Situated in western Saitama Prefecture the Chichibu region (and the city of Chichibu) lies to the west-northwest of Tokyo. By train it's about 80 minutes away from Ikebukuro Station on the Red Arrow Limited Express to Chichibu city. By car, it can take from 90 minutes to two hours depending on y..
Many places in Japan pride themselves on the welcome they offer tourists. Few would be able to stand up alongside Nagatoro, however, in terms of efforts made to offer every aspect of the local sightseeing spots in multilingual, high-tech, yet simple and down to earth form - both visually and in au..
Gyoda City is located in northern Saitama. It developed as a castle town around Oshi Castle built in 1490. Nine large ancient tombs built before the 7th century remain in this pastoral Sakitama area. Gyoda Castle, which was constructed nearly 500 years ago and also known as NOBO NO SHIRO (The Floati..
Saitama is home to a noodle restaurant chain famous for its use of authentic Sichuan spices, which are not easy to find in Japan. Sichuan cuisine is particularly famous for mala – ma (麻) which means "numbing" and la&nbs..
Makizushi, also sometimes referred to as norimaki, is the primary image that comes to most foreigners minds upon hearing the word "sushi." Wrapping up assorted vegetables, fish, and rice in seaweed paper, makizushi is a refreshing and del..
Popular with both locals and foreigners alike, Tokujuan Restaurant is known for its delicious food and Japanese style rooms. For an extra fee, your party can dine in privacy in one of the many closed off rooms. Serving a wide variety of Japanese dish..
Nothing beats the experience of staying at a spa resort. The warm smiles and helpful staff, convenient amenities, delicious and fresh breakfast dishes, but of course, the highlight is the natural hot springs. At this spa resort, you can appreciate th..
My journey to Honjo City in Saitama Prefecture led me to a pleasant stay at Hotel Route Inn Honjo Ekiminami. The easy access and friendly service was impressive and helped me check in to this hotel very easily. In the northern part of Saitama, Honjo ..
Hotel Route Inn Ageo is a wonderful hotel located in Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture. Ageo is just 30 minutes from Ueno station by train, making it a great introduction to Saitama, if you are coming from Tokyo. My room was spacious and very comfortabl..
Whilst making my way up Ranzan Valley, I was lucky enough to discover the Mount Sengen hiking course. Starting from Ogawamachi Station on the Tobu-Tojo Line, this picturesque walk passes through a peaceful residential then traverses up to the top of ..
Soba (そば) shops are ubiquitous in Japan. These thin noodles made of buckwheat flour (in contrast to thick wheat flour noodles called udon) can be eaten cold with a dipping sauce or hot in a broth. Found in a lot of train stations, sometimes right on ..
A little over an hour from Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station on the Tobu Tojo Line lies Musashi-Ranzan, a typical non-distinct town in rural Saitama that wouldn't be high on anyone's itinerary if not for one fact; Ranzan Valley. Situated wi..
