The Sakado Yosakoi is one of the largest festivals in Sakado annually. So it was greatly missed during the pandemic. Especially as they also cancelled it, on short notice, in 2019 due to a large typhoon. This year, 2023, will be the first time the festival is on in fiveRead More →
The Sakado Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival, is a two day “Tenno-sama” festival on annually in the middle of July. However, it was cancelled during the pandemic, so this is the first time in four years it is on. Sakado Yasaka Shrine Festival Sakado City is perhaps most famous for itsRead More →
For the first time in four years, the Summer Carnival in Tsurugashima is scheduled for summer 2023. Moreover, currently the children’s performances are also planned. In an unprecedented move in the summer of 2019, the children’s performances were cancelled due to a heat wave on the day! In 2023, theRead More →
The Kagura of Omiya Sumiyoshi Shrine is a designated intangible folk cultural property of both Saitama Prefecture and Japan. On February 23rd each year, they dedicate the first of three annual kagura performances at the shrine. Kagura is a type of ritual Shinto dance dedicated to the Gods. Historically, ShintoRead More →
Information for the annual Tsurugashima Cherry Blossom Festival and general information for Tsurugashima Sports Park. Tsurugashima Sports Park Tsurugashimashi Sports Park isn’t a particularly large park and, if you are not playing sports, nor is it a particularly engaging park. However, it has two things going for it; cherry blossomsRead More →
This post is mainly about the annual Daruma Market, but you will also find information for the temple’s main ‘hanamatsuri’ festival, on May 5th annually, in the paragraph before “information”. Original post If you missed the Daruma Market in Kawagoe, here is another chance to buy a Daruma for thisRead More →
Cherry blossoms along the Koma River at the Izumicho Sakura Embankment in Sakado City, Saitama. Koma River Cherry Blossoms Sakado There are several places you can see cherry blossoms along the Koma River in Saitama Prefecture. But perhaps the best known are those at the Izumicho Sakura embankment beside SakuraRead More →
Jigenji Temple and Sakado’s secret sakura spots Jigenji’s weeping cherry is a natural monument of Sakado City. It is also an image on a 2021 postal stamp! Honestly, while the weeping cherry is famous and attracts hundreds of visitors annually, it wouldn’t make any of my personal “top 10” orRead More →
Seitenkyu and other shrines and Temples – and a couple of other things to do – near the early blooming cherry blossoms of Sumiyoshi Sakura no Sato in North Eastern area of Sakado. And also near Meiji Chocolate factory. Please note that the cherry blossoms do not bloom every year.Read More →
Villa Napoli is a lively Italian Restaurant in Tsurugashima, close to Wakaba Walk. You can order individual dishes or a plan that includes all-you-can- eat pizza with sides. It is a great spot for an affordable, filling lunch with friends or family. On top of all that, the restaurant itselfRead More →