Hidden Spot Near Tokyo: Explore the Charm and Tranquility of Saitama

Tokyo, Japan, is a beloved travel destination for Korean tourists. No matter how often you visit, it’s a city with plenty to offer.

Located north of Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture is a suburban area. It may not be well-known among tourists, but it’s a great place to enjoy a serene atmosphere. Let’s explore some of the attractions in Saitama Prefecture.

Hitsujiyama Park is a place where countless flowers bloom every spring. From mid-April to early May, you can see 400,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) flowers starting with cherry blossoms. During this period, the park attracts about 1 million visitors, making it a popular spring travel destination.

Shibazakura, a type of cherry blossom that blooms like grass, is also known as flower grass. For about a month, you can enjoy the vibrant blooming flowers. The park’s scenery, covered with nine types of shibazakura in white, pink, and purple, is truly a sight to behold.

Hachijo-Fuji Fureai Ranch is a pasture in the middle of Hachijo-Fuji, not far from Shibazakura Hill. At an altitude of 2,802 feet, sheep and cows graze there. You’re greeted by lush greenery, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature fully.

At the Fureai Ranch, you can also enjoy the view of the blue horizon and the majestic mountain landscape. It’s a place where you can enjoy an unobstructed view.

• Address: 5627-1 Okago, Hachijo Town, Tokyo 100-1401, Japan
• Operating hours: 09:30 – 16:00

In Saitama Prefecture, you can embark on a journey back in time. Koedo Kawagoe allows you to glimpse Japan as it was about 120 years ago. It perfectly replicates an old Japanese street, complete with traditional buildings, shops, and a bell tower. Within Koedo Kawagoe, there’s a Warehouse District where the exterior remains unchanged from the past while the interior houses modern shops.

It’s also a popular tourist destination among locals. To visit from Tokyo, you can take the Seibu Shinjuku Express from Seibu Shinjuku Station and get off at Hon-Kawagoe Station. It’s about a 45-minute journey, making it an excellent destination for a day trip.

Kadokawa Musashino Museum opened its doors in November 2020 near Higashi-Tokorozawa Station. Designed by the world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, it is a fusion of a library, art gallery, and museum. The museum spans five floors above ground and boasts a large scale.

On the fourth floor of the building, you’ll find the library, a highlight of the Kadokawa Musashino Museum. Known as Edit Town, this 26-foot-high space houses about 50,000 books. With its unique interior, Edit Town has been a topic of conversation among locals.

The Kadokawa Musashino Museum, with its eye-catching exterior and diverse facilities, is a great place to spend time.

• Address: 3 Chome−31−3 Higashitokorozawawada, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-0023, Japan
• Operating hours: 10:00 – 18:00, closed on Tuesdays
• Admission fee: Adults 1,400 yen ($12), Middle/High school students 1,200 yen ($10), Elementary school students 1,000 yen ($9)

No trip to Saitama Prefecture would be complete without trying its signature cuisine. Unagi-don, or eel rice bowl, is a specialty of Kawagoe. Many eel rice bowl restaurants in Kawagoe City have served this dish for centuries. Eel has long been a beloved food in this region.

Kawagoe Ichinoya, which opened in 1832, has been serving a consistently delicious taste for over 200 years. It’s the oldest eel rice bowl restaurant in Kawagoe. At Ichinoya, the eel is first steamed, then seasoned and grilled over a fire. The sweet and savory sauce combined with the thick and rich taste of the eel creates a fantastic flavor. The sauce is a secret recipe that boasts a traditional taste.

The Japanese-style interior also captures visitors’ attention.

• Address: 1 Chome−１８−10 Matsuecho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0056, Japan
• Operating hours: 11:00 – 21:00, closed on Mondays