Top Saitama Prefecture Art & Culture

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!

Experience Japan in a Traditional Kimono at WARGO Step into Japanese culture by wearing a beautiful kimono and exploring the streets around any WARGO store nationwide. Capture stunning photos, create unforgettable memories, and fully immerse yourself in the timeless Japanese atmosphere. Choose from a wide range of kimonos, from classic traditional patterns to modern designs. Our experienced staff will assist you with dressing, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience. Plus-size kimonos are available, so everyone can join in! Your package includes the kimono, sash belt (obi), Japanese clutch, sandals, and socks. Hairstyling is also available at an additional cost for those who want the complete look. The dressing process is quick—often under an hour—so you can set off on your adventure right away. Make your visit truly special by stepping out in style, exploring, and creating lasting memories at any WARGO store across Japan!

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.

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.

Step into a world of nostalgia, adventure, and family fun at Seibuen Amusement Park with this all-access admission ticket. Just outside Tokyo, this reimagined theme park transports you to Japan’s lively Showa era, where retro streets bustle with entertainers, classic music, and vintage charm. Feel the thrill of “Godzilla the Ride,” dive into action with “Ultraman the Ride,” and enjoy timeless attractions like the Ferris wheel and Gyro Tower with stunning views of Sayama Lake and Mount Fuji. Seasonal events like summer water fun, fireworks, and cherry blossom displays add something special throughout the year. Whether you're a fan of Japanese pop culture or looking for a unique escape with friends or family, Seibuen promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, character, and heart. Book now and relive the magic of a retro Japan blended with modern thrills.

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.

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.

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!

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

Check out one of Japan's most beloved destinations, Mt. Fuji, on this convenient day tour from Tokyo. Choose from multiple vehicle sizes to fit your group's needs. Visit several places in the Fuji area from where you can get beautiful views of the mountain (weather permitting), including Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, the 5th Station on Mt. Fuji, and more.

Dive into the captivating world of sumo wrestling with this exclusive 4-hour Sumo Stable Morning Practice tour! Join a small group (maximum 16 people) led by an expert sumo guide for an intimate look at a real sumo stable’s morning practice. Equipped with audio headsets, you’ll gain insights into training rituals and techniques as you watch these incredible athletes train up-close. After the session, get unforgettable access – converse and share tea with the wrestlers themselves! To top it off, enjoy comfortable seating with ample legroom and savor a delicious Chanko nabe lunch. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into sumo culture, not to be missed!

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.

English-guided tour of local sake brewery founded in 1897. After the tour, enjoy tasting variety of sake. We'll take the trip in small groups from 2 to 10 people, so that your experience will be intimate. You can take close look on the sake brewing, and asking questions to Brewery staff.

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.

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.

See bonsai through the eyes of someone who worked there. Your guide is a former Omiya Bonsai Museum staff member, bringing insider knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories that no guidebook can offer. Bonsai is more than a small tree — it is a living artwork that can take decades, even centuries, to perfect. On this tour, you will learn how these trees are shaped, why each one tells a unique story, and what it truly takes to care for a national treasure. We begin in Omiya Bonsai Village, a neighbourhood of master craftsmen that has existed since the 1920s. Walking these quiet streets, you will see working nurseries and specialist shops that most visitors never discover. From there, we enter the museum itself, where centuries-old trees are displayed alongside the history and philosophy behind this uniquely Japanese art form. This is not a standard museum visit. It is a guided conversation with someone who knows every tree, every story, and every secret that the plaques do not tell.

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.

Japanese Modern Samurai Show ! (Popular Theater), we share the beauty and spirit of Japan with the world through authentic cultural experiences. We design and operate tour that combine experiences such as observing Sumo morning practice and Modern Samurai Show, offering visitors the chance to feel the real Japan with all five senses. Each experience serves as a cultural bridge, connecting people across the world to the heart and beauty of Japan.

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.

Bonsai is one of the traditional arts which represent Japan. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is a must place for Bonsai /Japanese Garden lovers. At Bonsai village Bonsai classes are held for the beginner(reservation needed). Opened in 2010  as the first bonsai museum, Omiya Bonsai Museum consists of Collection Gallery, Bonsai Garden and Bonsai Terrace on 2F. At Collection gallery Bonsai culture is introduced through monthly displays of bonsai pot, stone, and seasonal Bonsai. Collection gallery leads to Bonsai garden displaying 60 seasonal Bonsai outside. Some can be viewed from all angles and photographed. After the museum we walk around the very calm Bonsai village spotted with houses having pretty garden where pine trees and other flower trees are neatly well kept. Among them there are 5 Bonsai gardens where Bonsai are created by each owner, displayed inside and sold, the staff will explain about how to take care Bonsai.

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.

Just 78 minutes from Tokyo, enjoy a guided walking tour in Chichibu visiting historic pilgrimage temples. 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.

[Let's play handmade mini shamisen! Traditional music experience workshop] TOKYO SHAMI EXPERIENCE was newly launched last year as a spot where you can enjoy the shamisen more easily and fun! This reservation site has just started in 2020. A new two-hour workshop where everyone can handcraft a mini shamisen, play a few songs, and enjoy a live concert with tea! You can take the instruments you made home and play them at home. Musical instrument workshops that have been featured on TV, magazines, and on the Web. It is perfect for those who want to start a new instrument that people around them do not do much, or those who are interested in Japanese musical instruments but are unable to take a step because of the high threshold. Not only will you be able to play, but also from the history and explanation of the shamisen, everyone can create a shamisen kit and learn how it sounds. Please enjoy the special experience that can enter the world of deep Japanese! * Price with musical instrument