Saitama is home to two major rivers, the Arakawa and Tone, which provide high-quality water that’s perfect for brewing sake. With over 30 breweries spread throughout the prefecture, you’re invited to come and get a taste of the region yourself. We’ll take a closer look at three top producers.

Live the life of a Buddhist monk, from early morning meditation to sampling the delectable vegetarian cuisine, while experiencing the peaceful surroundings of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano.

Discover a different side of Tokyo at Sorano Hotel in Tachikawa, a contemporary haven that perfectly combines modern design with the concept of wellness. This innovative hotel offers a refreshing break for those seeking a "well-being trip" focused on relaxation and rejuvenation. Located in the Western part of Tokyo, Sorano Hotel provides an oasis of calm, offering a peaceful environment for both body and mind, making it a standout choice for travelers looking for more than an ordinary hotel stay.

This boutique restaurant in Jiyugaoka serves vegan dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients to focus on healthy eating and local produce in a fine dining atmosphere.

The world has fallen in love with wagyu, regional, high-quality Japanese beef. If you’re traveling in the Kanto region, you’ve got to head to Yamanashi Prefecture to try Koshu wagyu beef, the high ranking wagyu of the region.

Maebashi Galleria is an architectural marvel where visitors can experience contemporary Japanese culture through local art, events, and accommodation in Gunma.

Taste authentic maple syrup tapped straight from the surrounding Japanese maple trees at Chichibu Muse Park in Saitama.

Are you a Japanese sake and beer enthusiast? Then discover a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and flavor at Ishikawa Brewery, located just outside the heart of Tokyo. Established in 1863 during the Bunkyu Era, with six buildings designated as registered tangible cultural properties and a museum dedicated to brewing history, Ishikawa Brewery offers an immersive journey through time and taste.

Taste this classic snack in its place of origin and visit the eco-friendly factory in Sammu.

Rediscover the joy of living in harmony with nature. KURKKU FIELDS combines agriculture, food, art, and sustainability to offer visitors an unforgettable eco-friendly experience in Chiba.

This 200-year-old farmhouse has been lovingly restored as a luxurious ryokan for guests who want to experience an authentic retreat in the Japanese countryside near Tokyo. For a luxurious ryokan experience just outside of Tokyo, Miyamotoke offers guests countryside hospitality in a traditional Japanese farmhouse, plus something unique.

Step back in time and experience the charm of Edo and Meiji-era Japan at the Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel in Katori City, Chiba. Located in Sawara, an area designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, this one-of-a-kind accommodation invites guests to immerse themselves in the history and culture of a flourishing merchant town once known as "Edo’s Kitchen." With its blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern comforts, the hotel provides a stylish and unforgettable stay.

TOGEDAMA craft gin is locally made with love by a family business that has been based in the Saitama forest since the Meiji period.

Discover the innovative way this store is giving new life to undiscovered clothing and accessories. Located just across from Tokyo Bay, at Kisarazu Concept Store shoppers can discover a treasure trove of discontinued fashions and unique designs.

imperfect Omotesando is a fresh brand founded in 2019 that blends style, sustainability, and social responsibility. It specializes in eco-friendly products crafted from responsibly sourced ingredients and offers an innovative shopping experience for eco-conscious consumers. ©photo by imperfect

Making use of Chichibu’s historical shops and houses, NIPPONIA Chichibu Shrine Town helps preserve the town’s cultural heritage while supporting responsible tourism to the area through partnerships with local businesses. Saitama’s Chichibu is nestled in a basin dotted with dozens of historical shrines, a world of serene beauty just outside Tokyo’s doorstep. The city was also home to a thriving silk textile industry in the days when wearing kimono was more common than Western-style clothing.

Discover the unique flavors of Fukushima Prefecture with a visit to the Fukushima Ouse Winery in Koriyama City. Established in 2015, this winery is more than just a place to taste wine: it’s a symbol of the region’s resilience and creativity after the hardship of the Great East Japan Earthquake. With a new business model that combines the production, processing, and sales of locally grown fruits, the winery is part of the “Fukushima Winery Project,” supporting local farmers and brands.

Just north of Tokyo, Ibaraki is a prefecture of abundant river systems, which have led to the establishment of several breweries. In addition to sake, some breweries specialize in making delicious umeshu.