Located adjacent to the northern part of Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture is home to many fascinating spots. In this issue, we will introduce four historical spots that can only be experienced in Saitama Prefecture.
What is Saitama Prefecture?
Saitama Prefecture is located to the north of Tokyo and is only a 30-minute train ride from the center of Tokyo. It is rich in nature, historical buildings exist, and amusement facilities and the latest shopping facilities are available.
There are opportunities to experience hot springs, hiking, regional gastronomy, and traditional crafts. In addition, you can also fully enjoy urban leisure activities.
Although Saitama Prefecture is located in the suburbs of Tokyo, it is a region with not only an urban atmosphere but also a perfect harmony between nature and tradition.
Yoshimi Hundred Caves (吉見百穴)
Yoshimi Hundred Caves, located in Yoshimi Town, Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture, is a group of horizontal burial caves created in the late Kofun Period, about 1,400 years ago, and was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1923. There are 219 holes in the large rock pile, making it the largest of its kind in Japan. It is recommended to visit in summer because it is cool and cool as the temperature is always kept at 15 degrees Celsius.
Also, Hikarigoke, a type of moss designated as a national natural treasure, grows wild here. It is so named because it appears to emit a yellowish-green light. The Yoshimi Hyakana requires an environment that maintains a constant temperature and humidity, and Yoshimi Hyakana meets these conditions. The fact that the moss grows in the Kanto Plain is said to be extremely valuable from a botanical point of view.
Visit Yoshimi Hundred Caves, which has long been recognized for its historical value.
Access
Get off at Higashimatsuyama Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, take the Kawagoe Kanko Bus bound for License Center, and get off at Hyakunana Iriguchi. Get off at the Hyakuno-iriguchi stop and walk about 5 minutes.
Get off at Konosu Station on the JR Takasaki Line, take the Kawagoe Kanko Bus bound for Higashimatsuyama Station, and get off at the Hyakunana Iriguchi stop. It is about a 5-minute walk.
Official website *Admission fee is required.
https://www.town.yoshimi.saitama.jp/soshiki/shogaigakushuk/7/909.html
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (武蔵一宮 氷川神社)
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine in Saitama City is the head shrine of the Kanto region with a history of over 2,000 years. It is one of the oldest shrines in Japan, and was the origin of the name of the Omiya area as a grand palace.
Every year in May, the annual Omiya Takigi Noh (Noh Play) is held in the precincts of the shrine. Takigi Noh is a Noh play in which a fire is built around a Noh stage and a performance is given. Various festivals and events are held at the shrine throughout the year, providing an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture. The shrine is easily accessible from central Saitama City and can be easily visited by train from central Tokyo. This is a great spot for those who want to experience Japanese history, culture, and nature.
Access
Approx. 15 min. walk from East Exit of JR Omiya Station
10 minutes walk from Kita-Omiya Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line)
Official Site
The site is in Japanese only. There is a map in English.
https://musashiichinomiya-hikawa.or.jp/
Tsuki Shrine (調神社)
Tsuki Shrine is known locally as “Tsukinomiya-san. It is famous as a “shrine without a torii gate,” and the placement of rabbits instead of guardian dogs is also a rare sight in Japan.
Rabbits can be seen everywhere. In Japan, rabbits are said to be “rabbits that are said to live in the moon” and are believed by some to bring good luck.
There are cute looking amulets and ema (votive picture tablet) with rabbit seals, which you should get when you visit.
Access
10 minutes walk from Urawa Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line and JR Takasaki Line
Official Site
https://visitsaitamacity.jp/spots/20
Mitsumine Shrine
Mimine Shrine in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, stands atop a mountain at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. It is one of the three major shrines in Chichibu, and is one of the most powerful places in the Kanto region, with many legends to tell. The hall of worship is truly a magnificent and ornate structure.
One of the reasons for its popularity is the “Ki-mamori” talisman made of a sacred tree soaked with the spiritual energy of Mt. Mitsumine, four colors (red, blue, green, and pink) are distributed, but once a month, on the first day of the month (Tsukiji), a special “white Ki-mamori” in a paulownia wood box is awarded. This special amulet is the talk of the town, with many people coming from all over Japan to receive it.
Here you can also see a spectacular view of the sea of clouds and waterfalls, and there are also lodging facilities. Although it is not conveniently located, it is a very popular spot where you can receive power so that many visitors come to pay their respects.
Access
From Seibu Chichibu Station, take the Seibu Kanko Bus Mitsumine Shrine Line and get off at Mitsumine Shrine.
Official Site
https://www.chichibu-omotenashi.com/en/guide/spot_11.html
