Saitama Prefecture, which is quite accessible from Tokyo, is full of attractive sightseeing spots! Here are six carefully selected places that are exciting for both adults and children.
What is Saitama Prefecture?
Saitama Prefecture is adjacent to the northern part of Tokyo, and is very conveniently accessible, being only about 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo. It is characterized by a combination of rich nature, historical buildings, and modern shopping centers and amusement facilities.
In this issue, we will introduce such family-friendly spots in Saitama Prefecture!
Metsä (metsä village and Moominvalley Park) (メッツァ)
Metsä located in Hanno City is a facility where you can feel the laid-back coziness of Northern Europe and the richness of nature. Metsä consists of two areas: metsä village and Moominvalley Park.
The first area, metsä village is attractive for its vast grounds and pleasant nature. Admission is free, and pets are allowed. Also, since it is located on the shores of Lake Miyazawa, canoeing is available. There is also a market where you can enjoy Scandinavian cuisine and lifestyle, and just strolling around the area gives you a Scandinavian atmosphere, making it a popular photo spot.
Moominvalley Parkis a particularly popular area of the theme park based on the popular Finnish character “Moomin. Designed based on the story of the Moomin family, visitors can enjoy various attractions, exhibitions, and shows, including the Moomin House. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Moomins, interact with the characters, and have experiences based on the story.
Metsä also has a nature trail that allows visitors to enjoy the changing seasons. The warm atmosphere and stories can only be experienced here, making it a precious spot.
Access
Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line bus bound for Metsä(メッツァ) or the Seibu Ikebukuro Line bus bound for Musashi Takahagi Station via Metsä(メッツァ) from bus stop No.1 at the north exit of Hanno Station, and get off at the Metsä(メッツァ) stop.
Official website *Ticket is required to enter Moominvalley Park.
https://metsa-hanno.com/lp/english/
Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park (トーベ・ヤンソンあけぼの子どもの森公園)
Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park, located in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, is approximately 7.6 hectares in size and is inspired by the world of Scandinavian fairy tales. The park was created as a result of correspondence with Tove Jansson, a famous Scandinavian writer of children’s stories. The park is free to enter and is a popular spot in Saitama, a space where children can enjoy playing in nature and nurture their creativity.
The entire park is built on the slope of a mountain, and the main facility, “Mushroom House,” is shaped like two eringi mushrooms. The main facility, “Mushroom House,” is shaped like two eringi mushrooms. A walking trail connects the various buildings, allowing visitors to experience nature as they walk, and they can also see a mysteriously shaped bridge and a waterfall deep into the mountain.
Access
20 minute walk from Motokaji Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
Official Site
https://www.city.hanno.lg.jp/section/akebono_en/akebono_en.html
Fukaya Terrace Park (深谷テラスパーク)
Fukaya Terrace Park is located in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, and is designed to showcase Fukaya’s agricultural and tourist attractions. At the center of this spacious park is a circular plaza where marche and other events are held.
A variety of facilities have been developed, including large playground equipment themed on Fukaya City vegetables and flowers, large digital signage introducing local attractions, a panoramic deck overlooking mountains in the Chichibu and Gunma areas, and a jabu-jabu pond where children can enjoy playing in the water.
Also, next door is Fukaya-Hanazono Premium Outlets with 137 famous domestic and international brand stores, and Vegetable Friends Farm where you can experience the charm of vegetables through hands-on farming, making it a perfect place for families to spend time together.
Access
4 minutes walk from Chichibu Railway Fukaya Hanazono Station.
Official website *Japanese only
https://fukaya-terracepark.jp/
The Railway Museum (鉄道博物館)
The Railway Museum in Saitama City is a museum that unfolds a rich story of people and railroads from a variety of perspectives.
The museum is divided into five stations: rolling stock, history, work, science, and future. Visitors can experience simulated operation of a train car with a miniature driving train and simulator, and the exhibition room with 36 cars on display and one of the largest railroad dioramas in Japan are also a must-see. There is also a free space where visitors can eat and drink while looking at the cars and the Shinkansen, and the museum is packed with exciting elements that are not limited to railroad enthusiasts.
Access
From JR Omiya Station, get off at New Shuttle Tetsudo Hakubutsukan Station and walk 1 minute.
Official website *Ticket is required for admission.
https://www.railway-museum.jp/e/
Hybrid Leisure Land TOBU ZOO (東武動物公園)
Located in Miyashiro town, Minami Saitama-gun, Hybrid Leisure Land TOBU ZOO is a leisure facility that combines an amusement park, zoo, and flower and plant plaza on a 540,000 square meter site.
The amusement park has more than 30 attractions. The lineup is diverse, ranging from the screams to the heartwarming. Among them is the popular Wooden Roller Coaster “Regina Ⅱ (Due)”, a roller coaster with the thrilling side-to-side swaying that only wood can provide.
The zoo is home to many animals, including white tigers. Fireworks, illumination, and other events are held every year, and both children and adults can enjoy themselves all day long.
It is also easily accessible from Tokyo by the Tobu Skytree Line, which connects directly to the Tokyo Metro and Hanzomon Line, with no transfers. There are many photogenic spots associated with animals. Enjoy the attractions and petting zoo animals, and take some great photos.
Access
10-minute walk from Tobu Zoo Station on the Tobu Skytree Line (Tobu Isesaki Line).
Official website *Tickets are required to enter the park and use attractions.
https://www.tobuzoo.com/en/
Seibuen Amusement Park (西武園ゆうえんち)
Seibuen Amusement Park is an amusement park surrounded by greenery where visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions on a vast 210,000 square meter site, which was renovated in the spring of 2021 to provide a hot experience of the Showa period.
The Showa period is one of Japan’s eras and refers to the period from 1926 to 1989. This was an important period of Japan’s modernization and internationalization, and its streets were colorful and distinctive in design, attracting attention today for their unique charm.
Yuhino-oka Playland is lined with such Showa stores and offers a wide variety of retro gourmet foods and eating menus. There will also be entertainment shows featuring unique residents singing and dancing. Attractions are also unique, including one based on the concept of a candy store and powerful Godzilla and Ultraman.
Families will surely enjoy the atmosphere of the Japanese Showa period to the fullest.
Access
Get off at Seibuen-yūenchi Station the Seibu Yamaguchi Line and walk 2 minutes.
Official website *Tickets are required to enter the park and use attractions.
https://www.seibu-leisure.co.jp/amusementpark/english/guide/
