Top Saitama Prefecture How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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

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.

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 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

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!

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.

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.

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.

This walking tour offers an experience you simply can’t have by staying and sightseeing only in central Tokyo. Just 70 minutes from the city, it’s an easy day trip into Japan’s satoyama countryside, adding a refreshing accent to your Tokyo stay. Designed for travelers from Europe, North America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and other regions who enjoy longer, more relaxed journeys, this tour invites you to slow down and walk through a peaceful rural landscape shaped by tradition and nature. Along the way, you’ll savor local foods, craft beer, regional sake, and Japanese wine, experiencing the gentle, authentic flavors of the countryside that rarely reach urban tables. It’s an ideal balance of accessibility and depth—a culturally rich, leisurely walking experience that reveals a quieter, more intimate side of Japan, without the need for an overnight trip.

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.

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.

Explore the heart of Saitama with an engaging evening bar-hopping tour that showcases the essence of Japanese dining culture. Discover hidden gems where locals unwind, savoring regional dishes and drinks at two unique venues. Enjoy the flexibility of starting from one of four convenient locations in Saitama City, allowing you to tailor your experience to your plans. With a total food and drink credit of 3,000 JPY included, indulge in local favorites while learning about izakaya etiquette from your knowledgeable guide. This tour provides an authentic glimpse into the vibrant local atmosphere, making it perfect for travelers seeking genuine cultural experiences. - Experience authentic Japanese dining at two local spots - Flexible meeting points: Omiya, Urawa, Iwatsuki, or Yono - Total food and drink credit of 3,000 JPY included - Gain insights into izakaya culture and local food etiquette

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.

Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, offers a diverse options of experiences that cater to wellness and mindfulness enthusiasts and it's only 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. Later, your wellness journey continues to the Kirari Spa Villa by Miyazawa Lake. As one of Saitama's most popular spas, this villa boasts an extensive variety of pools. Spend your afternoon at the spa villa before returning to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. NOTE: Please note that tattoos are strictly prohibited at this particular spa facility.

Spend a full day exploring Kamakura’s cherry blossom spots with a private local guide who knows where the blooms look their best throughout the season. This relaxed route links temples, riversides, and quiet paths so you can enjoy sakura without navigating crowds or timetables on your own. A traditional bento lunch with drinks provides an unhurried break under the trees, and ongoing local support helps travelers handle plans beyond the tour itself. Hotel pickup included.

Discover Tokyo from a unique perspective on this 3-hours jet ski tour of Tokyo Bay and its hidden canals. Enjoy the thrill of gliding over the water while witnessing the vibrant cityscape in a way that ordinary tours can't offer. With an exclusive one-on-one experience with your operator, take in the sights at a leisurely pace in certain areas. Perfect for those seeking an adventure unlike any other. - 3-hour guided jet ski tour of Tokyo Bay and canals - Enjoy a one-on-one experience with your operator - Unique way to explore Tokyo's waterways, away from crowded tours

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.

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.

Step back into the Edo period on a locally guided walk through Kawagoe, known as 'Little Edo.' Explore Ichibangai, a preserved street lined with traditional merchant buildings, and see the iconic Bell Tower (Toki no Kane), which has chimed for over 400 years. Continue to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, known for matchmaking blessings, featuring wooden ema plaques and summer wind chimes. Continue to Kawagoejyo Honmaru Palace, the restored residence of feudal lords, offering tatami rooms and insight into samurai governance. The public-transport version stays within this compact historic core, where all three sights sit within 1.2km of each other. The private-vehicle version adds a fourth stop, Kitain Temple, a 9th-century temple about 1.5km south home to original Edo Castle palace buildings and carved stone Rakan statues—a detour made easy by a short drive that the walking itinerary cannot comfortably absorb in the same time.

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.

On this small-group brewery tour, you can discover a rare type of Japanese sake—“doburoku”—that you’re unlikely to find in restaurants. After meeting your guide, head to Yamane Brewery to learn about its production methods and see the traditional wooden barrels used instead of more common stainless-steel tanks. Then, benefit from included tastings, and have a chance to try three varieties of sake.

Enjoy a half-day food experience in Kawagoe, an easy trip from Tokyo, combining seasonal strawberry picking with a sweet walking tour through a historic town. The tour begins with a visit to a local strawberry farm, where you can enjoy 30 minutes of all-you-can-eat strawberry picking. Japanese strawberries are known for their exceptional sweetness and juiciness, and you’ll have the chance to pick ripe strawberries by hand and enjoy them fresh at the farm. Afterward, return to Kawagoe and explore the charming streets of this “Little Edo” town. Stroll through Candy Alley (Kashiya Yokocho) and Kawagoe Ichibangai, famous for its traditional warehouse-style buildings. During the walk, enjoy a curated sweets tasting experience, with up to four local desserts included in the tour price, featuring Kawagoe’s popular sweet potato specialties and photogenic treats. This tour is perfect for dessert lovers and travelers looking for an authentic, relaxed food experience near Tokyo.