Komazan Shoden-in Shorakuji commonly spelt Shotenin in English stands proud at the top of the Koma peak in Hidaka. It is like a beacon for all enthralled by religious architecture. It is easy to spot it from a distance with its impressive temple structure, but more so thanks to theRead More →
Tranquil night illumination in remote location, Kawajima Town – With such a variety of night illumination in Saitama, most people have access to a display within commutable distance. If you are feeling adventurous and / or want to travel a little further, or maybe choose a display on its merits,Read More →
Monomi Hill / Monomiyama Park in Higashimatsuyama in Autumn and Spring Monomiyama park The Monomiyama* Park is a hilltop park in the Iwadono area of Higashimatsuyama. The park was initially just a viewpoint. Higashimatsuyama city developed a park around it in recent years. Moreover, it is also part of aRead More →
Shoboji’s Legendary Gingko Tree at Shoboji Temple, Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama ( previously Hatoyama) Previously I wrote about a summer drive we took in the Hatoyama and Higashimatsuyama area where I saw the most impressive gingko tree I’ve ever seen. Last Autumn we revisited the area to witness the famed Autumn colours inRead More →
Jomine Park in the unassuming Kamikawa Town in the North of Saitama is one of Japan’s most famous winter cherry blossoms spots. Moreover, it is one of only a handful of places in Japan where you can see red maple leaves and cherry blossoms at the same time. Normally, theRead More →
Information for the plumed cockscomb, also known as Celosia (or Keito in Japanese), at Shinrin Park aka Musashi Kyuryou National Government Park, Namegawa in Saitama Prefecture. One of the highlights of Autumn at Shinrin Park is the field of plumed cockscomb, or Celosia, plants that grow in September and October.Read More →
Information for the Akamagawa Floating lantern night at Ishihara Mokkokan Cafe and Retro showroom in Kawagoe City. But first information about Mokkokan; Mokkokan Mokkokan is a small mall of eateries, a gallery “Ishihara Mokkokan”, workshops (/classes), a housing company and a small showroom of retro goods! It is near theRead More →
Nagatoro Cherry Blossoms – Nagatoro is easily one of Saitama’s most beautiful locations. Thus it enjoys tourists all year round due to the abundance of stunning natural scenery. Spring is no exception when thousands flock to see the famous cherry blossoms in full bloom. Nagatoro Cherry Blossoms The Nagatoro Cherry BlossomRead More →
The only Kabazakura in the world and one of the designated 5 great cherry blossoms of Japan. In Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture. Only one in the world Last year (2017) we went to visit Saitama’s most famous cherry blossom in Kitamoto. Designated one of Japan’s five “great” sakura, it isRead More →
This is an update of an older post about the Sakura in Saitama. For a sakura guide written specifically for 2021: Saitama Sakura 2021 Saitama Sakura – Saitama may not be particularly well known for our cherry blossoms, but we still have plenty of places to enjoy cherry blossoms, cherryRead More →