2857 Kamagata, Ranzanmachi,
Hiki-gun, Saitama
0493-81-4511 (Ranzan Tourism
Association)
Free admission
Ride a bus from Musashi-Ranzan Sta.
on Tobu Tojo Line for approx. 10 min.,
get off the bus and walk 15 min.
www.ranzan-kanko.jp
P.10
Shibazakura
6360 Omiya, Chichibu City,
Saitama (Hitsujiyama Park)
8:00-17:00 (Fees required time)
Entrance fee ¥300
Approx. 20 min. walk from SeibuChichibu Sta. on Seibu Chichibu
Line
http://navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp.e.qg.
hp.transer.com/p_flower/1808/
P.4
19