埼玉県 · Kanto Region
Saitama Hidden Gems
Tokyo's northern neighbour, where an Edo-era merchant town, river valleys and long-standing craft traditions sit half an hour from Ikebukuro.
3 spots
Climate & Best Season
Hot, humid summers (Kumagaya regularly tops Japan's charts) and dry, sunny winters. Spring and autumn are most comfortable.
Famous For (Food)
- Soba
- Unagi
- Sayama tea
- Kusadango
Signature Sights
- Kawagoe 'Little Edo'
- Chichibu valley & Mitsumine Shrine
- Nagatoro river boating
- Hitsujiyama Park shibazakura
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Saitama· Kawagoe
Kawagoe Unagi — Edo-Style Grilled Eel Tradition
Kawagoe's proximity to the Arakawa and Iruma rivers made it a historical center for freshwater eel fishing, and the city…
unagieelKawagoe specialty+2
Updated Jul 2026
Saitama· Kawagoe
Kashiya Yokocho — Penny Candy Alley Since 1820s
Kashiya Yokocho (菓子屋横丁, 'Candy Alley') is a narrow 80-meter lane lined with traditional sweet shops selling dagashi (駄菓子…
candy alleydagashiretro sweets+2
Updated Jul 2026
Saitama· Saitama City
Urawa Unagi — Freshwater Eel District Tradition
Urawa (now part of Saitama City) has served as a freshwater eel capital since the Edo period when the Shiba River and su…
unagieelUrawa tradition+2
Updated Jul 2026