Greater Tokyo

SAITAMA

Ogawa Town

The Craftsmanship and Countryside Charm of Saitama’s “Little Kyoto”

Just over an hour from central Tokyo, Ogawa Town offers a peaceful escape into Japan’s living traditions of washi papermaking, sake brewing, and rural hospitality. Blending craftsmanship and nature, this “Little Kyoto of Musashi” invites visitors to slow down and rediscover beauty in simplicity.
Main Text: For travelers seeking authenticity, tranquility, and timeless craftsmanship, Ogawa Town offers a journey where every road, river, and handmade sheet of paper tells a story still unfolding.
Nature & Views Experience & Activities
Nestled among the gentle hills of western Saitama Prefecture, Ogawa Town invites travelers into a slower rhythm of life. Surrounded by forested slopes and nourished by clear spring water, this historic town has flourished for over a millennium as a haven of craftsmanship and quiet beauty. It’s the perfect day trip for those seeking an authentic encounter with Japan’s artisanal heart.
One of Ogawa’s proudest legacies is washi, or handmade Japanese paper, celebrated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage under the name Hosokawa-shi. Crafted from local mulberry bark and pure mountain water, Ogawa’s washi is prized for its strength, translucence, and soft texture. At the Ogawa Washi Learning Center, visitors can trace 1,300 years of this tradition through immersive exhibits and one-day hands-on workshops. Also located within the town, the Kamisuki no mura shop showcases how washi continues to inspire art, architecture, and everyday design.
The same pristine water that sustains papermaking also makes possible Ogawa’s centuries-old sake brewing tradition. Among the most celebrated is Seiun Sake Brewery, known for its refined aroma and smooth, balanced flavor. Tasting tours reveal how craftsmanship, patience, and the land’s character blend in every sip. Ogawa’s prosperity once nurtured a refined culture of dining and hospitality. At the historic kappo Ryokan Futaba, “Chushichi-meshi” was created under the guidance of the eminent late-Edo-period figure Tesshu Yamaoka, who suggested infusing Zen spirit into the cuisine. The dish continues to be passed down today.
One of the best ways to explore Ogawa’s countryside is by bicycle. The town offers convenient rentals at the Ogawa Tourism Information Center (Musubime), located near Ogawamachi Station.
Rental options: Electric-assist or standard city bikes
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (electric-assist also available until 9:00 p.m. via app)
Rental counter fee: ¥1,320 (full day) or ¥990(Half day / Afternoon)
Please review the information below in advance before using the app on-site.
https://docomo-cycle.jp/?lang=en
https://docomo-cycle.jp/howto
Ride past washi workshops, sake breweries, and rice fields shimmering under the sun. The town’s bike-share app allows you to rent, pay, and unlock bikes directly from your phone, perfect for spontaneous detours through Ogawa’s peaceful backroads.
Whether for a day trip or a quiet weekend getaway, Ogawa Town is the perfect destination to connect with nature, tradition, and the slower rhythm of local life.


Photo courtesy of Ogawamachi