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As the number of foreign tourists traveling to Japan increases year by year, prefectures that are less well-known than Tokyo and Kyoto but offer rich nature, historical culture, and unique local experiences are gaining attention. Leading the way is Saitama Prefecture. While adjacent to Tokyo, Saitama is truly a "hidden gem" for travelers seeking a more relaxed experience of Japanese traditions and nature, avoiding the crowds. This article focuses on Saitama's sightseeing spots, activities, and cultural experiences that are sure to appeal to foreign visitors (those visiting Japan), providing a comprehensive summary of the best information for a trip to experience Japanese culture. This article covers everything from sightseeing spots and experiential activities to participating in traditional Japanese culture and access, providing thorough information that will make foreign tourists think, "I wish I'd known about this sooner!"

Experience Edo period Japan in Little Edo, Kawagoe

Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists. Known as "Little Edo," the cityscape exudes the atmosphere of the Edo period and is still carefully preserved.

Warehouse-style townscape

Located about a 15-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station, the "Kurazukuri Townscape" is an area lined with buildings from the Edo period. With rows of merchant houses that still retain the traditional storehouse structure, tourists can feel as if they have traveled back in time. One experience that is particularly popular with foreign tourists is the Japanese clothing experience. There are several kimono rental shops where you can choose the kimono that suits your taste. Walking around the town in a kimono will allow you to take lots of memorable photos.

Bell of Time and Candy Alley

The "Toki no Kane" (Bell of Time) is a symbol of Kawagoe. It is a clock tower that has been telling the time to the town since the Edo period, and even today, the chime of the bells adds to the charm of the area four times a day, from 9am to 6pm. The nearby "Kashiya Yokocho" (Candy Alley) is lined with nostalgic Japanese sweets, making it a place that piques the curiosity of foreign visitors. Ramune (sweet soda), rice crackers, kelp candy and more are also available, allowing you to experience the unique flavors of Japan.

Experience nature in all four seasons in Nagatoro

Enjoy the Arakawa River on a boat ride

Nagatoro Town is one of Saitama's leading tourist destinations, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and river activities. One activity that is particularly popular with foreign visitors to Japan is the Nagatoro Line Kudari. Riding a Japanese-style boat operated by a boatman, you travel down the Arakawa River, surrounded by rugged rock formations, and fully experience the feeling of being in harmony with Japanese nature. You can enjoy different scenery with each season, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves coloring the riverside. Another attractive feature is that there are plans with English guides, so there is no need to worry about language barriers.

Experience Japanese mountain culture and festivals in Chichibu

Chichibu Night Festival – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

In Chichibu City, you can experience Japan's traditional mountain culture and festivals firsthand. The Chichibu Night Festival, held in December, is a cultural event of global importance. This night festival, featuring gorgeous floats, is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Chichibu Thirty-Four Kannon Pilgrimage and Hot Springs

Another attraction is the Chichibu Thirty-Four Kannon Pilgrimage, where you can experience the spiritual culture of Japanese Buddhism. Walking around visiting the Kannon temples scattered throughout the mountains, you can experience the tranquility of the Japanese spirit. After the pilgrimage, we recommend soothing yourself at the hot spring resorts of Buko Onsen and Chichibu Onsen.

Learn about modern Japanese technology at the Railway Museum

Interactive exhibits that are extremely popular with foreign visitors

The Railway Museum in Omiya is popular not only with train enthusiasts, but also with foreigners interested in modern Japanese history and technology. With real Shinkansen trains, steam locomotives, and sleeper cars on display, you can experience the growth of Japan's transportation technology. Everyone from children to adults can enjoy the museum, with driving experiences on simulators and viewing model dioramas. Many of the exhibits are also accompanied by English explanations, making it an internationally accommodating facility.

Visiting Omiya Bonsai Village, the holy land of bonsai

Bonsai, a symbol of Japanese culture

Among foreigners, "BONSAI" is a concept that represents Japanese culture, along with "Zen" and "WABI SABI." Omiya Bonsai Village is a place where you can systematically appreciate bonsai. Bonsai specialty gardens and shops are gathered around residential areas, and you also have the opportunity to speak directly with professional bonsai artisans. Another attraction of the Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is that you can gain a deeper understanding of bonsai art using an English audio guide. You can also participate in a bonsai workshop and try your hand at making your own bonsai.

Experience tea culture in Tokorozawa and Sayama

Saitama Prefecture is one of Japan's leading producers of Sayama tea. Surprisingly, many foreign visitors to Japan are interested in green tea culture and the tea ceremony, and in Tokorozawa and Sayama, you can experience authentic tea ceremonies.

Tea picking and green tea brewing experience

From spring to early summer, tea picking experiences at tourist tea plantations are popular. In Sayama, you can dry the tea leaves using the traditional method and take home your own tea leaves. Local tea shops also offer workshops where you can make matcha or roasted green tea, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the profound depths of Japanese tea.

Outdoor activities and autumn leaf viewing in Arashiyama Valley

A natural wonder you wouldn't expect to find in the capital region

Arashiyama Valley, located in Arashiyama Town, Saitama Prefecture, is an area surrounded by vast nature despite being in the Tokyo metropolitan area. In addition to being a great place for hiking, camping, and BBQs, it is also known as a famous spot for viewing autumn leaves. In the summer, you can also swim in the river, and it is a very popular spot for foreigners as it allows you to feel close to Japanese nature just by traveling a short distance from the city.

A must-see for soccer and rugby fans! Saitama Stadium

For foreign sports fans, Saitama Stadium 2002 is a must-see. This venue, which also hosted the World Cup, is still frequently used for J.League and international matches, creating a lively atmosphere. English-language guided tours are available, allowing you to experience Japanese stadium culture.

Experience Hina dolls and traditional crafts in Iwatsuki

Iwatsuki is one of the leading producers of Hina dolls in Japan. There are facilities where you can observe the process of making Hina dolls, and there are also workshops where you can actually paint them. By experiencing traditional crafts firsthand, you can deepen your understanding of Japan's seasonal events and family culture.

Immerse yourself in the romance of ancient times at Yoshimi Hyakuana

Yoshimi Hyakuana, located in Yoshimi Town, is a group of ruins lined with countless tunnel tombs built during the Kofun period. It is especially recommended for foreigners interested in Japan's ancient history, and its mysterious atmosphere has made it popular. Information boards are also written in English, and the scenery, which is said to rival that of Kujukuri, has also attracted attention as an Instagrammable spot.

Urban revitalization in Kawaguchi that combines casting and art

Kawaguchi City is popular for its art spaces that utilize the former sites of foundry factories. With attractions like SKIP City and art galleries, this area combines industrial culture with contemporary art, making it a great choice for travelers seeking an industrial atmosphere.

Experience Crayon Shin-chan and Japanese manga culture in Kasukabe

Kasukabe City's Crayon Shin-chan related spots are also popular among foreign anime fans. You can experience Japanese humor and the charm of anime, with parks and monuments that express the world of Shin-chan.

Transportation access and tourism support for foreigners

Saitama's major tourist destinations can be reached by train in 30 to 90 minutes from Tokyo. English information is available at major stations, and multilingual pamphlets and guides are available at tourist information centers.

summary

Saitama Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo and offers a balanced mix of history, culture, nature, and activities, making it a tourist destination with great potential for foreign visitors to Japan. From Kawagoe's Edo culture, Chichibu's nature and festivals, Omiya's bonsai and technological culture, Sayama's tea, Tokorozawa's stadium, and Yoshimi's ancient ruins, Saitama can be described as a treasure trove of Japanese cultural experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing. Relatively less crowded than other parts of Japan, Saitama offers plenty of hidden gems for a relaxing trip. In the future, Saitama will likely evolve from a "secret Japan known only to those in the know" to a "must-visit next-generation tourist destination" for foreign visitors.

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