Top Saitama Prefecture Art & Culture

You can see the tatami production site with the guidance of tatami artisans. We can manufacture interior mini tatami mats (size 20 x 20 cm, thickness 20 ~ 30 mm). After the experience, there is also a tea break service on the edge of the tatami mat. If you wish, there are souvenirs

This small-group walking tour explores Kawagoe as a living merchant town, where commerce, faith, and daily life have coexisted for centuries. Often called “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is not simply a preserved historic area. Old streets are still used, family-run shops remain active, and temples and shrines continue to shape everyday routines. As you walk through merchant streets and quiet back lanes, your guide explains how trade built the town and how belief supported daily life. The route follows a relaxed walking pace with optional light tastings such as traditional sweets, offering a natural glimpse into local food culture. Rather than rushing between landmarks, this experience focuses on understanding Kawagoe as a place to live, work, and pray, where history remains part of everyday scenes.

A clean room in a public facility just a 5-minute walk from the popular tourist spot Kawagoe's kura-zukuri district is the place to experience the program. You will finish a small Jizo, one of the most popular Japanese Buddhist statue sculptures, by wood carving. It is easy even for beginners as you only have to finish a half-finished piece up to rough carving. The instructor, who has 24 years of experience as an artist, will kindly and carefully instruct you how to hold and use a carving knife. There are two types of Jizo, a small one and a slightly larger one, but you can prepare your favorite one upon prior consultation if you wish.

Discover the art of bonsai, the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in an artistic shape, during this small-group hands-on experience near Tokyo. Head to Bonsai-cho ("Bonsai City) to see some beautiful examples then try your hand at various techniques for shaping and pruning bonsai trees while a guide answers any questions you may have.

KenDo!-Spirit is not only about experiencing the traditional Japanese culture of kendo, but also about experiencing the heart and spirit of kendo. Through kendo, we aim to create a peaceful and better society through the characteristics of kendo, such as courtesy, courtesy, and respect for each other. We offer a full-fledged kendo experience under the guidance of a high-ranked instructor to both children and adults in a casual atmosphere! Enjoy the experience! We offer five programs for you to experience kendo. 1. You will hear about the history of kendo. 2. You will actually wear a kendo-gi and kendo gear. 3. You will learn the basics of kendo and actually practice uchikomi. 4. Watching real practice and matches by high-ranked players is a very powerful experience. 5. Participants will take photos with each other, drink tea, and have a good time. We hope you will try kendo as a memorable part of your enjoyable trip to Japan. We look forward to your participation!

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kawagoe! Kawagoe was a prominent castle town in the Edo period and was known at that time as Ko-edo, or Little Edo (former name of Tokyo). About 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, Kawagoe features many historical buildings, shrines and temples, and offers many regional food and drinks, as well as unique souvenir items. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Wander through the streets of Kawagoe, a city that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period, with the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert. Visit the iconic Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), stroll through the Kurazukuri Street lined with traditional merchant houses, and discover the timeless beauty of Kitain Temple. Don’t miss the chance to experience the tranquil grounds of Kawagoe Castle and explore hidden gems such as old candy shops and secret alleyways. Learn about the rich history of this “Little Edo” town, its cultural significance, and fascinating local legends. Enjoy the taste of Kawagoe’s sweet potato specialties and traditional snacks along the way. While the tour primarily uses public transportation to provide an authentic experience, a private vehicle can be arranged upon request. Experience the charm of old Japan with our local guide and make unforgettable memories in Kawagoe!

Simplify a trip to Mount Fuji, and leave the logistics, planning, and organization to your driver-guide, on this private full-day tour. Well-suited for travelers staying in Tokyo, simply choose from a selection of vehicles to suit your group size, and relax as you explore Mount Fuji and its highlights. There's no need to plot a route yourself; enjoy a flexible itinerary that includes the 5th Station, lakes, shrines, and more.

Escape the bustle of Tokyo and enjoy a relaxing day trip to Kawagoe, a beautifully preserved town known as “Little Edo.” This private walking tour offers the perfect mix of cultural exploration, local food, and authentic Japan just 30 minutes from Tokyo. Stroll through traditional Edo-style streets, visit the iconic Time Bell Tower, and explore Candy Alley, famous for its nostalgic treats. A highlight of your tour is the visit to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, where you can experience the popular Tai-mikuji — a fun “sea bream fortune” you catch with a toy fishing rod! It’s a must-try experience that’s both charming and photogenic, often featured in travel blogs and Instagram posts. Perfect for travelers who want to discover authentic Japan beyond Tokyo in just half a day.

Explore the captivating historical charm of Kawagoe on a 2-hour walking tour that combines the spiritual serenity of Hikawa Shrine with the vibrant atmosphere of Little Edo. Begin at the ancient Hikawa Shrine, where you'll engage in traditional Shinto rituals like fishing for fortunes and purifying bad luck. Stroll through Kurazukuri Street, lined with beautifully preserved merchant buildings, and savor local snacks as you visit iconic landmarks like the Time Bell Tower. This family-friendly tour offers a personal touch with a knowledgeable local guide, ensuring a rich cultural experience for all ages. - Immerse yourself in hands-on Shinto rituals at Hikawa Shrine - Discover Kawagoe’s historic architecture and lively samurai-era merchant town - Enjoy a leisurely pace suitable for families and strollers - Expert resident local guide shares insights into Kawagoe’s history and culture

Step into a stylish beauty lounge in Kawagoe and try Japan’s latest salon-grade beauty technology in one experience. Guests can explore up to 15 carefully selected beauty devices, including facial care, skin conditioning, face contour care, scalp care, hair care, foot massage, EMS, microcurrent-style care, relaxation devices, and age-care beauty tools. This is a rare chance to experience Japanese professional beauty devices and salon-only beauty items in a relaxed, self-guided setting with light staff support. Guests may also try masks, ampoules, boosters, and skincare items, and a curated beauty gift is included.

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kawagoe's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Step back in time in Kawagoe, the castle town fondly known as "Little Edo" for its beautifully preserved old-town streets just a short drive from Tokyo. Stroll the Kurazukuri Warehouse District, where clay-walled merchant houses recall the Edo period, and see the Toki no Kane bell tower that has marked the hours for four centuries. Wander Kashiya Yokocho, the nostalgic Penny Candy Alley, and visit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, famous for matchmaking and its summer wind-chimes. At Kitain Temple you will meet 540 carved Rakan statues and the only surviving structures of Edo Castle, while Honmaru Goten preserves the rare main palace of Kawagoe Castle. With a private vehicle and your own knowledgeable guide, you can tailor the day to your interests and travel comfortably between every sight at your own pace.

Explore the enchanting streets of Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo,” on a private one-hour walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this tour dives into the rich history of Kawagoe, from the majestic Time Bell Tower to the serene Kumano Shrine. Discover ancient merchant buildings and enjoy insider tips on the best local cafes and shops to visit later. Children under 10 join for free, making this a perfect family outing. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this historic town and uncover hidden gems that will enhance your visit to Kawagoe. - Private one-hour walking tour of Kawagoe’s historic Old Town - Guided visit to key sites like the Time Bell Tower and Renkeiji Temple - Enjoy local recommendations for food, crafts, and shopping - Children under 10 join for free, suitable for all ages

The venue is a 200-year-old traditional Japanese house registered as a national tangible cultural property, with tatami mat rooms. You will finish carving a wooden iphone case with a sharp Japanese carving knife. The soft and light paulownia wood is used to glue the case to the soft clear case, so it is easy to make! The instructor, who has 24 years of experience as an artist, will kindly and carefully instruct you how to hold and use the carving knife. Please let us know in advance which iphone series the case is compatible with. If you have a design request, we can discuss it with you in advance and prepare your favorite design. You can choose between beeswax finish and acrylic coloring.

Nature plays a central role in Japanese culture, and this tour of a timber forest reveals how wood shapes the architecture and furniture that the country is so famous for. You’ll explore a woodland typically closed to the public for a deeper insight into local production and forestry techniques. Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour is conducted in Japanese with an optional English guide.

Experience how to enjoy the tea ceremony as a guest in a mindful, authentic Japanese Garden in Kumagaya City (Only a 24-min bullet train ride from Tokyo Station)!! Escape the crowds of Tokyo and experience the tea ceremony in a peaceful traditional garden! In this unique session, you will enjoy experiencing thin tea (Usucha) and sweets, as well as the deep art of utensil viewing (Haiken). Enjoy the tea ceremony mindfully with using five senses. Perfect for beginners looking to relax and connect with Japanese culture!

Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, located about one hour from central Tokyo, is the largest producer of Tabi Shoes in Japan and is recognized as a Japan Heritage site as “Gyoda, a town of Tabi Shoes warehouses that continues to support the footwear culture. In this tour, visitors will choose their favorite “Gyoda Tabi Shoes” and “Yukitadas” and actually walk around the town of Tabi Shoes warehouses with a guide to experience the kimono culture and enjoy the history and culture of “Gyoda Tabi Shoes” in the town of the most famous Tabi Shoes in Japan. Visitors will also enjoy the history and culture of Tabi Shoes and food culture by touring a Tabi Shoes warehouse and a Tabi Shoes factory, as well as local cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy the “Gyoda Hanahancozu”, where they can see beautiful flowers. We hope you will enjoy a special moment in the town of Tabi Shoes, a Japanese Heritage Site.

Experience Chichibu’s Silk Heritage and Night Festival Chichibu, historically a center of sericulture and silk weaving, hosted grand yatai float parades during the Night Festival to attract silk merchants, earning it the affectionate nickname "The Silkworm Festival." Held annually on December 2nd and 3rd for over 300 years, this festival celebrates the region's rich traditions. This tour offers a visit to the Chichibu Meisen Museum, where you can enjoy live silk-spinning demonstrations and participate in a coaster-making workshop. You will also explore the Chichibu Matsuri Kaikan, where lavish yatai floats and kasaboko are displayed year-round, capturing the spirit of the Night Festival. Additionally, the tour includes a stop at Chichibu Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines with over 2,100 years of history, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

This tour is available for February 20 and March 11, 2026 only. Welcome to Chichibu, just 90 minutes from Tokyo! Your dedicated guide will lead the way. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, Chichibu is a tourist destination offering rich natural beauty (Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, the clear waters of the Arakawa River, etc.), historical culture (Chichibu Night Festival, Chichibu Meisen silk, etc.), and easy access from Tokyo. The Chichibu Pilgrimage involves visiting the 34 sacred Kannon temples scattered throughout the Chichibu region. During the Edo period, many people visited the area as a place of worship. This tour includes hiking through the rolling hills. Enjoy the changing seasonal scenery as you make your pilgrimage. For lunch, we offer shojin ryorii (traditional Buddhist vegetarian lunch) made with local food.

Chichibu Festival Museum: By watching the 3D theater and the projection mapping, you will immerse yourself in the culture and the festivals in Chichibu. You can watch traditional music by the local players of Chichibu Yatai Bayashi. This is a rare opportunity as there aren't many other tours where you can watch the Festival Music performance. The guide can play all the instruments. I'm sure you can deepen the charm of Chichibu Yatai Bayashi. Chichibu Shrine: It has a history of 2111 years. A Female God "Myoken-sama" lives here, which is in the direction of the northern star. On the other side, we can see Mt. Buko, where the Dragon God lives, who comes to "Otabisho" to meet "Myoken-sama" once a year on the day of the Night Festival. Exploring the downtown Chichibu: Besides the quaint shops, cafes, and local gourmet food, you visit Suwa Shrine and "Otabisho". This tour will be held only on Oct 6, 14, and 20 this year. Don't miss out on this opportunity.

Are you familiar with doburoku, a rare type of Japanese sake? Unlike regular sake, doburoku is made by bottling the unfiltered mash (moromi) while fermentation continues. This makes it very difficult to store, and it's rarely served at restaurants. Yamane Brewery handcrafts this precious sake in small batches. It may be the only sustainable brewery in Japan operating out of a repurposed convenience store. While most breweries use stainless steel tanks, Yamane uses traditional wooden barrels made from local Nishikawa timber. This rare method allows natural microorganisms to thrive, adding unique flavors from the wood and water—resulting in a one-of-a-kind sake every time. During the tour, you can taste three types of this special sake using locally crafted cups made from 100% Hanno soil, a material no longer produced and only available in limited quantities. Hanno is just an hour by train from Tokyo, with easy access to Chichibu, Kawagoe, and attractions like Moominvalley Park.

Just 77 minutes from Tokyo, enjoy visiting historic pilgrimage temples in Chichibu. Walk through local streets and everyday scenery, explore unique Kannon temples known for healing beliefs, learn proper temple manners from your guide, and relax at a popular local coffee shop. Experience Japan’s peaceful, nostalgic atmosphere and discover a hidden side of the country — close to Tokyo, yet far from the ordinary. Please note: There are some areas where you will need to remove your shoes.

Explore the Charming Town of Kawagoe with Japanese University Students! Join us on a fun and interactive walking tour as we explore the streets of Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo.” You’ll discover the fascinating history behind each spot, try local snacks, and enjoy cultural exchange with Japanese university students who are learning English!