Top Saitama Prefecture Historical Tours

A walking tour is the best way to explore Kawagoe, famed for its Edo-style architecture and vibrant shopping streets. See the best of Kawagoe on a private half-day walking tour. Meet your guide at the station, an easy ride from Tokyo. Tick off highlights including Kawagoe Ichinagai Street, Dream Street, and Hikawa Shrine. Learn more about this former castle town from your guide than you would wandering around alone.

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.

Let's take a walk in the Yokosuka area, where the Mikasa, one of the world's three most famous memorial ships, is preserved! Mikasa fought valiantly as the flagship of the Allied Fleet led by Commander-in-Chief Heihachiro Togo during the Battle of the Sea of Japan, contributing to the historic victory. The battleship Mikasa is kept in Mikasa Park, where visitors can see a statue of Heihachiro Togo and other spots that symbolize the era. Walking around this area, which has a unique atmosphere of both Japan and the United States as a town of the U.S. military stationed in Yokosuka after World War II, will surely be a memorable part of your trip. It is also possible, in consultation with a guide, to visit places outside the Yokosuka area that are associated with warships. The tours are very satisfying for warship enthusiasts and veterans.

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!

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 that’s typically closed to the public for a deeper insight into local production and forestry techniques.

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!

Chichibu One-Day Tour No.3 – Explore the Spirit of Chichibu! Join us for a unique one-day tour to experience the rich culture and spirituality of Chichibu! Visit the Chichibu Festival Museum, where you’ll discover the vibrant history of one of Japan’s grandest festivals. Then, explore Saikou-ji Temple (No.16 of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage), home to a miniature Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Enjoy a scenic stroll, delicious local cuisine, and a relaxing hot spring. A perfect blend of tradition, history, and relaxation awaits you.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, offers a diverse options of experiences that cater to wellness and mindfulness enthusiasts and it's only about an hour away from Tokyo. This unique offering takes you to Takedera in Hanno City, a distinctive temple where the harmonious blend of Shintoism and Buddhism converges with a vast bamboo forest. While immersing yourself in the tranquility of this spiritual sanctuary, meet your instructor, Mr. Aoyama, for a truly unique experience – learning the art of "suizen," or blowing Zen meditation. This practice is so rare that even many Japanese locals have never encountered it. After Takedera, your wellness journey continues to the Kirari spa villa at Miyazawako Lake. As one of Saitama's most popular spas, this villa boasts an extensive variety of options - A carbonated pool, open-air baths, hot stone baths, saunas, and more. Spend your afternoon at the spa villa before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Your tour concludes here.

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!

Skip the crowds—this is a private tour for your group only. You will see the city's best attractions with your guide. Have you heard about the San-no-torii (Third Shrine Gate)? There are numerous spots perfect for seeing nature, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to view the beauty of Omiya Park. You will have a chance to explore the place while hearing about its fascinating facts. How is Saitama so well-known for its "Bonsai"? There must be a good reason for it to draw tourists from all over the world. Did you know that the Hikawa Shrine is 1,500 years old and houses five different deities? You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, and corners of Saitama. The wonderful things about life in this city that your guide will highlight for you. This is the best option for first-time visitors who want to see as much as possible during their stay in the city.

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.

Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture is located approximately one hour by train from the Tokyo metropolitan area. Visitors can enjoy a ninja experience at the “Ninja Castle,” a Japanese Heritage site in Gyoda City. Visitors can experience shuriken throwing as if it were a game, or wear a ninja costume to experience what it feels like to be a ninja. The Narita clan, lords of the Osh Castle in the Warring States period, belonged to the Hojo clan. The Hojo clan once had a group of ninja named “fuma”. Why don't you experience Japanese culture and ninja experience?

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.