With no shortage of things to try in Saitama’s Nagatoro region, you might find yourself overwhelmed by choosing what to do first. We’re here to help you plan a trip full of fun activities and fresh food.

Learn how the art form of bonsai came to be at Omiya Bonsai Village, just a quick trip from Tokyo. (Photo: ©STIB)

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

Hidaka City’s Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is home to some 5 million bright red spider lilies that burst into bloom every autumn.

Explore Chichibu’s beautiful nature, ancient historical sites, and spiritual power spots along a route taken by travelers for centuries. Whether you are seeking a spiritual renewal or a quiet trek through the beauty of rural Saitama, close to Tokyo, the Chichibu Fudasho might be just what you’re looking for. The Chichibu Fudasho is a 100 kilometer long pilgrimage route connecting 34 of the area’s Kannon Buddhist temples, with a history dating back almost 800 years. The popularity of the route peaked in the Edo Period, when many of the city’s common folk traveled here to gain wisdom and clarity by participating in the pilgrimage.

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.

This picturesque location nestled in the mountains near Hanno is the only place in eastern Japan where Buddhism and Shinto beliefs are still fused together.

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.

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

In Gyoda (Saitama Prefecture), a new tradition has been established: “Tanbo Art” (rice field art), a stunning seasonal display that transforms large rice fields into colorful canvases. Various shades of rice plants create elaborate artworks that showcase the region's agricultural tradition in a modern and impressive way. As one of Japan’s most innovative rural attractions, Gyoda’s rice paddy art combines farming techniques with contemporary creativity, drawing visitors from around the world.

Treat yourself to an accommodation experience in Saitama that has it all - spa, barbeque, and stunning natural scenery. O Park Ogose offers a getaway from city life and a breath of fresh air deep in the countryside of Saitama Prefecture, a location perfect for relaxing and feel rejuvenated and refreshed amongst nature.

Buy local in Kumagaya City, where honey and vegetables are produced in accordance with SDG farming methods. ENDO FARM is located on the fertile banks of the Tone River, the borderline between Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture and Ota City in Gunma Prefecture, and offers guests a look at sustainable farming practices and stunning sunflower fields.©photo by@BIGforest914

The cold winters in Chichibu transform the landscape into a frozen wonderland, which is home to the famous Three Great Icicles. These natural ice formations, sculpted by nature, offer spectacular scenery that are perfect for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers. With their ever-changing shapes and colorful illuminations, the icicles make for an unforgettable winter experience in Japan.

Saitama Prefecture’s Oshi Castle is the ideal spot to revel in Japan’s fascinating history. Located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, Oshi Castle is a historic landmark that offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the world of the samurai.

Enjoy dishes made from homegrown vegetables and wild herbs of the satoyama in this renovated farmhouse. Naya Yojo MEGURU, located in Tokorozawa City in Saitama Prefecture, is an innovative tea room that has transformed a Japanese farmhouse’barn into a unique space for dining.

Several exhilarating ways to reconnect with nature and shake off the months of sitting at home can be found at Minakami, one of Japan’s premiere spots for white water rafting and canyoning.

Gunma, home to some of the juiciest fruits and vibrant vegetables in Japan, is waiting for travelers to taste the bounty of the region. And we know just the spot to enjoy the seasonality of the prefecture directly from the source.

Looking for a place where you can enjoy Japan’s traditional hot spring culture? Then Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku in Minakami Town, Gunma Prefecture, is your ideal destination. Nestled along the scenic Takaragawa River, this secluded onsen is surrounded by natural beauty. Known for its riverside open-air baths and quiet atmosphere, it offers visitors the perfect escape to relax.