Discover the best travel guides, tips, and experiences for Saitama
The an-butter sweets specialty shop Okada Kinsei Anbataya is releasing a new seasonal treat, "Anbutapan Lemon," starting May 1, 2026. The product pairs red bean paste made with rare Erimo azuki beans from Chitose, Hokkaido, with a fragrant lemon paste using Setoda lemons.
To mark Moomin Day on August 9 — the birthday of creator Tove Jansson — a limited tote bag giveaway campaign will launch from July 1, 2026, and a special fan club event is planned in the greater Tokyo area.
Starting May 18, 2026, a limited-edition digital travel pass goes on sale, bundling Seibu Railway all-day access, bus transfers to metsä, a Moominvalley Park day pass, and a local shopping coupon for Hanno City stores.
Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama, will hold the Spring Rose Festival 2026 from May 9 to June 14, 2026, with special Licca-chan photo spots, collaboration food, and a variety of rose-themed events.
Starting April 21, 2026, Hanno Station is decorated with colorful umbrellas tied to the "Moomin Valley and Umbrella 2026" event at Moominvalley Park, with the display planned to run through early September.
During Golden Week 2026, Sayama City hosts two beloved annual events in memory of Minamoto no Yoshitaka — a koinobori display at the Iruma River and a 24 km historical walk — commemorating the young warrior whose tragic story has moved taiga drama fans across Japan.
A large-scale capsule toy specialty store, Gashapon Department Store in Bookstore, has opened inside TSUTAYA Minamifuruya in Kawagoe, Saitama, on April 24, 2026, featuring 400 vending machines and an extensive product lineup.
Iceland poppies (approx. 700,000 plants) and nemophila (approx. 530,000 plants) are currently at their peak at Musashi Kyūryō National Government Park in Saitama, with blooms expected to last through late April and into early May.
Starting April 24, 2026, a limited-time "Amarin COLLECTION" fair spotlighting the rare Saitama-grown strawberry will be held simultaneously at 1110 CAFE/BAKERY in Kawaguchi and BROOKS GREENLIT CAFE in Minami-Aoyama.
A special day-trip pilgrimage tour marking the rare Chichibu Uma-doshi So-kaido is set for May 17, 2026, departing from Seibu Chichibu Station, with ordained monks leading participants through the region's sacred sites.
metsä Village in Hanno City, Saitama, will host the metsä Midsummer Festival 2026 from May 23 to June 21, 2026, celebrating the Nordic summer solstice tradition with a craft beer event, a lakeside Nordic market, midsummer bonfires, and a flower wreath-lined entrance road.
Japan's largest free product sampling service is opening its third physical store — and first in Saitama Prefecture — at Ario Kawaguchi shopping center on April 27, 2026.
The Maple Mania is heading to ecute Omiya (April 20–May 6) and ecute Shinagawa (April 23–May 10) for limited-time Golden Week pop-ups, featuring the award-winning Maple Butter Cookie and two event-exclusive maple and rum sweets.
Starting Saturday, May 2, 2026, the tempura restaurant "Arakawa" on the 5th floor of Royal Pines Hotel Urawa moves its weekend and holiday dinner start time earlier to 5:30 PM.
Floating Algae "FUYUSO," an aqua interior product developed through seaweed cultivation technology, is now available at Aqua Park Kawagoe in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture.
Three venues in the Kanto region are offering a limited-time afternoon tea featuring matcha from Kyoto's Gion Tsujiri and sweets inspired by early-summer hydrangeas, available from mid-May through late June 2026.
A two-day spring farming experience event is coming to Wakuwaku Farm inside Musashino Mura amusement park in Kazo City, Saitama, on May 23–24, 2026.
A special exhibition exploring 120 years of stop-motion animation history and behind-the-scenes production secrets opens at SKIPCity's Video Museum in Kawaguchi, Saitama, from May 2 to September 27, 2026.
From April 20 to May 7, 2026, KURAND's popular "Sake Gacha" pop-up store is coming to ecute Omiya, where visitors can try their luck at winning premium sake bottles worth up to ¥110,000.
Kazo City, known as the "town of koinobori," is selling original hand-towel (tenugui) designs drawn by the late Takashi Hashimoto, a third-generation master craftsman at the prefecture's only handmade koinobori manufacturer. Four designs are available at ¥500 each.
Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama is hosting a collaboration event with the beloved dress-up doll Licca-chan from April 28 to July 16, 2026. Guests can enjoy stamp rallies, photo spots, collaboration menus, exclusive merchandise, and more.
Toriikuguri, a Japanese izakaya known for Kyoto-style oden and seasonal tempura, has added a new chicken broth oden made from domestic chicken carcasses simmered for four hours, now available as part of a seasonal course menu starting April 2, 2026.
Cinagro is introducing two new additions to its popular calzone lineup — Homemade Bacon & Corn with Tomato Cream Sauce and Homemade Genovese with Cream Cheese — available at department store food halls and Bio c' Bon stores from April 1.
From May 7 to June 30, 2026, Kawagoe Prince Hotel's Lobby Lounge is hosting a special matcha afternoon tea set featuring matcha from Gion Tsujiri, a Kyoto tea brand with 160 years of history.
Kazo Miraikan in Saitama is hosting the "Koinobori Aquarium," where the building's iconic glass wall transforms into a giant tank filled with colorful koinobori. A koinobori-making workshop led by the artisan community "Koishikai" is also scheduled for April 4th and 5th.
Sayama Ski Area in Tokorozawa, Saitama is transforming into an ocean-themed indoor water park from April 25 to September 27, 2026, featuring upgraded attractions including a new Turtle Slider, Water Fireworks, and a packed lineup of Golden Week special events.
SKIPシティ's Eizo Museum in Kawaguchi, Saitama is hosting a special exhibition exploring the history and behind-the-scenes world of stop-motion animation, running from May 2 to September 27, 2026.
Beer Garden Miami at Takashimaya Omiya, part of a rooftop beer garden tradition dating back to 1963, launches its 2026 season on April 17 with over 100 all-you-can-eat-and-drink options, daily stage events, and new taco and salad bar.
New merchandise featuring original illustrations from Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club is available exclusively at BIC Camera Group stores and Animega x Sofmap locations from March 25 to April 12, 2026.
A special 12-day exhibition bringing together traditional crafts and handwork from across Japan is held at Sogo Omiya Store's 7th floor event hall from March 26 to April 6, 2026.
A brand-new cream puff concept from the makers of Beard Papa is popping up exclusively at Ecute Omiya from March 30 to April 12, 2026.
Four new Suica Penguin regional character goods inspired by local traditions in Iwate, Miyagi, and Saitama go on sale from March 27, 2026 at TRAINIART stores and online.
The Art Aquarium Exhibition Saitama Super Arena 2026 opens at the Saitama Super Arena Exhibition Hall on March 25, marking the first time this goldfish art event comes to Saitama Prefecture.
Butter Butler's popular seasonal treat returns to stores on March 27, 2026, combining fermented butter and Uji matcha in a refined financier.
A city-inspired scent named "Urban Garden," selected by citizen vote, will be used for spatial presentation at the Art Aquarium exhibition held at Saitama Super Arena from March 25 to May 10, 2026—the first time a designated city's original fragrance features in a large-scale cultural event.
The Koedo Kawagoe Spring Festival begins on March 28, turning the historic Ichibangai shopping street into a lively Edo-period town. Shopkeepers dress in period costume, and cherry blossoms frame the festivities throughout the city.
The 49th Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park Cherry Blossom Festival takes place on Saturday, March 28, featuring koto performances, a flea market, food stalls, and free guided tours at one of Saitama's premier cherry blossom viewing spots.
A seasonal Italian buffet "Primavera" runs from March 18 to May 25, 2026, at Terrace Dining Michela on the 1st floor of Royal Pines Hotel Urawa, featuring freshly baked pizza, pasta, acqua pazza, caprese, and a variety of Italian regional dishes.
Seibuen Amusement Park in Tokorozawa, Saitama is set to open a brand-new family area called "Wanpaku Republic" in summer 2026, featuring a 14-meter nostalgic toy sculpture and a 40-meter roller slider.
CANDY SPIN, a fully automated colorful cotton candy vending machine, has made its debut at Aeon Mall Urawa Misono in Saitama City as of March 13. With 24 design options and 4 flavors for ¥500, it offers a fun new stop for shoppers of all ages.
A community-based sustainable market event, "COMMONs MARKET KAWAGUCHI 2026 SPRING," will take place at OKS CAMPUS in Kawaguchi, Saitama on April 12, 2026. The free admission event features a children-only flea market, organic farming workshops, KOMBUCHA brewing sessions, and a farmers and craft market with around 25 vendors.
A one-day special Seibu Railway express "Laview" KAWAII TRAIN run is planned for May 16, connecting Ikebukuro to the KAWAIITOPIA -GO TO HEAVEN (HELL)- exhibition by artist Sebastian Masuda at HYPER MUSEUM HANNO in Metsa Village, Hanno.
Four Saitama golf courses are offering cherry blossom-themed events, course maps, and seasonal restaurant menus through mid-April 2026 — a perfect way to enjoy spring while playing a round.
Specialty caramel sweets shop CARAMER is holding a limited-time pop-up at Takashimaya Omiya from March 5 to 17, 2026, featuring the brand-new Caramar Sand Hazelnut Cafe alongside its most popular treats.
The beloved spring limited menu at J.S. PANCAKE CAFE is returning, featuring Amaou strawberries layered into a mille-feuille pancake. Available from March 12 through early May at locations across Japan.
Ofuro Café Hareniwa no Yu in Kumagaya, Saitama, is dedicating all of March 2026 to sauna, with special aufguss performances, post-bath dashi broth service, a sauna lottery, cherry blossom aroma röyly, and new dryers in the women's changing room.
The Omiya Takigi-Noh, a beloved traditional performing arts event held on the grounds of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine in Saitama, reaches its 45th anniversary this year. Featuring Noh performances by the Hosho and Konparu schools alongside Kyogen by the Izumi school, the two-night event will welcome popular performers Nomura Mansaku and Nomura Mansai.
A limited-time "Matcha and Sakura Afternoon Tea with Gion Tsujiri" is available at two restaurants in the Kanto region from April 1 to May 11, 2026, featuring rich matcha confections and spring-inspired flavors with seasonal strawberries.
For two days only in late March 2026, the riverside resort COMORIVER in Tokigawa Town, Saitama, is hosting a special cherry blossom sauna festival with four types of saunas, a river slide, and seven unique spring activities.
Italian & Wine Bar CONA is hosting "Ohanami Bar 2026" from March 1 to April 30, 2026, where guests can enjoy full-bloom cherry blossom décor indoors alongside 5 spring-limited dishes featuring strawberries and cherry blossoms.
Kodomo Fukka Park (Fukaya City Children's Center), one of the largest indoor play facilities in Saitama Prefecture, opens in Fukaya City on April 1, 2026. Spanning approximately 3,200 m², the facility offers a wide range of play and learning experiences for children aged 0 to 18.
Starting April 1, 2026, the Moomin Special Room Stay plan at Shinjuku Prince Hotel and Kawagoe Prince Hotel adds exclusive Moominvalley Park logo pancakes to the breakfast buffet, along with themed rooms featuring Moomin plush toys and a Moominvalley Park 1-Day Pass voucher.
Ofuro Cafe Utatane in Saitama City is running its spring "Sakura Cafe" event, complete with an indoor cherry blossom lounge for hay fever-friendly hanami, a seasonal sakura mud pack, and a limited cafe menu featuring Amarin, a celebrated Saitama-grown strawberry.
Ofuro cafe utatane in Saitama City is hosting a one-day sauna festival on March 7, 2026 — Sauna Day — packed with aufguss sessions, a sauna musical, live music, food, bingo, and workshops for both sauna lovers and newcomers alike.
A new CHUMS store opens at COCOON CITY in Saitama Shin-Toshin on March 27, 2026, featuring classic American design inspired by the original Utah store and exclusive Saitama collaborations.
The contemporary art museum in Hanno, Saitama celebrates its first anniversary with a major exhibition by Sebastian Masuda, pioneer of Japan's KAWAII pop culture. Running from March 14 to August 30, 2026.
The Royal Pines Hotel Urawa pastry shop La Mora will offer a special Hinamatsuri cake from February 28 to March 3, 2026. Reservations open February 17.
Marumaru Higashinihon in Saitama City hosts a special fair featuring specialty products from Nyuzen Town, Toyama Prefecture, including steamed oysters prepared with deep seawater and fresh-cut tulips. The event takes place on February 14-15, 2026.
Asuiku Inc. launches a special collaboration with Tobu Group featuring private chartered Limited Express Revaty and Limited Express RYOMO trains, combining station work experience (Eki-iku) and zoo exploration (Explore) programs in a first-of-its-kind simultaneous event.
On March 1, 2026, violinist Ryoma and artists performing live music inside the Immersive Digital Art Theater Ukiyo-e RE:BORN - The Spirit of Edo and Timeless Japonism venue for a special one-night concert event.
A unique marketplace featuring unclaimed lost items opens for one day at AEON Mall Kawaguchi. Shop sustainable bargains from ¥100 while supporting environmental and social causes.
A new culinary landmark in Kawagoe offers chef Mitsumasa Kadohira's signature dishes. The "Bushu Kawagoe Ju" features luxurious roast beef made from local brand Bushu Wagyu beef, while the "Kameya x ECCOLA Dorayaki Gelato" combines seven flavors of Saitama ingredients, creating unforgettable tastes unique to Kawagoe.
The rice porridge and noodle specialty restaurant is launching a spicy numbing mala tang dish from February 6 through late March at select locations, featuring customizable noodle options and warming spices.
British lifestyle brand Cath Kidston introduces a new spring collection featuring nostalgic floral art with cotton lace details and frilly accessories, available at stores and online starting February 6th.
From March to April 2026, thirteen restaurants and hotels across Japan will offer special spring-themed afternoon tea featuring strawberries and cherry blossoms, celebrating the season with elegant sweets and savory dishes.
E-VENT Inc. presents Dai Yankee Exhibition, an immersive experience celebrating Japan's Yankee subculture from the Showa to early Heisei era, with exclusive collaborations featuring Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Nameneko. The event runs February 6–15, 2026, at Omiya Marui's 7th floor event space.
From January 26 to March 1, 2026, Aloha Table restaurants across Japan are serving special menu items inspired by Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Yakuza 3 Gaiden Dark Ties. The collaboration features dishes that appear in the game, including SPAM-topped hamburgers and curry, plus an exclusive SNS campaign with prizes.
A new entertainment corner opens at Mirai Shoten Laketown, featuring over 1,000 items of popular game merchandise, including 500 Honkai Star Rail products. Exclusive photo opportunities with life-sized character panels are also available.
The Railway Museum in Saitama will host its 12th Night Adult Teppaku event on February 14, 2026. Enjoy the museum after hours with special lighting, guided tours, and exclusive access to normally closed areas.
From March 13 to April 12, 2026, Kawagoe Prince Hotel offers a special package combining early morning rickshaw tours through historic Kawagoe's cherry blossom spots, seasonal kaiseki dining, and mindfulness meditation experiences.
Starting January 30, 2026, special collaboration merchandise featuring Princess Connect! Re:Dive will be available online and at 10 major Village Vanguard stores across Japan, including new character designs.
Experience the sweetness of Fukaya's famous negi (Japanese green onions) at the Wodokai Negi Festival on February 7, 2026. Harvest vegetables, enjoy charcoal-grilled negi, and interact with local producers at this unique agricultural event in Saitama.
LOVOT, the family-type robot, is appearing at six ISETAN MiRROR Make & Cosmetics stores across Japan. Customers who spend ¥3,300 or more can receive special stickers featuring unique designs at each location.
KADOKAWA celebrates the manga magazine ASUKA's 40th anniversary milestone with an exhibition at Tokorozawa Sakura Town featuring original artwork, collaboration goods, signed books, and special latte art.
JR East Shoji is releasing an adorable new Suica Penguin mascot keychain with a cute pose holding its cheeks, featuring magnets in the hands for posing fun. Available starting January 23, 2026 at TRAINIART stores and online.
Kawagoe Prince Hotel will offer an afternoon tea set themed around the original Saitama strawberry "Amarin" and the Queen of Hearts from March 11 to May 6, 2026.
JR East Shoji is launching a 1000-piece puzzle featuring the intricate railway network of the greater Tokyo area where PASMO and Suica IC cards can be used, available from January 23, 2026.
Lazare Diamond stores across Japan are hosting a Bridal Fair from January 24 to February 28, 2026. Customers who purchase bridal rings during the event will receive an original Lazare Diamond novelty item as a gift.
Seibuen Amusement Park offers special discounted all-day passes to residents of nearby cities and towns on February 14-15 and 21-22, 2026. Enjoy the limited-time "Nostalgic Aquarium," thrilling attractions, and exciting entertainment shows.
A new plant-based cola using stevia sweetener is now available at convenience stores across the Greater Tokyo area, offering a refreshing cola taste with zero sugar and zero calories.
Sogo Omiya Store presents Chocolate Paradise 2026 from January 22 to February 14, showcasing around 90 brands including 22 new arrivals. This year's theme is Valentine's Festival, offering not only chocolates but also a wide variety of sweets including baked goods and parfaits.
Three restaurants in Yokohama and Omiya will offer a luxurious Valentine's parfait featuring Häagen-Dazs ice cream, fresh strawberries, and layered chocolate delights from February 3 to March 30, 2026.
Starting January 21st, Toriaezu Gohei izakaya launches its second wave of winter delicacies featuring snow crab and milt dishes, along with Italian-inspired gianduja hot chocolate.
Fujiya has opened a new café concept featuring drinks and sweets inspired by the long-selling Milky candy. Located at Urawa-Misono Station on the Saitama Rapid Railway, this first-ever location offers Milky-flavored beverages, donuts, pies, muffins, cakes, and soft-serve ice cream.
Takagi Coffee introduces a limited-time seasonal menu featuring homemade nama chocolate in pancakes, smoothies, and hazelnut lattes, available from January 16th at 9 locations across Japan.
Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets launches an Amarin Strawberry Sweets Fair from January 15 to March 31, featuring 14 original sweets made with Saitama Prefecture's brand strawberry "Amarin." The fair includes a strawberry giveaway campaign and Valentine's fair.
Saitama Prefecture welcomes strawberry season with award-winning varieties like Amarin and Benitama. Various events are planned from January to March 2026, including strawberry sweets fairs and festivals.
TOMORROWLAND stores nationwide will host a MAISON de SABRÉ pop-up store from January 15 to January 25, 2026. This limited-time event offers a rare opportunity to explore the world of the internationally acclaimed leather brand in person.
L'OCCITANE stores at LUMINE and NEWoMan will offer eco-friendly initiatives during the LUMINE ETHICARNIVAL period, including eco points for refill purchases, candlelight nights, and a limited-edition candle gift set available from January 7.
Approximately 3,000 ice tulips will bloom at Metsa Village in Hanno this winter. The limited-time event runs from late January through February, featuring colorful displays, boat rides, and photo contests.
Self-photo brand Photomatic launches a collaboration with the popular anime Mr. Osomatsu. Five exclusive frames will be available at 11 locations nationwide from January 14 (Wed) to February 1 (Sun).
Experience a culinary journey through world cheeses at Royal Pines Hotel Urawa's 19F French restaurant RPR. The special full-course menu features cheeses from around the globe, from appetizers to desserts, available by reservation through February 19.
Experience the ultimate warm sake event as premium breweries gather at Tokorozawa Sakuratown for a two-day festival featuring kan-zake tasting and gourmet food pairings. The second edition of this popular festival takes place February 28 to March 1, 2026.
Due to the popularity of its Korean Fair, the day-trip onsen facility in Kamikawa Town, Saitama, is introducing three new menu items combining Korean cuisine with their signature aged brown rice, available from January 13 through March 1, 2026.
From February 1 to March 31, 2026, Cafe Crossyard offers special desserts featuring Saitama Prefecture's original strawberry variety Amarin with select lunch courses.
Cafe Cross Yard at Hotel Metropolitan Saitama Shintoshin will serve kuwai (arrowhead) from Koshigaya City as part of their New Year's breakfast buffet for three days starting January 1, 2026.
A limited one-day wine pairing dinner event will be held on February 14, 2026, featuring Passion Winery from Yokoze, Saitama, and O Park OGOSE's special dinner course. The winery's representative will personally explain their wines alongside the chef's exclusive dinner course.
A new Japanese-style izakaya featuring Kyoto-style oden and seasonal tempura has opened in Omiya, Saitama. The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat oden appetizer and private dining rooms.
Tobu Zoo Park will host a collaboration event with the popular TV anime My Hero Academia from October 18, 2025 to January 12, 2026, featuring exclusive merchandise, character panels, themed food, and original voice announcements.
Summary This time, I went bar hopping in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture. It had been a while since my last visit to Omiya, so I was excited to explore the area again. Omiya Station is a major transportation hub with 12 lines passing through, surrounded by shopping malls and dining options, it offers convenience for visitors. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Saitama Prefecture is dotted with fascinating tourist spots. In this issue, we have compiled a list of three hot spots that are sure to be a hit with enthusiasts. This article will surely make you want to visit them. What is Saitama Prefecture? Saitama Prefecture is located north of Tokyo, about 30 minutes by train […]
Saitama Prefecture, which is fairly accessible from Tokyo, is full of attractive tourist spots! Here is a selection of the best photogenic spots to visit with friends or partners. What is Saitama Prefecture? Saitama Prefecture is located adjacent to the northern part of Tokyo, just 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo. It is characterized […]
Saitama Prefecture is located in the northern part of Tokyo, and is very conveniently accessible from central Tokyo in about 30 minutes by train. In this issue, we will introduce some of the most attractive spots that can only be found in Saitama Prefecture and that are easily accessible by train from Tokyo. Why not […]
Saitama Prefecture, which is quite accessible from Tokyo, is full of attractive sightseeing spots! We have carefully selected 7 places worth visiting, including photo-worthy museums, beautiful natural scenery, and shopping spots. Enjoy a memorable trip in Saitama, where Japanese traditions and modern entertainment merge! What is Saitama Prefecture? Saitama Prefecture is located in the northern […]
Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture is one of the easiest day trips from Tokyo, just 30 minutes by train. Known as Little Edo for its preserved warehouse district and Toki no Kane bell tower, the town is packed with sweet potato treats, traditional candy shops, a famous shrine for matchmaking, and local sake tasting spots. Here is our full-day itinerary covering the highlights.
Chichibu and Nagatoro in Saitama are just an hour from central Tokyo by limited express. From riverside rock formations and river boat rides to handmade soba, shrines with centuries of history, and seasonal flowers, this area packs a surprising amount into a single day trip. Here's our firsthand itinerary covering both towns.