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There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Saitama sharing quite a few of those!
Discover the hidden gems and spark new adventures in Saitama, where every street corner is a door to a world of possibilities.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Saitama:
1. Chichibu Shrine
A historic Shinto shrine located in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enter the shrine via the impressive Chozuya purification pavilion and walk around the tranquil grounds. The main hall is particularly stunning with beautiful architecture and intricate details.
Don’t miss: During the annual festival in December, Chichibu Yomatsuri, the shrine’s beautifully decorated floats are paraded through the streets of Chichibu.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the shrine in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the serene atmosphere.
Also, don’t forget to try Chichibu’s famous grilled river fish, Ayu, available in nearby restaurants.
2. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kawagoe city of Saitama prefecture, Japan. It is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in the region, dating back to the early 6th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the beautifully landscaped grounds and admire the impressive architecture of the main hall, which is designated as a national treasure of Japan.
The shrine is also home to over 2,500 lanterns, which are lit up during festivals and events, creating a magical atmosphere.
Visitors can also take part in various traditional Shinto rituals and prayers.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try your luck at Omikuji, a traditional Japanese fortune-telling method. The fortunes are written on small strips of paper and range from great blessings to minor curses.
If you receive a bad fortune, simply tie it to a nearby tree or pole and leave the bad luck behind.
Insider travel tips: – Visiting during the annual Kawagoe Hikawa Matsuri, held in July, is a great way to experience the shrine’s lively and colorful festival atmosphere.
3. Mitsumine Shrine
A historic Shinto shrine located in the mountains of Saitama.
What to see or do: Take a scenic drive up the mountain to the shrine’s massive torii gate. Explore the beautiful grounds, including the main hall and surrounding buildings.
Admire the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and nature.
Don’t miss: The 800-year-old cedar trees that line the path to the shrine. In the fall, the leaves turn a spectacular shade of red and orange.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs leading up to the shrine. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t forget to try the local specialty – deep-fried maple leaves.
4. Saitama Super Arena
A multi-purpose indoor arena located in Saitama City, Japan.
What to see or do: Attend concerts, tournaments, and sporting events ranging from basketball to sumo wrestling.
Don’t miss: Catch a performance by some of the biggest names in music, such as Ariana Grande or BTS, or cheer on your favorite sports team.
Insider travel tips: Plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance, as events at Saitama Super Arena can sell out quickly. Also, be sure to arrive early to avoid long lines and crowds.
5. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Omiya, Saitama, Japan.
It is part of the three Hikawa Shrines of Musashi Province and is considered one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture that dates back to the 10th century and 16th century.
Don’t miss: The annual festival that takes place in September where the portable shrines are carried through the town in a traditional parade.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to bring your camera as the shrine’s architecture and surrounding garden are breathtakingly beautiful and perfect for capturing lasting memories.
6. Chichibu Nagatoro
Chichibu Nagatoro is a scenic area located in Saitama, Japan, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and historic attractions.
What to see or do: Take a walk along the Arakawa River, visit the Chichibu Shrine, admire the breathtaking views from Mount Buko, explore the ancient Hodosan Shrine, and discover the enchanting Nagatoro Iwadatami rock formations.
Don’t miss: Catch a glimpse of the stunning autumn foliage in November, watch the Nagatoro River Boat Ride, and attend the exhilarating Chichibu Matsuri festival in December, which features floats, traditional dances, and fireworks.
Insider travel tips: Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine, including the famed Chichibu soba noodles and yakitori skewers. Also, consider staying in a traditional Japanese inn, known as a ryokan, for an authentic cultural experience.
Finally, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy all that Chichibu Nagatoro has to offer.
7. Hodosan Shrine
A beautiful and ancient Shinto shrine located in Saitama prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the stunning shrine grounds, which include several buildings and a nature trail leading up to the main shrine.
The entrance to the trail is marked by a red bridge over a small pond.
Along the way, visitors can see various statues and monuments, including a stone Buddha and a statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy.
Don’t miss: The main shrine building, which dates back to the 9th century, and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Visitors can also witness traditional Shinto rituals, especially during the New Year holidays and other special occasions.
Insider travel tips: Remember to dress respectfully and take off your shoes before entering any of the shrine buildings. The shrine is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking the trail all the way up to the summit of Mount Hodo for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
8. Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is the world’s first publicly owned museum dedicated to bonsai trees and is located in Saitama, Japan.
What to see or do: The museum has a collection of over 120 bonsai trees, including some that are over 1,000 years old. Visitors can admire these meticulously cared-for miniature trees up close and learn about the history and techniques of bonsai gardening.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the bonsai garden, which features a number of outdoor exhibits that change with the seasons.
The museum also hosts workshops and demonstrations by bonsai experts from around the world.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is closed on Thursdays, as well as between December 28th and January 4th.
9. Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park
A park dedicated to aviation and aeronautics, located in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire a wide range of aircraft on display, including military airplanes, helicopters, and even a Concorde supersonic jet. The park also has flight simulators and offers visitors a chance to experience flying without leaving the ground.
Additionally, there is a museum with exhibits detailing the history of aviation and the science of flight.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the “Hikoki no Mori” or “Aircraft Forest,” where more than 60 retired airplanes are on display surrounded by trees and greenery.
Visitors can explore the cockpit and interior of many of these planes up close.
Insider travel tips: The park has a beautiful rose garden that is worth checking out during the spring and summer months.
Also, be sure to catch one of the regular air shows in the park, which feature various flying performances and demonstrations.
To beat the crowds, consider visiting the park in the morning on a weekday.
10. Nagatoro River Valley
The Nagatoro River Valley is a scenic area located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. It features a winding river, rugged rock formations, and picturesque nature trails.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride along the river, hike through the valley’s many trails, or even try their hand at rock climbing.
The area is also popular among locals for its idyllic cherry blossom season in the spring and vibrant autumn foliage.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Nagatoro River Valley is the Hodosan Ropeway, a cable car that offers stunning views of the valley from above.
Be sure to also check out the Iwadatami rock formations, which are said to resemble the tatami flooring commonly found in Japanese homes.
Insider travel tips: – The Nagatoro River Valley can be crowded on weekends and holidays, so consider visiting on a weekday for a more tranquil experience.
11. Kuroyama Santaki Waterfall
Kuroyama Santaki is a stunning waterfall located in the Hanno area of Saitama.
What to see or do: Visitors can hike through the beautiful forest and enjoy the serene environment, fresh air, and birds singing in the background. The trail to the waterfall is well marked and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop at the observation deck to take in the breathtaking view of the waterfall which cascades 30 meters down the side of the mountain.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also climb the rocky stairs to the base of the falls to get a closer look.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking as the trail includes stairs and rocky terrain.
12. Railway Museum
Railway Museum is a train-lover’s paradise. It is a museum dedicated to the history of trains and railways in Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy exploring the museum’s impressive collection of full-size trains and railway-related exhibits. The museum showcases Japan’s innovative advancements in railway technology over the years.
You can also board some of the real trains that have been retired from service.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is the steam locomotive simulator.
Visitors can drive a simulated steam locomotive and feel like a real train driver, experiencing the sights and sounds of being in the cockpit.
Insider travel tips: – The railway museum is most crowded on weekends and holidays, so consider visiting during weekdays to avoid the crowds.
13. Metsä Village
Metsä Village is a Scandinavian-inspired outdoor lifestyle park in Saitama, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as shopping, dining, hiking, biking, and even fishing. The park features a shopping area with a mix of Nordic and Japanese stores, restaurants, cafes, and a bakery.
You can also rent a bike and ride through the scenic forest trails or try fishing at the lake.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the Moominvalley Park, an immersive theme park based on the popular Finnish children’s books. The park features attractions, live shows, and interactive experiences that bring the beloved characters and their world to life.
Insider travel tips: Avoid weekends and holidays to beat the crowds. The park can get busy during peak season, so consider visiting on a weekday instead.
Don’t forget to try the park’s specialty ice cream made with locally produced milk and fruits.
14. Kawaguchi Lake
Kawaguchi Lake is a stunning body of water located in Saitama, Japan, surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains that guarantees wonderful panoramic views.
What to see or do: Tourists can enjoy several activities centered around the lake, including boat rides, cycling, fishing, and leisurely strolls. The area is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and autumn leaf hunting.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the iconic sight of the lake’s surroundings, including Mount Fuji, which is visible on clear days.
The lake is also home to several museums, including the Kawaguchiko Museum of Art, which offers a remarkable collection of contemporary Japanese art.
Insider travel tips: Early mornings and late afternoons have the best lighting for photography, and renting a bike is an excellent way to explore the area at a relaxed pace.
For those who want to stay overnight, there are numerous accommodations nearby, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts.
15. Yanase Takashi Memorial Art Museum
The Yanase Takashi Memorial Art Museum is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Yanase Takashi, one of Japan’s most beloved illustrators and children’s book authors.
What to see or do: Visitors can view a collection of Yanase’s original artwork, which includes sketches, drawings, and watercolor paintings. The museum also showcases a variety of his picture books, as well as animations that he created.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to see the original artwork for some of Japan’s most popular children’s books, including the Anpanman series.
Insider travel tips: – While the museum is located in Saitama, it is easily accessible from Tokyo by taking the JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Station, and then transferring to the Chichibu Railway to reach the museum.