Holiday in Saitama

What makes Saitama special as a destination?

Saitama is the capital of the eponymous prefecture and lies directly north of Tokyo. The million-inhabitant city is much more than a suburb of the capital — it offers a fascinating mix of modern attractions, traditional shrines, and a surprisingly green landscape that stretches from the urban south to the wooded hills in the west. The Railway Museum (Tetsudo Hakubutsukan) in Omiya is one of the largest and most modern railway museums in the world. Covering over 28,000 square meters, it showcases 41 historical trains, including original Shinkansen, steam locomotives, and the legendary Blue Train. Driving simulators for Shinkansen and steam engines, a massive model railway layout, and interactive exhibits make it a paradise for railway fans of all ages. The Hikawa Shrine in Omiya is one of the oldest and most significant Shinto shrines in the Kanto region, founded over 2,400 years ago. The two-kilometer-long approach (Sando) through a dense Zelkova forest is the longest of its kind in Japan. During the New Year visit (Hatsumode), over two million worshippers gather — making it one of the most visited shrines in the country. The Saitama Super Arena is one of the largest indoor event halls in the world (up to 37,000 seats) and hosts international concerts, sports events, and anime events. The nearby Bonsai Village (Omiya Bonsai Village) is the center of Japanese bonsai art: several bonsai nurseries and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum showcase centuries-old miniature trees of inestimable value. The Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park in the west of the prefecture offers breathtaking mountain landscapes with hiking trails, waterfalls, and onsen (hot springs). The Nagatoro Gorge along the Arakawa River is famous for white-water rafting and boat rides through rocky gorges — just an hour by train from the city center.