You’ve probably seen / heard by now that the wisteria was incredibly early this year. Reportedly, they are already starting to wilt in some places. But never fear, there is still a couple of places you can see wisteria in Saitama Prefecture. Including an ancient wisteria that is one ofRead More →
The Wisteria of Shobu Shrine is a natural monument of Saitama Prefecture. The plan was to post this after visiting the wisteria, but life got in the way this week. If I get to squeeze in a visit next week I will update with more photos. For now, if youRead More →
Saitama’s first certified Forest therapy base and therapy road at Kitamoto Nature Observation Park, also home to the Saitama Nature Study Center. When my kids were small we spent quite a lot of time at this park in Kitamoto. Or to be more precise; combining a visit here with theRead More →
Heirinji in Niiza City, right by Kiyose in Tokyo, is one of thee most special places for autumn leaf viewing in Saitama Prefecture. More than being just beautiful, the temple has a rich and fascinating history. I have waited a long time to share information about the temple, so IRead More →
There is a small but pretty kaede (maple) garden in the Takanokura Fureai Nature Park. The Takanokura Fureai nature park is located in Hatoyama Town in the Hiki District of Saitama, where nature is abundant. They have recently made improvements to the park, but to be quite frank I don’tRead More →
Last year, 2021, I saw on my Google Analytics that some new visitors had found my website through a search for “Nagatoro river boating during the SOE?” Ironically, at that time, I had very little on the blog about the river boating in Nagatoro, just a brief mention on theRead More →
Primroses Saitama. During April, generally the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of April, the city of Saitama host a number of Japanese primrose “Sakurasou” festivals. However, in 2020 and 2021 things were quite different on account of the pandemic. There was just one “event”, that was really just a PR eventRead 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 →
Seven hundred year old wisteria, a natural monument of Saitama Prefecture, in spring, and hydrangea – backdropped by Japan’s tallest three storied pagoda – in summer. At Aobaen, a cemetery in Saitama City, just North of Tokyo, Japan. In the most unlikely of places in Saitama City there are threeRead 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 has a small, but beautiful flower park. The wisteria of Tamashiki Shrine may not be nationally famous, but itsRead More →