Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is located immediately north of Tokyo. Its extensive and developed transportation network of trains and highways make it easily accessible from central Tokyo, neighboring prefectures, and both major international airports.

Along with historic and charming Koedo (little Edo) and nature-rich Chichibu Nagatoro, are other areas that have retained their appearance from the Edo period and offer diverse attractions. Visitors can enjoy sipping the region’s Sayama tea and locally produced sake, delicious foods from the area, and traditional culture such as Omiya bonsai and Hosokawa handmade "washi" paper. All are easily reached as a well-connected one-day excursion from Tokyo.

Access

Tokyo Station and Ikebukuro Station are convenient, well-linked starting points for a trip to Saitama.

- Omiya (central Saitama): Approx. 25 min. from Tokyo Station on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains, and approx. 35 min. by JR Takasaki and JR Utsunomiya lines.
- Kawagoe (western Saitama): Approx. 30 min. from Ikebukuro Station by Tobu Tojo Line express train.
- Kasukabe (eastern Saitama): Approx. 50 min. from Tokyo Station by JR Ueno Tokyo Line and Tobu Skytree Line.
- Kumagaya (northern Saitama): Approx. 40 min. from Tokyo Station by Joetsu Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains, and approx. 80 min. by JR Ueno–Tokyo Line. Or approx. 65 min. from Ikebukuro Station by JR Shonan Shinjuku Line rapid train.
- Chichibu area: From Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station is approx. 80 minutes by Seibu Laview limited express.

Image of a map showing the location of Tokyo, Saitama, Yamanashi, Kanagawa, and Chiba prefectures. Saitama is located in the north of Tokyo.

1-3 Days Trip Idea

3-day itinerary of contrasts – traditional meets urban (Tokyo + Saitama)

This plan lets you experience the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Stroll through traditional streets and nature in Saitama, and take in the fascinating coexistence of traditional and hyper-modern in Tokyo.

Along with Olympic legacy sites, Saitama offers a variety of other attractions, such as bonsai, historic townscapes of Koedo (Little Edo) Kawagoe, and activities in nature in Nagatoro and Chichibu.

The Tokyo part of this itinerary takes you to traditional and cutting-edge urban destinations, visiting must-see areas Asakusa and Omotesando, along with Olympic legacy experiences, such as cycling in the Musashino Forest Olympic and Paralympic Park.

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