The bi-annual Keyaki Hiroba Beer Festival had been cancelled since the pandemic began. It is one of Saitama Shintoshin’s most popular events in both spring and autumn. However, in 2020 although the spring festival was initially scheduled, then postponed until summer, it was ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic. AndRead More →
Ranzan Cherry Blossoms, sans festival with ‘sakura hanabi’ cherry blossom fireworks and horseback archery. Unfortunately, Ranzan Town announced back in Autumn that, once again there will be no cherry blossom festival in 2022. It is such a shame that the Ranzan cherry blossom festival can’t go ahead in 2022 asRead More →
Information for the Tokorozawa Dolls Festival, officially known as Tokorozawa Hina Monogatari 野老澤雛物語, in 2022 The Tokorozawa Doll’s Festival Tokorozawa celebrates its doll production history with this “monogatari” festival. they describe Monogatari as a narrative tale. They are believed to have developed from the oral storytelling of fiction. That is,Read More →
Iwatsuki Dolls Festival – Iwatsuki is a very famous “Hina”, traditional Japanese doll, town often referred to as the “city of dolls”. Iwatsuki have been making dolls since the 17th century. Moreover, Iwatsuki Doll making was awarded the prestigious Traditional Craft Product designation by both the prefecture and the country. Until 2020 the city has two doll museums;Read More →
The best time to view Autumn leaves in Nagatoro is generally November. Stretching six kilometers along the Ara river from Iwadatami, resplendent fall colors decorate the Nagatoro Valley. Trees include Momiji, Kunugi and Oak. Taking the famous Kudari line down the river is a great way to take in theRead More →
The Otaki Ice festival, illuminated Misotsuchi Icicles in 2022 – One of the most famous, and beautiful, winter scenes of Saitama is at the Otaki Ice Festival. Located in the former Otaki village (now part of Chichibu city) in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park. The Misotsuchi Icicles are the only naturallyRead More →
A highlight of October in Saitama Prefecture are the famous Konosu fireworks display. In 2020, the organizers of the Konosu Fireworks announced that they were postponing the infamous Konosu Fireworks. However, there were no updates until June 23rd 2021. At that time, they said that the fireworks were postponed indefinitely.Read More →
Another wisteria spot in Saitama for you today – this time in Kazo City. This time, one that is quite famous. Not Ashikaga famous, but locally famous. Tamashiki shrine in Kazo may not be nationally famous for its wisteria, but it is for its kagura. The Kagura of Tamashiki ShrineRead More →
Kijin (Kidin) shrine: one of a few shrines nationwide dedicated to demon. Hot on the heels of the New Year celebrations, is Setsubun. Setsubun is a festival marking the end of winter and coming of spring. It is celebrated annually on the 3rd of February. However, for the first timeRead More →
For the last two summers, due to the pandemic, there were very few firework displays in Japan. In Saitama, there were a couple of “surprise” fireworks over the last two years. But Hotel Heritage was and is the only place to have any fireworks scheduled since the pandemic began. InRead More →