Japan Travel vol.06｜Saitama Complete Travel Guide｜Weekend Adventures Right Next to Tokyo
Saitama is “Tokyo’s Closest Adventure”
Just about an hour by train or car, and you’ll find yourself in a playground where rivers, mountains, history, and art all meet.
Go rafting through gorges, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Little Edo, and spend the night in a mountain inn under the stars. Saitama is the perfect mix of easy-to-reach and deeply rewarding.
Pack rivers, mountains, hot springs, and food all into one—this is one of Kanto’s ultimate weekend adventures.
This time, RAW JAPAN takes you through both the must-see spots and the hidden gems of Saitama.
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Saitama Must-See Spots | River Views & Edo Charm──4 Stages to Discover in Saitama |
| Saitama Food Guide | Flavors Rooted in History & Local Pride |
| Saitama Stays | Mountain Hot Springs & Gorge Views: Relaxing Inns |
| Saitama Model Plan | A Weekend That Feels Like a Real Trip──2 Nights, 3 Days |
【4 Must-See Spots in Saitama】
River Views & Edo Charm──4 Stages to Discover in Saitama
1. Nagatoro Gorge (Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District)
 |  |
Nature’s Dynamic Gorge Art
Rock formations spread across the Arakawa River and boats glide through its currents. The light reflecting on the water makes the gorge feel like a natural canvas. Listen to the rhythm of the boatman’s pole, and time itself seems to slow.
| Attraction | Chichibu Nagatoro Arakawa River Boat Ride |
| Hours | Around 9:00–16:00 (depends on water level, weather, crowding) ※ No advance reservations (group tours negotiable) ※ Children under 2 not allowed during extreme heat |
| Closed | Year-end |
| Fee | Challenge Course (approx. 3km/30min): Adults ~¥2,000 (peak ¥2,200) / Kids (3+) ~¥1,000 (peak ¥1,100) Romantic Course (approx. 3km/30min): Same as above |
| Address | 531-1 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305 Google Map |
| Official Site | Arakawa Line Kudari |
2. Kawagoe Ichiban-gai (Kawagoe City)
 |  |
Step Back into Edo-Era Streets
Kawagoe’s main street is lined with Kurazukuri warehouses. From the “Bell of Time” to Dagashi Alley and kimono rentals, every corner is photogenic. A stroll here feels like walking inside a pocket-sized Edo.
| Attraction | Kawagoe Ichiban-gai (Kurazukuri Street) |
| Hours | Open for strolling anytime ※ Most shops close around 18:00 |
| Fee | Free ※ Individual shop fees apply |
| Address | Saiwaicho, Kawagoe City, Saitama 350-0063 Google Map |
| Official Site | Kawagoe Ichiban-gai |
3. Mitsumine Shrine (Chichibu City)
 |  |
A Sacred Mountain Shrine in Quietude
Located at 1,100m altitude, Mitsumine Shrine is famous for its rare triple torii gate, cedar-lined paths, and wolf guardians. Early mornings can reveal a breathtaking sea of clouds along with blessings said to last a lifetime.
| Attraction | Mitsumine Shrine (Triple Torii & Shrine Office) |
| Fee | Free entry. Parking: Cars ¥520 (8:00–18:00) |
| Address | 298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu City, Saitama 369-1902 Google Map |
| Official Site | Mitsumine Shrine |
4. The Railway Museum (Saitama City)
 |  |
Japan’s Biggest Train Museum for Families & Fans
Full-sized trains, simulators, a massive diorama, and even shinkansen cockpits to climb inside. Outdoors you’ll find mini trains to drive and viewing decks. It’s a paradise for kids and serious train lovers alike.
| Attraction | The Railway Museum |
| Hours | 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Closed | Tuesdays (next weekday if holiday), New Year holidays |
| Fee | Day Ticket: Adults ¥1,600 / Students ¥600 / Kids (3+) ¥300 Advance: Adults ¥1,500 / Students ¥500 / Kids (3+) ¥200 |
| Address | 3-47 Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama 330-0852 Google Map |
| Official Site | The Railway Museum |
【3 Must-Try Foods in Saitama】
Flavors Rooted in History & Local Pride
1. Todaimon (Ogano Town, Chichibu)｜Waraji Katsudon
 |  |
Chichibu’s Soul on a Plate: The Original Waraji Katsudon
Pork cutlets pounded wide like a sandal (“waraji”), fried crisp, then coated in sweet-savory sauce. Served spilling over the bowl, this dish is as bold as the Chichibu spirit itself.
| Restaurant | Yakiniku Restaurant Todaimon |
| Hours | 10:30–20:00 (Wednesdays until 15:00) |
| Closed | Thursdays |
| Price | ¥1,000–2,000 |
| Address | 2806 Ogano, Chichibu District, Saitama 368-0105 Google Map |
| Official Site | Todaimon |
2. Ogakiku (Kawagoe City)｜Unagi (Eel)
 |  |
A Taste of Taisho Romance: Edo-Style Grilled Eel
Founded in the Edo era, Ogakiku’s unagi is steamed to perfection and glazed with a secret sauce. This is where history meets flavor in every bite.
| Restaurant | Ogakiku (Historic Unagi in Kawagoe) |
| Hours | Weekdays 11:00–14:00 / 16:30–19:30 (L.O.19:00) Weekends & Holidays 10:40–18:00 (L.O.18:00) ※ July–Aug weekends/holidays until 19:30 |
| Closed | Thursdays (open on holidays, irregular closures possible) |
| Price | ¥3,000–4,000 |
| Address | 3-22 Nakacho, Kawagoe City, Saitama 350-0065 Google Map |
| Official Site | Ogakiku |
3. Kurachi (Kounosu City)｜Kawahaba Udon
 |  |
Saitama’s “River Width” Turned Into Noodles
Kawahaba Udon stretches over 10cm wide—chewy, bold, and unforgettable. Served in miso broth or rustic soup, this is the birthplace of Saitama’s most eye-catching noodle.
| Restaurant | Kurachi (Origin of Kawahaba Udon) |
| Hours | 11:30–15:00 (L.O.14:30), 17:30–20:00 (L.O.19:30) Sundays lunch only |
| Closed | Thursdays, Sunday nights |
| Price | ¥1,000–2,000 |
| Address | 4-1-36 Ningyo, Kounosu City, Saitama 365-0037 Google Map |
| Official Site | Kounosu City |
【4 Recommended Stays in Saitama】
Mountain Hot Springs & Gorge Views: Relaxing Inns
1. Chichibu Onsen Hananoya (Chichibu City)
 |  |
All Rooms with Open-Air Baths, Tucked in the Mountains
An inn for grown-ups, with private rotenburo in every room. Quiet mountains, healing hot springs, and award-winning service make for pure relaxation.
| Stay | Chichibu Onsen Hananoya |
| Check-in | From 15:00 (varies by plan) |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 (varies by plan) |
| Address | 542 Arakawa Hino, Chichibu City, Saitama 369-1803 Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese / English |
| Official Site | Chichibu Resort Hananoya |
2. Araki Onsen Ryokan (Chichibu City)
 |  |
200 Years of History, Famous for Its Gentle “Nuru-yu”
One of the Chichibu Seven Springs, its silky tepid water has been loved since Edo times. Known as a “beauty bath,” it’s perfect for long soaks that warm you from within.
| Stay | Araki Onsen Ryokan |
| Check-in | From 15:00 |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Address | 1538 Yamada, Chichibu City, Saitama 368-0004 Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese |
| Official Site | Araki Onsen Ryokan |
3. Ojikasou (Ogano Town, Chichibu District)
 |  |
An Irori Hearth & Hidden Mountain Onsen
Ojikasou greets guests with crackling irori fires, flowing onsen, and countryside cuisine. Rooms are filled with wood’s warmth, offering a slower, deeper escape.
| Stay | Ojikasou (Irori Inn, Chichibu Onsen) |
| Check-in | From 15:00 (last check-in 18:00) |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Address | 243 Miyama, Ogano Town, Chichibu District, Saitama 368-0112 Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese |
| Official Site | Ojikasou |
4. Choseikan (Nagatoro Town)
 |  |
Gorge-View Legacy Inn Since 1912
All rooms face Nagatoro Gorge, with a historic garden and open-air baths. Dining features local kaiseki and river fish, blending old-world elegance with riverside calm.
| Stay | Nagatoro Onsen Choseikan |
| Check-in | From 15:00 (last check-in 18:00) |
| Check-out | Until 10:00 |
| Address | 449 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Saitama 369-1305 Google Map |
| Languages | Japanese / English |
| Official Site | Choseikan |
【RAW JAPAN Model Plan】
A Weekend That Feels Like a Real Trip──2 Nights, 3 Days in Saitama
Even though it’s right next to Tokyo, Saitama gives you the feeling of a “real journey.”
From Kawagoe’s nostalgic alleys to the sacred mountains of Chichibu and the river adventures in Nagatoro, this 2-night, 3-day plan is packed with culture, nature, food, and hot springs.
※This plan is just a suggested sample. Please adjust times and routes to fit your own schedule.
DAY 1｜Kawagoe Stroll × Unagi Lunch × Chichibu Onsen
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Depart from Tokyo (Ueno Station → Kawagoe Station) ・JR Takasaki Line + Kawagoe Line ~55 min ・Or Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro by “Kawagoe Limited Express” ~50 min (reservation required) |
| 10:00 | Stroll Kawagoe Ichiban-gai (Bell of Time, Dagashi Alley, ~2h15m) ※ During peak season, limit food stops to 1–2 shops for smoother walking |
| 12:15 | Lunch at Ogakiku (historic unagi restaurant) (~1h) ※ Reservation recommended. Expect up to 30 min wait if crowded |
| 13:45 | Transfer to Chichibu ・Train: Kawagoe → (via Hon-Kawagoe / Hanno) → Seibu Chichibu (~90–120 min) ・Car: Kan-Etsu Expressway ~70 min (plus traffic risk) |
| 15:30 | Check in at Ojikasou (Irori Inn) |
| Evening | Enjoy irori hearth dinner & countryside hot springs |
DAY 2｜Sacred Mountain × Local Gourmet × Tepid Onsen
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Depart Ojikasou → Mitsumine Shrine ・Car ~60 min (mountain road, parking opens 8:00, ¥520) ・Bus: Seibu Chichibu Station → Shrine (express ~75 min, limited service, check schedule) |
| 08:30 | Worship & walk around Mitsumine Shrine grounds (~2h) ※ Hiking to the Okumiya adds ~1h more |
| 10:30 | Descend and head to Chichibu city area ・Car ~50 min / Bus ~60 min + walking |
| 11:15 | Lunch at Todaimon (Waraji Katsudon specialty) (~1h) ※ Popular spot, earlier arrival recommended |
| 13:45 | Check in at Araki Onsen Ryokan (Miyo-no-Yu) ※ Official check-in 15:00. If early, ask to store luggage |
| Afternoon | Relax in the gentle tepid “nuru-yu” bath |
| Evening | Dinner: seasonal kaiseki with local ingredients + soak in private baths |
DAY 3｜River Activities × Kawahaba Udon × Return to Tokyo
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Depart Araki Onsen → Nagatoro Gorge ・Car ~40 min / Train: Seibu Chichibu → Chichibu Railway ~30–40 min + walk |
| 09:30 | Choose your river activity ・Arakawa River Boat Ride (~50 min, walk-in) ・Or Rafting experience (~1.5–2h including prep, advance booking recommended) |
| 11:30 | Head to Kounosu City ・Car ~90 min / Train: Chichibu Railway + JR Takasaki Line ~100 min |
| 12:45 | Lunch at Kurachi (origin of Kawahaba Udon) (~1h) ※ Check reservation availability in advance |
| 14:30 | Depart for Tokyo ・Train: Kounosu → Tokyo Station (JR Takasaki Line Rapid ~65 min) ・Car: Kan-Etsu Expressway ~90 min (afternoon congestion possible) |
| 16:00 | Arrive at Tokyo Station |
RAW JAPAN Comment
Saitama offers a depth that makes you forget it’s right next to Tokyo.
From listening to the waters of Nagatoro, to strolling Edo-style Kawagoe, to soaking in Chichibu’s hot springs—it’s all packed into one weekend.
It’s not about rushing through spots, but immersing yourself in food, inns, and seasonal scenery.
That’s the charm of Saitama: a “close yet deep” experience.
Even a short trip leaves you with the satisfaction of a real journey.
※RAW JAPAN independently created this guide (no sponsorships/ads).
※Prices & hours are based on info at the time of writing. Check official sites for updates.
※Images are for illustration only.
※Some inns may charge lodging or hot spring tax separately.
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