A must-see for those planning a day trip to the suburbs of Tokyo! Saitama Prefecture, which can be easily accessed by train from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, has a variety of sightseeing spots, such as shrines and temples unique to Japan, parks rich in nature, museums, and theme parks. There are many new spots that have opened in recent years, such as "Fukaya-Hanazono Premium Outlets"!

This time, we will introduce popular sightseeing areas in Saitama and the best spots that can be visited on a day trip by train. Let's rediscover the charms of Saitama Prefecture!

Saitama City: The prefectural capital of Saitama Prefecture, where nature and culture coexist

Saitama City is the prefectural capital of Saitama Prefecture. In this city you'll find sightseeing spots where you can feel the history and culture of Japan from nature such as parks, shrines, and museums. In particular, "Saitama Super Arena" (commonly known as 'Tama-ari') is a popular arena venue in the Kanto area that is used for various large-scale events, concerts, and sports competitions. Next time you go to "Tama-ari" for "Oshikatsu", let's stop by the recommended sightseeing spots in this area below.

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1. Ikebukuro Station

↓(At Omiya Station, transfer to the train and get to Tetsudo-›hakubutsukan Station (approximately 50 minutes in total), then a 1-minute walk from there.

2. The Railway Museum

(A museum where you can enjoy exhibits of actual trains, experience learning about railways, driving experiences, etc.)

↓About 22 minutes on foot

3. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine

(One of the oldest shrines in Japan, said to have a history of over 2,400 years)

↓About 1 minute on foot

4. Omiya Park, Saitama Prefecture

(A park where seasonal flowers bloom on a vast site)

↓About 12 minutes on foot

5. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama

(A museum where beautiful bonsai are displayed)

Tokorozawa: A hot spot city where new tourist spots are opening one after another!

Tokorozawa City is located in the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, and is a city of nature such as the Sayama Hills and Lake Sayama. In recent years, the large cultural complex “TOKOROZAWA SAKURA TOWN” opened in 2020 and the “Seibuen Amusement Park” renewed in 2021 are attracting attention as new spots.

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1. Ikebukuro Station

↓At Seibukyujo-mae Station, transfer to the train and get to Seibuen-yuenchi Station (approximately 37 minutes in total*)

2. Seibuen Amusement Park

(Showa-themed shopping street and amusement park with various attractions)

↓At Tokorozawa Station, transfer to a bus and get to Higashi-Tokorozawa Station in about 45 minutes, then walk for about 10 minutes.

3. TOKOROZAWA SAKURA TOWN

(A large-scale artistic complex where you can enjoy the Kadokawa Culture Museum and permanent exhibitions from teamLab)

Related article

• Just an Hour from Tokyo. Tokorozawa, a City Closely Related to Totoro

Hanno: A town with spots that reproduce the world of Moomin

Hanno City is located in the western part of Saitama Prefecture and can be accessed by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line just like Tokorozawa. It is an area rich in nature, with forests, hills and rivers occupying about 75% of the city limits. In addition, "Moominvalley Park", which reproduces the world from the story of the character "Moomin" originating in Finland, the author's hometown, has opened in 2019. Moomin fans and those who like the atmosphere of Scandinavia should not miss it!

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1. Ikebukuro Station

↓At Hanno Station, change to a bus and get off at the "metsä" bus stop. (approximately 60 minutes in total)

2. metsä village

(An area full of shops selling miscellaneous goods and foods with Scandinavian designs)

↓About 1 minute on foot

3. Moominvalley Park

(The world's first Moomin-themed park)

↓Transfer to the train at Hanno Station for about 30 minutes to Motokaji Station, then a 20-minute walk from there.

4. Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park

(A park designed by the author of Moomin where children can enjoy nature.)

Chichibu: Lots of tourism elements such as great nature, cultural facilities, and festivals!

Chichibu City has a wide variety of sightseeing spots, such as natural spots such as the Icicles of Misotsuchi, historical spots such as Mitsumine Shrine, and other cultural elements.

Many people visit for seasonal events such as cherry blossom viewing in spring, green leaves in summer, and autumn foliage in autumn. In addition, various festivals are held throughout the year. The "Chichibu Yomatsuri (Night Festival)" held in December is particularly famous, with an exhibition of related materials set up at the "Chichibu Festival Hall".

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1. Ikebukuro Station

↓About 80-120 minutes by train to Seibu Chichibu Station, then a 20 minute walk from there

2. Hitsujiyama Park

(A park where you can see a scenery that looks like a carpet of moss phlox.)

↓About 22 minutes on foot

3. Chichibu Festival Hall

(Facility where you can experience festival culture through exhibits and performances related to the Chichibu Night Festival)

↓About 1minutes on foot

4. Chichibu Shrine

(Chichibu's grand shrine boasting a history of over 2,100 years and has been revered since ancient times.)

Related article

• The Natural Wonders of Chichibu in Saitama, Japan

Nagatoro: The riverside scenery is majestic!

Nagatoro Town is a town blessed with nature, such as the clear stream of the Nagatoro River, rapids, waterfalls, and oddly-shaped rocks. You can enjoy a variety of activities such as river rafting, valley walks, and tourist farms. Since it is close to Chichibu, we recommend a one-night, two-day trip for visiting both areas.

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1. Ikebukuro Station

↓At Seibu Chichibu Station, transfer to the train to Nagatoro Station (approximately 110 minutes in total), then about 12 minutes on foot from there.

2. Hodosan Shrine (Mt. Hodo Shrine)

(One of the three shrines in Chichibu along with Chichibu Shrine and Mitsumine Shrine)

↓About 7 minutes on foot

3. Nagatoro Iwadatami Dori Shopping Street

(A shopping street where you can taste local gourmet food)

↓About 4 minutes on foot

4. Nagatoro Iwadatami Stroll/River Ride

(A nationally designated scenic spot and natural monument. You can see the beautiful scenery of oddly-shaped rocks along the river.)

Kawagoe: A townscape with a retro atmosphere

Kawagoe City has many historical buildings and Cultural Properties from the Taisho and Showa periods of Japan. The souvenirs and gourmet food sold in the retro atmosphere of the shopping arcade are also attracting many tourists.

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1. Ikebukuro Station

↓About 30 minutes by train to Kawagoe Station, then about 20 minutes on foot from there

2. Taisho Roman Yume-dori Street

(A town with a romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era)

↓About 5 minutes on foot

3. Kurazukuri Townscape

(A town lined with atmospheric buildings from the Edo period, such as the Toki no Kane bell tower)

↓About 5 minutes on foot

4. Kashiya Yokocho

(A shopping street where you can enjoy delicious Japanese sweets)

↓About 12 minutes on foot

5. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

(A matchmaking shrine famous for Enmusubi wind chimes, Enmusubi votive tablets, and sea bream fortune slips.)