Living in Saitama Prefecture: 18 Fun Things to Do

Just north of Tokyo, Saitama offers many advantages of its famous neighbour, but cheaper!

If you’re thinking of visiting Tokyo for a holiday or working in the capital, accommodation in Saitama is a wallet-friendly alternative. It’s only a 25-minute train ride between the two.

It’s a great place to visit in its own right, here are 18 of the best things to do in Saitama.

You’ll be amazed at the admission prices for some of these museums…

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Bonsai – the tradition of growing miniature trees in containers – is one of the key draws of Saitama. There is a festival, gardens dedicated to the craft, and this fascinating museum!

Some of the bonsai specimens on display are hundreds of years old and have their own stories of growth and ownership through Japan’s periods of history. Staff are friendly, there are plenty of English translations for visitors, and you can buy your own bonsai in the gift shop.

Address: 2-24-3 Toro-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama-ken
Opening Times: 9am – 4:30pm, closed on Thursdays
Price: 310 yen ($2.18 or £1.86)

Museum of History and Folklore

Japan has some of the world’s most weird and magical folklore, and this museum in Saitama is a treasure trove of stories and artefacts. Established in 1971, it follows three themes of fine arts, folklore, and history in Saitama. It’s a great place for a family day out or school trip too.

The museum offers lots of interactive displays and hands-on experiences, such as tie dying and trying on armour. There are volunteers on hand to talk about the exhibits too if you’re curious.

Address: 4 Chome-219 Takahanacho, Omiya Ward
Opening Times: 9am – 4:30pm, closed on Mondays
Price: 300 yen ($2.11 or £1.80)

The Railway Museum

Opened in 2007, this contemporary museum is a dream for any railway enthusiast – or just anyone interested in engineering. Trains are a massive deal in Japan, so this is a must-visit.

As well as historic trains on display, there are exhibits about the network and train driver simulations (so you can give it a go yourself). You can see Japan’s first ever bullet train, explore the inside of different train cars, and find out about the physics and engineering side too.

Address: 〒330-0852 Saitama, Omiya Ward, Onaricho, 3 Chome−４７
Opening Times: 10am – 5pm, closed on Tuesdays
Price: 1,330 yen ($9.35 or £7.99)

Mint Museum

That’s the coin-making process, not the tasty leaf! Come learn how coins are made, and have a go at making some coinage yourself. The Japanese money-making mint itself is on display to see, but you can’t take any photos – just imagine being able to make your own money…

The museum is FREE to enter, and it’s a great place to see loads of different coins if you’re a collector. You’ll also find loads of unique items in the gift shop, from candy to artworks.

Address: 1 Chome-190番地２２ Kitabukurocho, Omiya Ward
Opening Times: 9am – 4pm
Price: FREE

The Museum of Modern Art

A lovely way to spend an afternoon, the ‘MOMAS’ or Museum of Modern Art Saitama brings together the best of modern art. There are both permanent and rotating exhibitions to see.

Don’t miss the permanent collection of chairs, showcasing beautiful designs from history (you can even sit on some of them). The building is an architectural masterpiece in its own right, and the surrounding gardens are wonderful for relaxing in. You’ll find sculpture, painting and more.

Address: 9 Chome-30-1 Tokiwa, Urawa Ward, Saitama
Opening Times: 10am – 5:30pm, closed on Mondays
Price: 200 yen ($1.41 or £1.20)

Omiya Park Zoo

This little zoo is ideal for a family day out or a school trip, and brings together some of Japan’s most interesting and beloved species. You’ll find exotic birds like flamingos and peacocks, alongside mammals like capybara, wild boar, hyenas, bears and a variety of monkeys.

There are various huts and enclosures to explore, and it’s within the wider Omiya park area. The zoo is free to get into, and some of the enclosures are small, but it’s still a popular attraction.

Address: 4 Chome Takahanacho, Omiya Ward, Saitama, 330-0803
Opening Times: 10am – 4pm, closed on Mondays
Price: FREE

Children’s Zoo

Another zoo attraction in Saitama, this one is much larger but still a real bargain to enter. There’s a wide variety of animals, with some enclosures you can enter including penguins and wallabies.

There’s an emphasis on interaction, and you can pet and have your photo taken with some of the animals – there are also horseback rides if you’re feeling adventurous. Look out for the famous smiling quokkas, places to cuddle rabbits and guinea pigs, and a train if your feet get tired.

Address: 554 Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama, Saitama
Opening Times: 9:30am – 5pm, closed on Mondays
Price: 200 yen ($1.41 or £1.20)

Had enough of educational attractions in Saitama? These peaceful sites are perfect for relaxing.

Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine

First, read our guide to visiting shrines and temples in Japan – you’re visiting a sacred religious site, not popping in for a photo opportunity. The Hikawa Shrine is a peaceful Shinto site, but often gets crowded with families at the weekends due to its picturesque ponds and large park.

The shrine is free to visit, but be respectful of people coming here to pray. The shrine includes elaborate wooden buildings, inspiring artwork, and is a hub for festivals and special events.

Address: 〒330-0803 Saitama, Omiya Ward, Takahanacho, １−407
Opening Times: 6am – 5pm
Price: FREE

Gyokuzouin Temple

Shinto and Buddhism have co-existed in Japan for many years, with shrines for the former and temples for the latter. This beautiful temple is famous for its weeping cherry blossoms, but remember to show respect to people praying if you take photographs within the grounds.

The temple is old but well-preserved, and there is an antique market if you visit on certain days. Look out for old documents, a hall decorated with sculptures, and a much-loved resident cat!

Address: 2-13-22 Nakacho, Urawa-ku, Saitama 330-0062
Opening Times: Check in advance
Price: FREE

Tsuki Shrine

This quirky shrine is famous for its many stone bunny statues. The shrine’s name is associated with the word “moon”, the dark markings of which are traditionally interpreted as rabbit-shaped.

Another unusual thing about this shrine is its lack of pine trees and torii gate. There’s a good flea market on certain days, ideal for if you want some retail therapy alongside your spiritual journey. A must-visit if you’re living in Saitama, and a favourite of rabbit-fanciers, kids and tourists alike.

Address: 3 Chome-17-25 Kishicho, Urawa Ward, Saitama, 330-0064
Opening Times: 9am – 4pm
Price: FREE

Omiya Bonsai Village

If you got excited about the Bonsai Art Museum, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a whole village of bonsai-related things to do in Saitama. This tranquil neighbourhood includes stunning gardens, bonsai nurseries for the youngest trees, and many private collections.

If you want to start bonsai keeping yourself, this is the best place in the world to do it. You’ll find people selling trees of many species and ages, alongside masterclasses of how to keep them.

Address: 9-6 Bonsaicho, Kita Ward, Saitama, 331-0805
Opening Times: 9am – 4pm
Price: FREE

Omiya Park

Close to the folklore museum and the Hikawa shrine, this glorious park is ideal for getting away from city bustle. Bring a picnic, play a game, or relax in the shade of cherry blossom trees.

There are beautifully-maintained gardens and ponds to enjoy, and at festival season it brings together pop-up food vendors and souvenir stalls. If you visit in the spring, you might catch the cherry blossom season – this is a fantastic park to see cherry blossoms in all their glory!

Address: 4 Chome Takahanacho, Omiya Ward, Saitama, 330-0803
Opening Times: 24/7
Price: FREE

Omiya Hana no Oka Norin Park

If you love flowers, you will love this park. There are many different types of flowers, including roses, poppies, tulips and of course cherry blossoms. Best of all, the flowers are maintained by volunteers. If you’re living in or commuting from Saitama, why not try volunteering in Japan?

The park is large enough to find spots of peace and quiet, and there’s a place to buy food and eat if you don’t want to bring a picnic. There’s free parking, so you can visit again and again.

Address: 124 Nishiarai, Nishi Ward, Saitama, 331-0049
Opening Times: 8am – 6pm
Price: FREE

Yono Park

Another must-visit for flower fans, this lovely old park is famous for its roses. It holds the annual Rose Festival every summer, and there are many different varieties, colours and scents.

As well as flowers, there’s a pond with carp, turtles and ducks. There’s also a more functional section of the park with a space for playing games, a children’s playground, and food vending machines. A nice place for having your lunch outdoors, just watch out for wasps in autumn.

Address: 1 Honmachinishi Chuo-ku, Saitama 338-0004 Saitama Prefecture
Opening Times: 24/7
Price: FREE

Besshonuma Park

The last park on our Saitama list, but by no means least – Besshonuma Park is a majestic park that looks particularly beautiful in autumn due to its tall trees. There’s a lake with a fountain in the middle, and a well-maintained circular path that makes it popular with walkers and couples.

Why not check out our blog on the best hikes in Japan, or how to go on a date in Japanese?

Look out for the park’s cute eel mascot, Unako-chan, hiding among the trees. If you’re peckish, there’s a restaurant on site and plenty of vending machines, and you can even go fishing.

Address: 4 Chome-12-10 Bessho, Minami Ward, Saitama, 336-0021
Opening Times: 24/7
Price: FREE

If you’ve relaxed enough, check out these shopping and sports attractions in Saitama…

Cocoon City

Ready to shop until you drop? This large shopping mall in Saitama is an attraction in itself, with many global brands to satisfy your retail needs. A great place to go clothes shopping in Japan.

As well as clothes, tech and souvenirs, there are plenty of places to just hang out at Cocoon City. There’s a food court with a wide variety of dishes and a cinema for catching the latest films. Cocoon City is also split out into “cocoons”, so you can find the kind of shops you need easily.

Address: 4 Chome-263-1 Kishikicho, Omiya Ward, Saitama
Opening Times: 10am – 9pm
Price: FREE

Saitama Stadium 2002

Football is huge in Japan, in fact its the second biggest sport aside from baseball. Saitama is home to the biggest football-specific stadium in Japan, and seats just over 63,000 people. There are three soccer fields and two futsal fields surrounding the main arena structure too.

The stadium has great services on-site, so it’s easy to grab a snack or drinks if you want to. There are also plenty of accessible seats, and the stadium is well managed by staff.

Address: 2-chome-1 Misono, Midori Ward, Saitama, 336-0967
Opening Times: Dependent on events
Price: Dependent on events

Saitama Super Arena

A multi-purpose indoor arena, this is an essential thing to do in Saitama. The arena has hosted musicians such as Madonna, Lady Gaga and Green Day – not to mention many K-pop acts.

One of the largest indoor arenas in the world, it can accommodate many different types of sports, including ice hockey and figure skating. It has also hosted major martial arts events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Pride Fighting Championships and World Boxing Super Series.

Address: 8 Shintoshin, Chūō-ku, Saitama
Opening Times: Dependent on events
Price: Dependent on events

Ready to Explore Saitama Prefecture?

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of things to do in Saitama, Japan. Whether you’re here for tourism or want to work at a local school as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT), the prefecture and city are full of interesting attractions and are also much cheaper than living in Tokyo.