Saitama

Saitama Prefecture sits right next to Tokyo. With towns full of Edo-period charm, magnificent natural gorges, and an ultra-cool underground temple, it is a real hidden gem for short trips around Tokyo. Here is a Saitama travel guide for you:

Must-Visit Attractions

• ​​Kawagoe Koedo​​: An old street area that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period, with kurazukuri warehouse-style buildings, the bell tower, and photogenic sweet potato treats.

• ​​Nagatoro Iwadatami​​: Take a boat ride through the gorge. It is perfect for escaping the summer heat, with lush green trees along both banks and soothing scenery.

• ​​The Railway Museum in Omiya​​: A must for railway fans, featuring retired real trains, driving simulators, and a giant railway model.

• ​​Ryū-Q Kan​​: One of the world’s largest flood-control facilities, an “underground temple” buried deep below the ground, with an awe-inspiring array of massive pillars.

• ​​Hikawa Shrine​​: A shrine known for blessings in love and relationships, with adorable fishing-style omamori charms and a wind chime festival in summer.

Classic Route Plans

• ​​One-Day Trip (Edo Atmosphere + Natural Gorge)​​:
  • ​​Morning​​: Depart from Tokyo for Kawagoe, stroll along Kawagoe Ichibangai, try sweet potato desserts and eel rice, then walk to Hikawa Shrine to pray for blessings.

• ​​Afternoon​​: Take the train to Nagatoro, try boating at Iwadatami, eat shaved ice and grilled ayu by the gorge, and enjoy the cool natural breeze.
  • ​​Evening​​: Return to Tokyo or have dinner at an izakaya near Omiya Station.
• ​​Two-Day Trip (Mountain Summer Escape + Hidden-Spot Exploration)​​:
  • ​​Day 1​​: Take the Seibu Line from Ikebukuro to Chichibu, visit Mitsumine Shrine, feel the quiet energy of the mountain forest, then eat wild game grilled on a stone slab in central Chichibu in the evening and soak in a hot spring.

• ​​Day 2​​: Head to Nagatoro to enjoy the gorge scenery, or visit Hitsujiyama Park during the spring moss phlox season, then return in the afternoon.

Local Food Guide

Saitama’s cuisine leans toward traditional, local flavors. The following are absolute must-tries:

• ​​Kawagoe Sweet Potato Desserts​​: Kawagoe is famous as the “home of sweet potatoes,” and you can find roasted sweet potatoes, sweet potato ice cream, and sweet potato pudding all over the streets.

• ​​Kumagaya Udon​​: A specialty of northern Saitama, with chewy noodles served in a rich dashi broth, and a daily favorite among locals.

• ​​Miso Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl​​: A specialty of the Nagatoro and Chichibu areas, featuring deeply flavorful miso sauce and an excellent match with rice.
• ​​Kawagoe Eel Rice​​: Long-established restaurants such as Ogakiku specialize in Kanto-style kabayaki, where the eel is steamed first and then grilled, giving it a tender texture.

• ​​Chichibu Wild Game Cuisine​​: A mountain-area specialty, including venison and pork grilled on a stone slab, with rich textures and a strong rustic mountain character.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• ​​Transportation​​: Getting there from Tokyo is very convenient, with direct access via JR, the Seibu Line, and the Tobu Line. If you plan to visit Chichibu or Nagatoro, the ​​Seibu Chichibu–Nagatoro 1-Day Pass​​ is recommended; for Kawagoe, consider the ​​Seibu Kawagoe 1-Day Pass​​.
• ​​Where to Stay​​: For convenient transport, ​​Omiya​​ or ​​Urawa​​ are the top choices. If you want to experience a slower mountain lifestyle or soak in a hot spring, stay overnight in ​​Chichibu​​. If you are on a budget, look for good-value inns in ​​Koshigaya​​ or ​​Kawagoe​​.