Top 18 things to do in Saitama according to TripAdvisor

Looking for a place for a day trip? Then Saitama is a great place to visit. See the list below for the top 18 things to do in Saitama according to TripAdvisor.

Saitama is famous for it's bonsai. There's even an area called Bonsai Village. There's also Hitsujiyama Park which is famous for a field full of moss phlox, a pink flower that covers the ground, making the park grounds look like a giant pink carpet when they're in bloom. And Kawagoe is popular for those who want to see old traditional buildings from the Edo period.

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama

“Bonsai” is one of the traditional arts of Japan. It is the art of growing plants in planters such as pottery and enjoying how the branches and leaves express nature. The Bonsai Art Museum is specifically dedicated to this art form.

Kawagoe

The city, known as “Koedo” or “Little Edo”, prospered as a town of commerce during the Edo Era. The black lacquered townscape is visited by 6 million people yearly, making Kawagoe the Number 1 tourist spot in Saitama Prefecture.

Hitsujiyama Park

The hilltops have been planted with moss phlox in an intricate pattern, and you can see the entire city of Chichibu from this spot. The approximately 400,000 moss phlox of 9 different types, blossom beautifully in many different colors.

Bonsai Village

Bonsai Village is the name given to a community of “bonsai” lovers and cultivators in Saitama City of Saitama Prefecture. It has become popular once more as a tourist spot for visitors from overseas.

Nagatoro

There are 3 best times to visit the 3000 cherry blossom trees. There’s also summer in which to enjoy the cool river, and “hatsumode” (first visit of the year to a temple) in the winter. In addition, there’s temple tour and even a steam locomotive, so there are an unlimited number of ways that you can enjoy Nagatoro.

The Railway Museum

This is the museum that railway fans definitely want to visit. There are 36 actual trains on display, the nation’s largest model train diorama, simulators where you can experience being in the driver’s seat, and mini trains you can operate.

Chichibu Furusato-mura

Experience the countryside lifestyle in the natural environment of Chichibu, easily accessible from Tokyo. You can have a variety of experiences like harvesting vegetables, river activities, pizza making and “soba” (Japanese noodles) making.

Saitama Craft Center

You can see 30 traditional handicrafts from 20 areas of Saitama prefecture. Various demonstrations and workshops are held here throughout the year. You can even experience making the famous Ogawa “washi” (Japanese traditional paper) at the “washi” paper workshop.

Chichibu Shrine

The site enshrines the ancestral deity for the Chichibu area. There are beautiful carvings at the main building contributed by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1592 and a painting of a tiger famous for being the work of Jingoro Hidari, the same artist behind his “Nemuri Neko” (Sleeping Cat) at Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine.

Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan (Chichibu Festival Center)

You can see the valuable materials used in the annual festival of Chichibu held in December. Dazzling floats made by skilled artisans and the exciting mood of the festival are recreated through projection mapping.

Hanazono Forest

There are several shops here specializing in Japanese sweets and Western confections including Baum Kuchen baked with specially selected ingredients. You can also enjoy a light meal at a café inside the park. The pride is the huge garden with roses which go into full bloom in spring and autumn.

Menuma Shodenzan Temple

A Buddhist temple whose greatest highlight is the main Kangiin Shotendo Hall that was built in 1760. It has been deemed “the ultimate in early modern ornamental architecture” due to the magnificent carvings and use of lacquer from the high level of technique applied to the main hall. The temple has been designated as a National Treasure.

Kita-in

With a history of approximately 1200 years, the reception hall, parlor and temple kitchen which were moved from the former palace annex located at Momijiyama Hill of Edo Castle (currently the Imperial Palace) can now be toured. The leaves of late autumn are also truly splendid.

Farming Estate Miyamoto-ke

This Japanese inn with a 250 year old history was restored from an old farming estate. Enjoy cuisine grilled on the hearth made from local ingredients such as fish from the river and fresh vegetables harvested from the private garden. There is a unique bath called “Ogamaburo” (Cauldron Bath), only found at an old farming estate like this.

Chichibu Meisenkan

Meisen is a fabric that was popular in kimono from the Taisho to Showa eras. The museum displays information related to the antique Meisen and the textile industry in Chichibu. Visitors can take part in some of the manufacturing of Meisen such as weaving and dyeing.

Wado Farm

Visitors can pick and taste fresh Chichibu strawberries at Wado Farm. Enjoy all-you-can-eat high-quality Chichibu strawberries that have been grown in the rich waters and the temperature difference of the Chichibu Basin.

Arakawa Line Kudari

Go down the Arakawa River while viewing the spectacular scenery of rock formations that have been recognized nationally as a Natural Monument. In addition to the Challenge Course which involves tackling the rapids and the Romantic Course which can be enjoyed for its more gentle flow, there is the 6km General Course.

Chichibu Furusato-kan

Chichibu Furusato-kan used to be a silk wholesaler in the early 20th century but has now been opened to the public as a place directly selling local products and farm produce. There is also a coffee shop inside this facility which has been enjoyed as a tourist stop in Chichibu.

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