Saitama has another name, ‘Sai no Kuni’, the Land of Colour. On the northern fringe of Tokyo, this prefecture is a natural paradise. Forests, rivers, flowers and fertile countryside reflect the changing colours of the seasons. Autumn and spring is tourist peak season in Saitama. Industrial development has not taken away from the rich culture, history and natural beauty that is part of the area.

Nagatoro in the northwestern part of Saitama has a natural park that is scenic all through the year. The countryside is best viewed on a boat trip around the Arakawa River. Picnicking, bird watching and white-water rafting are popular leisure activities along the riverside. Nagatoro is also famous as one of the best places to see cherry blossoms. Splendid cherry trees include one that is 200 years old!

Otaki Village is the source of the Arakawa River. It is famous for its field of rhododendrons that bloom late in May or early in June. More than 10,000 stems blossom at the same time making this a popular stop for hikers headed for the Okuchichibu Mountains.

Chichibu has tree-lined cliffs that rise to heights of 100m. A large number of tourists visit here to see the natural beauty, especially with the onset of spring and autumn when the trees across the hills are a riot of greens and rusts. The countryside is spectacular and a favourite with both hikers and photographers. Other favourites in the Chichibu district are Midori-no-Mura, Deer Park and the Fossil Museum in Ogano town.

Chichibuyomatsuri (Chichibu Festival) is held from December 1 to 6 every year. One of Japan’s three largest festivals, it has been held for the last 200 years. Beautifully decorated and brilliantly lit floats are paraded through the town in the cold night. The high point of the festival is on December 3 when six floats and huge ornamental umbrellas ascend Dangozaka Slope to the Chichibu Shrine swaying rhythmically to the sound of drums. Colourful firework displays light up the December sky and it is time for gaiety and good cheer among the local populace. Join in if you are Saitama at this time - the Japanese are very hospitable people.

Kawagoe is a castle town with its quaint kura (storehouse) buildings built during the Edo era (1603-1868). This was much before Japan opened its gates to the traveller. The area remains much the same and is worth a look at for its historical feel. It is said it resembles the Tokyo of centuries ago. It has an interesting bell tower that stands 16.2m tall and was originally made in 1643 and restored in 1893 and the bell still rings to tell the time in the kura zukuri area four times (6am, 12 noon, 3pm & 6pm) every day!

The Kawagoe City Museum is built on the former site of Ni-no-maru of the Kawagoe Castle. Opening hours are 9am to 6pm. Here you can see a permanent display of a ‘kura zukuri’ merchant house. Nature and history exist in perfect harmony at the Hikawa Shrine built 2000 years ago, the main temple of Kawagoe.

Though there is much debate about the origins of Bonsai and whether it began in Japan or China, it is the Japanese who have refined the art of miniature tree growing. Literally meaning ‘tray planting’, bonsai was a wealthy man’s privilege in Japan till recent times. Today it is practiced around the world but the Japanese still do it like no one else can. Visit the Bonsai Village, a confederacy of 14 growers in Saitama, one of Japan’s largest gardens.

All Beatles fans must visit the John Lennon Museum located on the fourth and fifth floors of the Saitama Super Arena. Inaugurated in the year 2000, it contains Lennon memorabilia put together by his wife, Yoko Ono and two architects. They have tried to create freedom, flexibility and open space in the rooms in tune with the poet’s imagery - "imagine...above us only sky". The exhibits are arranged in a chronological order and include scores, musical instruments and clothes.

If the shopping bug bites you, Sayama Green Tea and Soka Rice Crackers are great buys. The dolls of Iwatsuki and the streamers of Kazo are the best local crafts to take back home. The pears of Saitama are very tasty, especially the Kosui and the Hosui.

Getting There: The nearest international airports are Narita and Haneda, Tokyo. There are many buses, trains and bullet trains from Tokyo to Saitama through the day. There are flights from Seoul International airport (Korea) to Haneda.

Accommodation: There are quite a few ryokans - the traditional Japanese inns in Saitama and depending upon the level of service and amenities offered, can range from exorbitant to fairly affordable. For other options, there is plenty to choose from luxury hotels to affordable budget motels. 

For detailed country & visitor information, see Japan.