SAITAMA PREFECTURE

SAITAMA PREFECTURES

Saitama Prefecture is in the Kanto region and most of the prefecture forms part of the greater urban area of Tokyo. The capital of Saitama Prefecture is Saitama City. Saitama Prefecture attractions include the Railway Museum, Omiya Bonsai Village, Chichibu Shrine and Kitain Temple.

SAITAMA PREFECTURE CAPITAL

Saitama city is only 30km north west of central Tokyo, but while being in Saitama Prefecture and being the capital of the prefecture, Saitama city is effectively part of the greater urban area of Tokyo with many residents commuting to central Tokyo each day. Saitama attractions include Omiya Park which is famous for its cherry blossom and the Railway Museum.

SAITAMA CASTLES

Kawagoe Castle, is a flatland style Japanese Castle in the city of Kawagoe Saitama Prefecture and not far from Tokyo. Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457 by Uesugi Mochitomo to provide protection from the north to Edo (Tokyo). In 1870 as part of Meiji Restoration all of the buildings of Kawagoe Castle were either moved to other locations or demolished. The original earthworks of the base of the donjon still exist and the Karo Assembly Room was relocated back to the castle enclosure, but not in its original location.

SAITAMA MUSEUMS and ART GALLERIES

Railway Museum, in Saitama city Saitama Prefecture, replaces the former Transportation Museum in Akihabara. Railway Museum relocted to its current site in 2006. Railway Museum has around 30 railway cars, interactive train cab simulators, model railways and other artifacts. Of particular note are the six Imperial Carriages on display including the number 1 and number 2 carriages.

SAITAMA GARDENS and PARKS

Kitazakura-dori in Nagatoro Saitama Prefecture, is the road running along next to Arakawa River from Nagatoro Station to Takasago-bashi (bridge) (4km), which is lined on both sides by some 600 cherry blossom trees which create a blossom tunnel. This part of Nagatoro is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Kumagaya Arakawa Ryokuchi Park, also known as Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi, in Kumagaya Saitama Prefecture, is famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. Kumagaya Arakawa Ryokuchi Park features a 2km long blossom tunnel.

Omiya Park, in Saitama Saitama Prefecture, is a large 68ha park, which is famous for its Japanese Red Pines and cherry blossom trees. Omiya Park, which opened in 1885, is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.