Things to Do in Saitama
Hand-picked sights and experiences across Saitama.
When to catch the colours in Saitama?
Average cherry blossom and autumn foliage dates for Saitama, from the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals — the fortnight to aim for, not a promise for any particular year.
- Cherry blossom
- First flowersMar 27
- Full bloomApr 3
- Autumn foliage
- Leaves turnDec 1
- Peak viewingDec 1 – Dec 15
Where to look next?
The prefectures we've mapped so far, nearest to Saitama first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kawagoe — 'Little Edo' — with its clay-walled warehouse street and candy alley, the Chichibu mountains and their shrine festivals, and Ōmiya's bonsai village and railway museum. It's Tokyo's easiest taste of old-town Japan.
Very — it's about 30 minutes from Ikebukuro, and the warehouse district, the Toki no Kane bell tower and sweet-potato everything make a relaxed half-to-full day. Weekdays are far calmer than weekends.
The shibazakura pink-moss carpets in late April–early May, the Nagatoro river gorge with its flat-boat rides, and the spectacular Chichibu Night Festival in early December — one of Japan's top float festivals.