Pinwheels Kawagoe – 風車・川越氷川神社。In 1922 Kawagoe City was inaugurated as the first ever city in Saitama Prefecture. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine itself has been the heart and soul of Kawagoe for more than 1500 years. In celebration of the 100 anniversary the pinwheels are already up, much earlier than normal. Normally,Read More →
In praise of Culture Cafe Grandir and 5½ other reasons to visit “Little America”, Johnson Town, in Saitama Prefecture. Johnson Town Johnson town, at the site of the former American military Johnson Air base, is a collection of stores, cafes & restaurants and private residences in Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture.Read More →
Nosaka-ji (Nosaka Temple) the 12th stop on the Chichibu 34 temple pilgrimage, 秩父札所十二番 野坂寺. Nosaka-ji A few years ago while at Hitsujiyama Park for the moss phlox, my family and I went for a hike in the area. We found this stunning temple on our way. Furthermore, it had beautifulRead More →
Sai no Mori Iruma Park is a park that is always buzzing – in both senses of the word. For one, you have the constant hum of aircraft, a sound I personally love. Moreover, anytime I have ever visited it, no matter what time of year, the park is alwaysRead More →
Have you heard about the Peacock Shrine in Saitama City? Or maybe you know it as the Quiz Shrine? It is one of those shrines that is very famous among Saitama residents and further afield among the history buffs. But it is off the tourist trail. Maybe the locals preferRead More →
Along the scenic route 299 from Hidaka to Yokoze (Chichibu), there is a very picturesque temple – Chonenji – that scintillates in June with stunning hydrangea. I had this one saved on my Google Maps with a note “hydrangea”. However, I have absolutely no recollection of making that note orRead More →
Hoanji is a 400 year old temple in Kumagaya City, Saitama. It is regarded locally as an hydrangea temple. However, it is not “thee” hydrangea temple: the most famous one is Nogoji. Nogoji’s hydrangea are off limits in 2021. Thankfully Hoan-ji is open to the public and welcomes hydrangea hunters!Read More →
Iroha water park (Iroha Shinsui Park) is located along the Shingashi River in Shiki City, Saitama Prefecture. There are sections of the park straddling either side of the river South of Iroha bridge. Apart from beautiful walkways and lanes, the Iroha Water Park area of Shiki has some significant pointsRead More →
A couple of years ago on my way from Aina Water park to Kawagoe Water park, I thought I’d attempt to beat the traffic and take a back road. On the way I passed this beautiful temple with a wooden gate. I was so intrigued I actually turned the carRead More →
Did you know that Ogose has both an Hydrangea Road and an ajisai mountain!? Ajisai is the Japanese for hydrangea. And in 2022, they will have an hydrangea festival for the first time in three years. But before you get too excited, unfortunately there is a bit of a taleRead More →