Saitama
Kanto
Borders Tokyo with the historic Kawagoe "Little Edo" and vibrant Omiya railway culture.
Capital
Saitama
Best Time to Visit
Spring (late March to April) for cherry blossoms at Omiya Park and Kawagoe; October for the Kawagoe Festival.
Getting There
Direct train from Tokyo's Ikebukuro to Kawagoe (30min, ~¥480 on Tobu Tojo Line). Omiya is 30min from Tokyo station on Utsunomiya/Takasaki Line.
Top Highlights
Kawagoe "Little Edo"
Remarkably preserved Edo-period merchant town with clay-walled kura storehouses, temple bells, and a famous candy alley.
Railway Museum
World-class railway museum in Omiya with 36 historic trains and interactive simulators tracing Japan's rail history.
Hikawa Shrine
One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, dedicated to a storm deity, set in a zelkova forest at the heart of Omiya.
Kinchakuda Cluster-Amaryllis
Five million red spider lily flowers bloom on a single island in the Koma River each September — a sea of crimson.
Local Cuisine
Musashi-no Imoden Sweet Potato
Kawagoe's famous sweet potatoes are used in everything from ice cream and chips to sake and traditional wagashi sweets.
Soka Senbei
Crisp rice crackers from Soka city, one of Japan's traditional senbei production centers, sold in dozens of flavors.
Stay Connected in Saitama
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kawagoe worth visiting from Tokyo?+
Highly recommended as a half-day or full-day trip. It's only 30 minutes from Ikebukuro and offers a completely different atmosphere from modern Tokyo.
Things to Do in Saitama
12 sustainable experiences
Private Romantic Walking Tour In Yono
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. An exclusive private tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. What is so unique and beautiful about the cherry blossoms at Bess Onuma Park? Why
From US$291.18
Urawa Reds Football Game at Saitama Stadium 2002
Seeing Urawa Reds play a football game at Saitama stadium 2002 is an experience like no other. Enjoy assigned seating with your game ticket and be there live to see the thrilling action on the field as the biggest stars in the Japanese football put on a show you'll never forget. With a wide range of
From US$28.43
Urawa Reds Football Game at Saitama Stadium 2002
Seeing Urawa Reds play a football game at Saitama stadium 2002 is an experience like no other. Enjoy assigned seating with your game ticket and be there live to see the thrilling action on the field as the biggest stars in the Japanese football put on a show you'll never forget. With a wide range of
From US$40
Rolled Sushi Making 30 minutes from Shibuya/Vegetarian Available
Do you like sushi? Visiting an authentic sushi shop in Japan must be one of your most exciting agenda, but what about making your own sushi roll? It’s much easier than you would think. I will teach you all the steps by hands-on instructions. You will learn how to make sushi rice, how to prepare se
From US$64.61
Kadokawa Culture Museum Standard Ticket
Kadokawa Culture Museum Located in Musashino, where humans and nature have long been living in harmony, Kadokawa Culture Museum (KCM) is a complex of cultural facilities built on a completely new concept. Positioned as a landmark of "Tokorozawa Sakura Town" (a cultural complex housing museums, of
From US$11.63
Walking Private Tour to Chichibu from Seibu-Chichibu Station
Chichibu One-Day Tour No.3 – Explore the Spirit of Chichibu! Join us for a unique one-day tour to experience the rich culture and spirituality of Chichibu! Visit the Chichibu Festival Museum, where you’ll discover the vibrant history of one of Japan’s grandest festivals. Then, explore Saikou-ji Tem
From US$96.92
The Best Of Saitama Private Walking Tour
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. You will see the city's best attractions with your guide. Have you heard about the San-no-torii (Third Shrine Gate)? There are numerous spots perfect for seeing nature, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to view the beauty of Omiya Park. You
From US$291.17
The Best Of Saitama Private Walking Tour
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. You will see the city's best attractions with your guide. Have you heard about the San-no-torii (Third Shrine Gate)? There are numerous spots perfect for seeing nature, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to view the beauty of Omiya Park. You
From US$291.18
The Best Of Yono Private Walking Tour
Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Taking pictures, coral reefs, fresh seafood, and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature are unforgettable experiences when you visit the beauty o
From US$291.18
Saitama: Choose-Your-Start Local Bar Hopping Night Tour
Explore the heart of Saitama with an engaging evening bar-hopping tour that showcases the essence of Japanese dining culture. Discover hidden gems where locals unwind, savoring regional dishes and drinks at two unique venues. Enjoy the flexibility of starting from one of four convenient locations in
From US$96.59
Saitama: Choose-Your-Start Local Bar Hopping Night Tour
Explore the heart of Saitama with an engaging evening bar-hopping tour that showcases the essence of Japanese dining culture. Discover hidden gems where locals unwind, savoring regional dishes and drinks at two unique venues. Enjoy the flexibility of starting from one of four convenient locations in
From US$147.63
Making wooden iPhone cases in a 200-year-old Japanese house
The venue is a 200-year-old traditional Japanese house registered as a national tangible cultural property, with tatami mat rooms. You will finish carving a wooden iphone case with a sharp Japanese carving knife. The soft and light paulownia wood is used to glue the case to the soft clear case, so
From US$75.05