The very first night illumination I went to in Saitama, at least ten years ago, was at the Keyaki Hiroba in Saitama Shintoshin. At the time it was one of only a handful of places that had a large scale night illumination display in Saitama. I had moved from MitoRead 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 →
Looking for somewhere to view Plum Blossoms in Saitama Prefecture? We’ve got you covered with 10 of the best places to see plum blossoms. Also, we have plum blossoms that bloom from as early as mid January until as late as mid March in this selection: Plum Blossoms in SaitamaRead More →
Oshi Castle Ruins are located in Gyoda City in Eastern Saitama Prefecture. Nicknamed “the floating castle”, and sometimes “Turtle Castle”, due to its position on elevated land surrounded by water, the story of the castle is particularly famous. In its day, the castle was considered one of Kanto’s seven strongholds.Read More →
Hanyu, Mascot Setsubun – a setsubun celebration where mascots throw the beans instead of demons or honored guests. Mascot Setsubun I love finding events like this setsubun with a twist in Hanyu. In most setsubun bean throwing ceremonies around Japan, either honored guests and / or demons throw the beansRead More →
The Motoara River Cherry Blossom festival, also known as the Fukiage Cherry Blossom Festival, is another of Saitama’s well known locations for hanami (cherry blossom festival). Especially with locals. The Motoara River in Fukiage may not be in the top 100 spots to view cherry blossoms, but it is in theRead More →
Minoyama Park straddles both Minano and Chichibu cities with 41 hectares of sprawling nature. Furthermore, it is just one part of the larger Prefectural Nature Park. Moreover, the park is located on a 581 meter high ridge which affords magnificent panorama views. The park has become increasingly well known forRead More →
Omiya Park Cherry Blossoms in 2022 – Omiya Park is a popular spot for locals, tourists and expats alike to enjoy hanami, cherry blossom viewing. Its proximity to Tokyo on top of the stunning scenery and lively atmosphere is one of the big draws of this annual festival which attractsRead More →
The Kumagaya Cherry Blossoms with rapeseed flowers along the riverbank is one of Saitama’s famous images. Furthermore, the cherry blossoms there have been celebrated since the Edo period. Moreover, the area is listed as one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots. The Kumagaya Cherry Blossom Festival was cancelledRead 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 →
In praise of Culture Cafe Grandir and 5 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 →