Kawagoe is a city of about 350,000 located in southwest Sakado City is located in cen- Tsurugashima City is located about 45 kilometers 30 kilometers from central . It tral Saitama Prefecture about from central Tokyo. It is flat, with no mountains or Kawagoe City became the first place given city status when Saitama Sakado City 45 kilometers from central Tsurugashima hilly areas or large rivers. Urbanization continues RainbowRainbow Prefecture introduced the city system in 1922, and then Tokyo. to advance, but traces of the rural Musashi Plain Kawagoe City Hall Tel. 049-224-8811 became the first designated “core city” in Saitama in 2003. Sakado City Hall Sakado City has a total that bring to mind depictions of older can Kawagoe City (Saitama Prefecture) Region http://www.city.kawagoe.saitama.jp Tel. 049-283-1331 Kawagoe also boasts some of the highest-value industrial area of 41.02 square meters. City still be found in parts of the Iimori and Oya River Urban Development Council Koedo-Kawagoe Tourist Association shipments in Saitama Prefecture. At the same time, Kawagoe http://www.city.sakado.lg.jp The central town area is sur- basins. Tel. 049-227-8233 has one of the largest areas of cultivated land and fields in the Sakado Yosakoi Event Committee rounded by countryside, creat- Tsurugashima City Hall Tsurugashima City is also a transportation hub. http://www.koedo.or.jp Tel. 049-271-1111 prefecture. Kawagoe also retains some of the history and tradi- Tel. same as above ing an ideal balance of urban The Kan-Etsu and Ken-O expressways run through Kawagoe City Tourist Information Office http://www.sakadoyosakoi.com/ http://www.city. Playing Tel. 049-222-5556 tions of feudal Japan, with old kura warehouses still in use and and rural landscape. The city tsurugashima.lg.jp/ the city, and each of their interchanges connects important Buddhist temples such as Kita-in Temple in the city. continues to evolve and devel- to National Route 407, which traverses the city The landscape, a combination of dense shrubbery typical of the Musashino Upland and alluvial terrain op while maintaining its pleasant and serene atmosphere. City Hall Website center. enriched by the Arakawa and Iruma Rivers, has given rise to a number of folk arts that continue to be passed Sakado is largely flat, with the tip of the Chichibu Mountains extending down, including the Kawagoe Festival. With its many faces and attractions, Kawagoe welcomes around 6.5 into its western end. This tip, poking out of Sakado’s lowlands, is called TTourTourour MMapMapap million visitors a year and is a major tourist destination in the . Shiroyama area. The Koma River runs in back of this hilly area from the south- Tsurugashima Municipal Sports Park west to the east, and it merges with the Oppe River in northern Sakado and 18 then the Iruma River before feeding into the Arakawa River. Sakado Yosakoi Festival (Otagayanuma Pond) Kashiya Yokocho Playing 10 Sakatchi is the city mascot. Flowers 1 Isanuma Pond 4 (Penny Candy Lane) Address: Otagaya, Tsurugashima City (MAP I-7) Address: Yakushi-cho, Sakado City, and elsewhere (MAP I-4) Tel. 049-271-1111 (Citizen Sports Section, Board of Education) Address: Isanuma Pond, Kamoda, Furuyakami, Flowers Address: 2-chome Moto-machi, Kawagoe City (MAP O-10) Tel. 049-283-1331 (Sakado Yosakoi Event Committee Office) Parking lots: 276 spaces, 4 handicapped spaces Local City and Town Sightseeing Guide Kawagoe City (MAP O-7) Tel. 049-222-5556 (Kawagoe City Tourist Information Office) Note: Using public transportation on the day of the event is recommended to avoid traffic congestion. Access: 15 min. by Tsuru Wagon from the West Exit of Tsurugashima Station, Tel. 049-222-5556 (Kawagoe City Tourist Information Office) Access: 2 min. by foot from Fuda no Tsuji bus stop, by Tobu Bus bound for Kura Access: 3 min. by foot from North Exit of or from the East Exit of Kita-Sakado Station, Tobu Tojo Line Tobu Tojo Line, and 10 min. by foot from Kawatsuru Danchi bus stop Access: From , Tobu Tojo Line/JR , no Machi from Hon-Kawagoe Station, , or Kawagoe Station, Festival Held in October, the Sakado Yosakoi is one of the largest yosakoi festivals in Japan, and teams of dancers delight The park contains wooded areas that preserve the existing trees as much take the Tobu Bus bound for West Hirakata or Kawagoe Undo Tobu Tojo Line/JR Kawagoe Line, or take the Eagle Bus CO- Loop (Junkai) festival watchers as they make their way down the city parade route performing original versions of the yosakoi as possible, while Otagayanuma Pond serves as the main wetlands area. Koen (Kawagoe Athletic Park) and get off at Isanuma-Iriguchi Bus and get off at Kashiya Yokocho bus stop dance. At the main venue, powerful dance performances on the stage must excite you and you can enjoy food The park also has sports facilities built around the main sports ground. bus stop, or take the Seibu Bus bound for Kawagoe Green Park In the 1920s and 30s, this street of 70-some shops was home to many booths set up around it by commerce and agriculture organizations from Sakado. Otagayanuma Pond is a popular destination in spring when the cherry Ogose Town Kawajima Town and get off at Isanuma Boken no Mori bus stop confectionery makers and wholesalers. Today about 20 shops still make trees planted around it are in full bloom. Tranquil Isanuma Pond is a popular place for locals to relax out- and sell original sweets and snacks. The street is loved for its nostalgic The Weeping Cherry Facilities include one softball/baseball ground (with night lights), one sub- doors. Many tourists also flock to the pond in spring when the atmosphere as well as confectionery. 11 ground, two multipurpose squares, a conference room (with showers), and cherry trees are in bloom as well as summer when the pond’s at Jigen-ji Temple a wooded area for nature observation. lotus flowers are in bloom. Isanuma Pond is also the rotating site Walking Path along Address: 285 Nakaosaka, Sakado City (MAP K-5) Flowers of the Koedo-Kawagoe Fireworks Display once every two years. 5 the Ahina Line Tel. 049-280-2205 Nikko Kaido Cedar Avenue Parking lots: Available 19 Walking Tel. 04-2996-2888 ( Customer Access: 2 min. by foot from Nakaosaka bus stop by Tobu bus (Nikko Waki-okan) Center) (MAP L-9) bound for Kawagoe Station or Higashi-Sakado Danchi from Walking Access: 10 min. by Tsuru Bus from the Access: Near Minami-Otsuka Station, Seibu Wakaba Station, Tobu Tojo Line, or 2 min. by foot from Jigen- West Exit of Wakaba Station, Tobu Tojo Shinjuku Line ji-Mae bus stop by Sakatchi Wagon Miyoshino Line Fields of Rape Address: Takakura, Tsurugashima City (MAP I-6) Line, and 5 min. by foot from City Chuo The Ahina Line was a freight railway line Parking lots: 85 spaces, 2 handicapped spaces at the Tsurugashima Library bus stop The weeping cherry tree at Jigen-ji Temple, designated a 15 Flowers at Takakura (MAP I-7) Heisei no Mori Park that operated in the first half of the 20th natural monument by the city, stands over 15 meters tall City Agricultural Inter change Center This path is also called Nikko Waki- Access: 20 min. by foot from Ipponmatsu Station, century. The walking path is also where 8 Shakyamuni's Birthday Festival and is more than 260 years old. It blooms in late March. okan and was used by Hachioji Sennin Ogose Plum Grove Umerin Hanashobu (Iris) Garden Kawamin Kawabee The Takakura rape blossom festival is held in mid-April and the Japanese TV drama Tsubasa was Doshin (junior officials in Hachioji) to Sightseeing filmed. Entry onto the tracks is prohibit- Address: Eigen-ji Temple, 12-69 Naka-cho, Sakado City (MAP I-5) popular with tourists for its blooming fields of rape, which guard Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Nikko Tel. 049-281-0061 Omiyasumiyoshi-jinja ed. A map of the walking path is avail- 12 carpet the Takakura district in brilliant yellow. Held on a Kaido Cedar Avenue has become a Access: 10 min. by foot from the North Exit of Sakado Station, Tobu Tojo Line Shrine Sunday in mid-April, outdoor stands sell various foods and Hidaka City Moroyama Town able at Minami-Otsuka Station. Shakyamuni’s (the Buddha’s) birthday festival is held each year on May 5 at Eigen-ji Temple, a precious green belt with trees said to Festival Address: 254 Tsukagoshi, Sakado City (MAP K-4) Sightseeing goods and there are taiko drum, music, and dance perfor- be more than 300 years old. Festival temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism built in 1592. At a Buddhist altar decorated with flow- Tel. 049-283-8503 mances by citizen groups and other events. ers in front of the main hall, visitors pour hydrangea tea over a statue of Shakyamuni. People Parking lots: 50 spaces pray at the statue for good health, the well-being of their family, and good fortune in business. Access: 50 min. by foot from the East Exit of Wakaba Station, Tobu Tojo Line, The Zelkova at Suneori or 3 min. by foot from Sumiyoshi-jinja bus stop, city loop bus, or 10 min. by 16 17 Takakura Shishimai (Hie-jinja Shrine) foot from Sumiyoshi-jinja-Mae bus stop by Tobu bus bound for Yahata Danchi (Shirahige-jinja Shrine) The Omiya Sumiyoshi kagura are designated by Saitama Prefecture and Address: 6-chome, Suneori-cho, Tsurugashima City Address: Takakura, Tsurugashima City Learning selected as a national important intangible folk-culture asset. Kagura are (MAP I-6) (MAP H-6) pantomime dance-dramas that reenact ancient stories. The kagura here Tel. 049-285-2194 (Cultural Properties Section, Board Parking lots: 85 spaces, two handi- are known for being ancient pantomimes in the Edo style that retain of Education) capped spaces at the Tsurugashima Kurazukuri Zone Kawagoe Festival (held on traditional elements. Performances are held each year on February 23 Access: 20 min. by foot from the South Exit of Sakado City Agricultural Inter change Center 2 6 (Spring Harvest Festival), the first Sunday in April (Grand Festival), and Station, Tobu Tojo Line Access: 20 min. by foot from Ipponmatsu Yabusame (Mounted Archery) (Old Storehouse Zone) the 3rd weekend in October) The sacred zelkova tree of Shirahige-jinja Shrine Station, Tobu Tojo Line November 23 (Celebration of First Taste). Of these events, the Grand Kinchakuda-Manjushage Park Kurikka Kurippi at Izumo Iwai-jinja Shrine Moromaru-kun Address: Downtown Kawagoe (MAP Walking On November 2 and 3, Shishimai lion Address: Naka-cho, Saiwai-cho, Moto-machi, Festival is the largest, with an extensive program and the Tenka-matsuri is said to be 900 years old and designated a pre- O-10) dances are performed to offer thanks for Kawagoe City (MAP O-10) (Naked Festival) in the afternoon, which features a tengu monster with a fectural natural monument. It formerly reached Tel. 049-222-5556 (Kawagoe City Tel. 049-222-5556 (Kawagoe City Tourist Information Office) a height of some 36 meters, but currently stands the bountiful harvest, pray for the commu- Tourist Information Office) red face and long nose leading a procession along the shrine grounds. Access: From Kawagoe Station, Tobu Tojo Line/JR around 17 meters after wind and rain storms nity’s safety, and ward off disease. This Sakado City Tsurugashima City Access: 15 min. by foot from Kawagoe Kawagoe Line, take the Tobu Bus bound for Kura no Koma River Furusato Walking Path broke off sections of the tree. traditional art form has continued since the Station, Tobu Tojo Line/JR Kawagoe 9 Machi and get off at Ichibangai bus stop, or 10 min. by Kita-Asaba Edo Period (1603–1868). The lion dance is Line, or near Hon-Kawagoe Station, 13 foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station, Seibu Shinjuku Line Address: Izumi-cho, Sakado City (greenbelt on the right bank of the Koma River) (MAP I-5) Sakurazutsumi Park performed with two boy lions, and one girl Seibu Shinjuku Line Kura are warehouses featuring innovations Tel. 049-283-1331 (Maintenance Section) Address: Right bank of the Oppe River, Kita-Asaba, Sakado Tsurugashima Microbeer and Tsurunosato Confectionery lion playing flutes and reciting Noh chants. The Kawagoe Festival is designat- Flowers designed to prevent them from catching fire, Access: 15 min. by foot from the West Exit of Kita-Sakado Station, Tobu Tojo Line City (MAP G-4) ed a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The festival preserves the which developed along with the merchant-style Built to promote both mental and physical health, the Koma River Furusato Walking Tel. 049-283-1331 (Commerce and Labor Section) This microbeer gets its name from the Tsurunosato sweets and snacks use style of Edo Tenka festivals even today, with elaborate floats carrying life-size dolls machiya houses of Edo (old Tokyo). Ichibangai, a Path runs for approximately 10 kilometers. Take a stroll along the Koma River, one of Parking lots: Available “Suneori Amagoi,” held once every 4 green tea, Moroyama yuzu (citron), and 20 Suneori Amagoi (Kandachigaike Pond) pulled around the city streets lined with kura warehouses. street lined with kura, retains the look of old Edo the most pristine rivers in the Kanto area, and enjoy its natural beauty. This is to allow Access: 10 min. by foot from Imanishi bus stop by Kawagoe Kanko years. Kawagoe sweet potatoes, all famous local Address: 5-chome Suneori-cho, Tsurugashima City (MAP I-6) no longer visible in modern-day Tokyo. visitors to relax and enjoy walking in the area. Bus bound for Nissai Danchi from the West Exit of Kita-Sakado delicacies in the Tsurugashima area. Station, or 10 min. by foot from Imanishi bus stop by Sakatchi Tel. 049-285-2194 (Cultural Properties Section, Board of Education) Wagon Nissai Line Parking lots: Temporary event parking or City Hall parking lots available / Access: 15 min. by foot from the West Green Tea Ramen Exit of Wakaba Station, Tobu Tojo Line, or 2 min. by Tsuru Bus and 5 min. by foot from Seiwa Jutaku-Mae bus stop Local product, Gourmet Sakurazutsumi Park has around 200 Angyo cherry trees lining the Noodles Kawagoe City banks of the Oppe River for a length of 1.2 kilometers. The early- “Suneori Amagoi” is a traditional ritual to pray for rain has been held since the Edo Period (1603–1868). 3 Local speciality Matcha green tea grown in Sakado Yosakoi さかっちSakatchi Suneori Amagoi Tsurugon Museum Learning Kirari Gem of Sakado / Government blooming cherry trees are in bloom from mid- to late March. Gourmet A dragon god called “Ryujin” 36 meters long and weighing 3 tons is paraded along a 2 kilometer route Grilled Eel & Yakisoba Tsurugashima City and local flour and then dramatically taken into Kandachigaike Pond by the bearers. This ritual is held once every 4 years, Address: 2-30-1 Kuruwa-machi, Tokusen Store Sakado with Thick Noodles Gourmet are kneaded into ramen noodles to and will be held on the first Sunday of August 2020, the year of the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. Kawagoe City (MAP P-10) make “green tea ramen.” The thin Tel. 049-222-5399 Tel. 049-227-8233 Tel. 049-283-1331 (Commerce and Labor Section) Seitenkyu 7 Koedo Kurari & the Others 14 noodles are dark green with a firm, Kawagoe City Access: 8 min. by foot from Fuda no Tsuji Koedo-Kawagoe Tourist Association The Government Tokusen Store Sakado is an online shopping Sayama Sightseeing Local product, springy texture! Kawajima bus stop by Tobu Bus bound for Kura no Many eel restaurants in Kawagoe have service operated by the local Sakado government. Select prod- Address: 51-1 Tsukagoshi, Sakado City (MAP K-5) Town Address: 1-10-1 Shintomi-cho, Kawagoe City (MAP P-11) Green Tea Machi, or near Hakubutsukan-Mae bus been operating here for generations. ucts only available in Sakado are delivered to addresses Tel. 049-281-1161 Local speciality Sakado Tel. 049-228-0855 Festival Ogose stop on the Tobu Bus CO-EDO Loop nationwide. Parking lots: 100 spaces Cultivation of Sayama Town City Access: 15 min. by foot from Kawagoe Station, Tobu Tojo Line/JR They each boast their own secret recipe (Meisho Meguri), or Hakubutsukan/ Access: 30 min. by foot from the East Exit of Wakaba green tea thrives in Kawagoe Line, or 3 min. by foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station, Seibu for the grilling sauce that entices diners Note: The Government Tokusen Store Sakado website is PC Bijutsukan-Mae bus stop on the Eagle Station, Tobu Tojo Line, or 3 min. by foot from Tomiya Tsurugashima City. Moroyama Tsurugashima Shinjuku Line with its appetizing aroma. Also, yakiso- and smartphone compatible. Town City Bus CO-EDO Loop (Junkai) Bus, from bus stop by Sakatchi Wagon Miyoshi Line, or 5 min. by Sayama green tea is Kawagoe has been famous for its delicious sweet potatoes since ba made with thick noodles is a popular Kawagoe Hon-Kawagoe Station, Seibu Shinjuku foot from Tomiya Kosaten bus stop by Tobu Bus known for its smooth the Edo Period (1603–1868). Today you can find many products in local street food in Kawagoe. Enjoy the Hidaka City Line, or Kawagoe Station, Tobu Tojo Line/JR Kawagoe Line Seitenkyu is a Taoist temple elaborately decorated in noodles’ irresistibly chewy texture! but deep flavor. City The Kawagoe City Museum systemically collects, stores, researches, Kawagoe made with these sweet potatoes. Koedo Kurari, a reno- the Taoist style. It was built by master temple car- and displays many of the important cultural materials and documents vated sake brewery with around 120 years of history, features a penters from Taiwan who embellished it using exqui- that remain from Kawagoe’s rich historical and cultural assets. number of shops selling local foods and drinks as well as souvenirs. site techniques and carefully selected materials.

Toki no Kane (The Bell Tower) Tokimo

Kawajima Town was formed in 1954 when six villages Moroyama Town is home to Lake Kamakita, also known as Otome Ogose Town enjoys the beauty and scents Hidaka City is located about 40 kilometers from merged together. Located in central Saitama Prefecture, no Mizuumi, nestled at the foothills of a mountain. The lake boasts of nature throughout the year, starting with Tokyo. The pristine Koma River runs through the The Three Waterfalls Walking Kawajima gets its name from its location, which is sur- scenic beauty, especially in spring when its cherry trees are in plum trees that bloom in the early spring, Hidaka city center, where nature and urban life coexist. Moroyama Ogose 43 Kawajima rounded on four sides by the Arakawa, Iruma, Oppe, Toki, bloom and fall when the leaves are changing color. Moroyama is then cherry trees, azaleas, kerria roses, at Kuroyama Many tourists visit Hidaka to enjoy the relaxing Flowers and Ichino Rivers (kawa means river while –jima means also the first place in Japan to cultivate Katsuraki yuzu (citron), hydrangeas, fall leaves, and fragrant yuzu hiking trails and outdoor recreation around island). These rivers and surrounding greenery make which enjoy a reputation for their fragrance and high quality and (citron). Famous scenic and historical Address: Kuroyama, Ogose City Kinchaku-da and Mt. Hiwada. In 716, Hidaka City Town Town Town (MAP B-6) Town Kawajima an oasis of nature in the greater Tokyo area. are shipped all over Japan. Moroyama’s ancient Yabusame mount- Ogose Town Hall Tel. 049-292-3121 spots include the Ogose plum grove, which Moroyama Town Hall Tel. 049-295-2112 Hidaka City Hall Tel. 042-989-2111 was part of the area called Koma-gun in the Parking lots: Available Kawajima Town Hall Kawajima is also flat with almost no changes in eleva- http://www.town.moroyama.saitama.jp/ ed archery festival started in 1063 at Izumo Iwai-jinja Shrine and http://www.town.ogose.saitama.jp/ is one of the three best plum groves in the http://www.city.hidaka.lg.jp/ Musashi Province. At the time, 1,799 people who Access: 15 min. by foot from Hidaka City Tourism Association Tel. same as above Tel. 049-297-1811 tion. This, along with its abundant water, has made Moroyama Town Tourism Association has been a tradition for more than 900 years. Ogose Town Information Center Tel. 049-292-6783 Kanto area, the three waterfalls at came from the Goguryeo Kingdom on the Korean Kuroyama bus stop, by http://www.hidakashikankou.gr.jp/ http://www.town.kawajima.saitama.jp Kawajima a thriving area of rice production both long ago Tel. Same as above Tourist information (voice guidance) Tel. 049-292-5315 Kuroyama, which is named one of Japan’s Peninsula and were living throughout the Kanto and still today. Learning top 100 tourist destinations, Ryuon-ji Kawagoe Kanko Bus bound for region were relocated to Koma-gun. Koma-gun On March 29, 2008, the Ken-O Expressway Kawajima Interchange opened, marking a new page in Toyama Memorial Temple and Yamabuki no Sato, famous for their connection to legendary Ota Dokan. In addi- Kuroyama, from Ogose Station, marks its 1,300th anniversary in 2016. Kawajima’s history of development in harmony and coexistence with nature. 30 Museum tion, the giant camphor tree at Kamiyatsu, the 16th largest tree in Japan (1st in Saitama JR Hachiko Line/Tobu Ogose Kinchaku-da Moromaru-kun is the town mascot Prefecture), and Godaison Azalea Park help give Ogose its reputation for scenic beauty. Line 21 Kawabee and Kawamin are Address: 675 Shiroinuma, Kawajima Town (MAP N-3) The three waterfalls at Kawajima’s mascot characters Tel. 049-297-0007 35 Takinoiri Rose Garden Kuroyama consist of Odaki Address: 125-2 Komahongo, Hidaka City (MAP E-9) Address: 920 Shimo-Yatsubayashi, Parking lots: 30 spaces (male) Falls, Medaki (female) Tel. 042-982-0268 Kawajima Town (MAP M-3) Access: 15 min. by foot from Ushigayato bus stop Address: Takinoiri, Moroyama Town (MAP D-6) Falls, and Tengudaki (tengu Parking lots: Available 31 Heisei no Mori Park Tel. 049-297-5701 by Tobu Bus bound for Okegawa Station, from Access: 30 min. by foot from Moro Station, JR Hachiko Line, or 45. min monster) Falls. The water- Access: 15 min. by foot from Koma Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Sightseeing Parking lots: 200 spaces, handi- Kawagoe Station, JR Kawagoe Line/Tobu Tojo Line by foot from Higashi-Moro Station, Tobu Ogose Line. falls are a scenic spot Line capped accessible The birthplace of the founder of Nikko Takinoiri Rose Garden boasts around 1,500 rose plants in about named one of Japan’s top The area of Kinchaku-da gets its name from the shape of Access: 15 min. by foot from Securities, Genichi Toyama, who is from 400 varieties. Rose festivals are held here each year in May and 100 tourist destinations and the land, which resembles a drawstring purse (kinchaku) Kawajima Nokyo-Mae bus stop by Kawajima, has been restored and preserved October. offer the seasonal beauty of carved into the earth over the centuries by the meander- Tobu Bus bound for Konosu Drivers’ as a traditional Japanese manor house. The new foliage in spring, pure ing Koma River, which runs through Hidaka City. In addi- License Center from Kawagoe Station, museum houses artwork he collected over mountain water in summer, tion to flowering fields of rape blossom and cosmos, five JR Kawagoe Line/Tobu Tojo Line many years and exhibits many nationally des- Centrally located Heisei no Mori and colorful foliage in million Manjushage (red spider lilies) bloom in fall and ignated Important Cultural Properties. blanket the ground in fiery red. Park was designed to be an oasis autumn. Flowers of water and greenery in Kawajima. The park also has ath- Traditional House at Koma-go letics facilities and areas for 22 (Former Arai Residence) sports and fishing. Seasonal Festival Learning attractions include an iris garden Playing Address: 245 Komahongo, Hidaka City (MAP E-9) Sightseeing and the longest rose tunnel in Lake Kamakita Access: 15 min. by foot from Koma Station, Japan. 36 This traditional house is located near Kinchaku-da. Its Sightseeing grounds contain a main house and a guest house built from Address: Oyagi, Moroyama Town (MAP D-7) Ogose Flowers the late Edo Period to the early Meiji Period (second half of the Parking lots: Available 41 Plum Grove Sightseeing 19th century), around which are also built a barn and store- 28 Igusa Shishimai Access: 60 min. by foot from Moro Station, JR Hachiko Line, house. The stone fence and white walls facing the street or 70 min. by foot from Higashi-Moro Station, Tobu Ogose Line Address: 113 Doyama, Ogose Town (MAP complement the beauty of Kinchaku-da and Mt. Hiwada and Address: 225 Igusa, Kawajima Town Located in a narrow valley, Lake Kamakita is a small lake D-4) Giant Camphor Tree in Parking lots: Available (seasonally) 42 add to the scenic charm of the Koma-go residence. (MAP L-4) with a circumference of twe kilometers. Also known as Atarashiki-mura Art Kamiyatsu Access: 5 min. by foot from Igusa Playing 37 Access: 1 min. by foot from Bairin- Otome no Mizuumi, visitors can enjoy fishing and boating Address: Kamiyatsu, Ogose Town Gakko-Mae bus stop by Tobu Bus bound for Higashi-Matsuyama Station, from Kawagoe Museum Iriguchi bus stop, by Kawagoe Kanko Bus here. Hikers visit the lake throughout the year to enjoy its Festival Station, JR Kawagoe Line/Tobu Tojo Line Address: 423 Oaza-Tsuzuranuki, Moroyama Town (MAP bound for Kuroyama from Ogose Station, (MAP C-4) changing faces, with cherry trees blooming in spring, Access: 40 min. by foot from Youpark Ogose The whole town takes part in the performances, which are offered as prayers to F-6) JR Hachiko Line/Tobu Ogose Line 44 24 Koma River deep green vegetation in summer, and fiery colors in fall. Bairin-Iriguchi bus stop, by Koma-jinja Shrine Shinto and Buddhist gods for a bountiful grain harvest and family safety. A lion Tel. 049-295-4081 The Ogose plum grove is one of the Playing 23 Learning Access: 30 min. by foot from Moro Station, JR Hachiko Line, or three best plum groves in the Kanto Kawagoe Kanko Bus bound for Address: 3083-1 Ueno, Ogose Town (MAP E-5) Address: Komahongo, Hidaka City (MAP E-9) dance festival is held in mid-September. 45. min by foot from Higashi-Moro Station, Tobu Ogose Line. area, and so famous that the name Kuroyama, from Ogose Station, JR Parking lots: Available Access: Get off at Musashi-Yokote Station or Address: 833 Niihori, Hidaka City (MAP F-8) Hachiko Line/Tobu Ogose Line The museum was built at Atarashiki-mura to be a Ogose is synonymous with plum trees. Access: Free shuttle bus available from Ogose Station, JR Koma Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line Access: Approx. 25 min. by foot from Komagawa Station, JR Hachiko Line/JR Kawagoe Line, or The giant camphor tree spreads its Hachiko Line/Tobu Ogose Line utopia by Saneatsu Mushanokoji, a novelist, play- The plum trees bloom each year from Koma River running through Hidaka City is Approx. 40 min. by foot from Koma Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line 32 Kawajima Waju no Sato Walking roots out across the foot of the Relax and rejuvenate yourself soaking in Youpark wright, poet, artist, and philosopher of the late February to late March, enveloping known for being one of the most pristine riv- Koma-jinja Shrine is dedicated to Koma-no-kokishi Jakko, a member of the royal family Walking 38 Yuzu no Sato Auto Campgrounds mountain in Yamairi Village, Ogose’s 15 types of baths and heated rock slabs. Shirakaba (White Birch) literary society. The muse- the town in the scent of plum blos- ers in Saitama Prefecture. Many people of the Goguryeo Kingdom on the Korean Peninsula, who came to Japan. After the Meiji Address: Kawajima outer um displays a collection of books, painting, tools, Kamiyatsu. It boasts a circumfer- Youpark Ogose is a relaxation resort designed around the embankment (MAP L-5) soms. come to relax and play in the river during Restoration (1868), people involved in politics and law often came to pray at the shrine, Address: 585 Takinoiri, Moroyama Town (MAP D-6) and other objects used by Mushanokoji. ence of 15 meters, height of 30 themes of health and community. Barbecue and camp- summer. as Koma-no-kokishi Jakko is also said to be a deity that answers prayers for career suc- Tel. 049-299-1711 Tel. 049-294-8812 meters, and is said to be more than ing facilities are also available for outdoor enthusiasts. Access: From Kawagoe Access: 30 min. by foot from Moro Station, JR Hachiko cess. 1,000 years old. The tree was Station, JR Kawagoe Line, or 45. min by foot from Higashi-Moro Station, Tobu Local Farm and Commerce, named the largest tree in Saitama 29 Industry Festival Line/Tobu Tojo Line, take Ogose Line. Festival the Tobu Bus bound for Located just an hour from central Tokyo, Yuzu no Prefecture, and is designated a Address: Heisei no Mori Park, Kawajima Town (MAP M-3) Walking Gourmet Higashi-Matsuyama Sato Auto Campgrounds is nestled in the lush forest prefectural natural monument. Tel. 049-299-1760 (Kawajima Town Agricultural Policy and Industry Section) 27 Saiboku Ham Festival Station or Konosu Okumusashi Hiking of Okumusashi. Many of the recreational facilities This festival is jointly held by Kawajima’s farm and commerce organizations. Local agricul- Drivers’ License Center 39 Walking tural and processed products are displayed and sold with fun events for children and adults Path here are free to the public and popular with families Address: 546 Shimo-Oyazawa, Hidaka City (MAP I-9) and get off at Ochiaibashi bus stop, or take the Tobu Bus bound for Okegawa Station and get off at and groups. Parking lots: Available alike. Kuginashi-Doteue Access: Walk from Moro Station, JR Ogose Festival Tel. 042-985-0869 The walking path runs along the embankment encircling Kawajima Town for approxi- Hachiko Line, Hanno Station, Seibu 45 Ikebukuro Line, or JR Komagawa Station. Access: Take the Tobu Bus bound for Saiboku ham from West Exit, mately 30 kilometers and allows visitors to enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. Access: Ogose Station, JR Hachiko Line/Tobu Tsurugashima Station, Tobu Tojo Line, from Kasahata Station, JR Kagoe Line, The Kawajima Waju no Sato Walking event is held on April 29. (MAP D-7) Festival Kawajima Fig Kawajima Strawberry Ume (Japanese Plum) Local product, Ogose Line (MAP E-5) or take the Seibu Bus bound for Saiboku ham from West Exit, Sayamashi 33 34 The Okumusashi Hiking Path covers 11 Local speciality kilometers from Lake Kamakita to Mt. and Yuzu (Citron) Products In the Edo Period (1603–1868), the Ogose Station, Seibu Shinjuku Line Gourmet Festival was held as the Gion Festival of Saiboku Ham started in 1946 as a ranch focused on improving pig Tenranzan (Hanno City). This gentle hik- Kawajima Suttate & Kawajima Gojiru Ogose Town is a major producer of plum and yuzu (citron) in the Kanto region. Most Yasaka Shrine (in Kyoto) in the name of the breeding. It uses its pork to make and sell ham and sausage products in Shishimai Lion Dance at the Koma-jinja Shrine ing course allows hikers of all ages and emperor. Afterwards, the festival’s name was addition to operating a bakery and restaurant and selling local fresh veg- skills to enjoy the area’s natural beauty. of the pickled plums are made without additives or preservatives using the Festival at the Shrine changed to Ogose Festival. The festival is still etables. Saiboku Ham has earned a reputation both in Japan and over- traditional method of pickling with only salt. Each farm has its own special recipe 26 in Hidaka City held today. The highlight of the festival is the seas for its farm-to-table approach as well as the many DLG (German for pickling plums, giving them each a distinctive flavor. Ogose Yuzu no Suke is a Local product, parade of six floats, including ones in the yatai Agricultural Society) Gold awards it has won in the international tests by Access: Approx. 10 min. from Musashi-Yokote Local product, drink made with ripened yuzu and honey. It makes a great souvenir of your visit! (outdoor stall) style and Edo Period style deco- the German-based society, the home of processed meat products. Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line (Yokote-jinja Local speciality Local speciality Gourmet 25 Hiwada-san (Mt. Hiwada) Yabusame (Mounted Archery) rated with large dolls. They are designated Shrine) (MAP D-9, F-8, F-9) Katsuraki Yuzu (Citron) 40 A large festival with Shishimai lion dances is Local product, at Izumo Iwai-jinja Shrine municipal cultural properties. Address: Approx. 15 min. from Koma held at Yokote-jinja Shrine on the Sunday Address: 239-1 Minami-Sonobe, Kawajima Town (Kawajima Address: 239-1 Minami-Sonobe, Kawajima Town (Kawajima Products Koma-nabe Hotpot Local speciality Address: 5-17-1 Iwai-nishi, Moroyama Town (MAP E-6) Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, to the hiking The Koma-gun district and Koma-jinja that falls between August 21 and 27. The Farm Stand) (MAP L-3) Farm Stand) (MAP L-3) Katsuraki , a local specialty of Moroyama yuzu Access: 5 min. by foot from Moro Station, JR Hachiko Line, or trailhead (MAP E-8) Shrine in Hidaka City have deep con- Shishimai lion dance performed at Koma- Tel. 049-297-0522 Tel. 049-297-0522 Town, is a premium citron with a thick peel and Mt. Hiwada, which stands 305 meters Parking lots: 50 spaces, handicapped accessible Parking lots: 50 spaces, handicapped accessible 7 min. by foot from Higashi-Moro Station, Tobu Ogose Line nections to the Korean Peninsula. jinja Shrine has a history going back around rich fragrance. It is often used as a seasoning for The Yabusame mounted archery festival started in tall and can be easily hiked in about 40 Koma-nabe hotpot is a dish from the 400 years. Nonomiya-jinja Shrine is said to Access: 15 min. by foot from Yatsubayashi bus stop by Tobu Bus Access: 15 min. by foot from Yatsubayashi bus stop by Tobu hotpot dishes and soba and udon soup. Processed Ogose Ume Croquette bound for Konosu Drivers’ License Center from Kawagoe Bus bound for Konosu Drivers’ License Center from Kawagoe 1063 to commemorate father Minamoto no Yoriyoshi minutes, is a popular recreational spot. Koma-gun district developed from its be even older than Koma-jinja Shrine. On the Address: Kawajima Town (Kawajima Town Commerce and Industry products such as udon noodles made with Gourmet Station, JR Kawagoe Line/Tobu Tojo Line Station, JR Kawagoe Line/Tobu Tojo Line Association) and son Yoshiie subduing the northeastern Tohoku On a clear day, you can see Tokyo Local product, 1,300 years of history. The hotpot is second Saturday of September, a sumo tour- Katsuraki yuzu and yuzu wine, as well as those Ogose ume croquettes are made with Skytree and the skyscrapers of Figs are a new specialty product of Kawajima, which Strawberry cultivation began in Kawajima around 1958, which is Tel. 049-297-6565 region. Three riders wearing Japanese battle sur- Local speciality flavored with kimchi and features nament is held on the shrine grounds, and boasts the largest production of figs in Saitama Prefecture. one of the oldest and largest strawberry-growing regions in Saitama In Kawajima, you can enjoy the cold udon noodle dish Kawajima made with other locally grown ingredients, have coats perform archery while mounted on horses in a potatoes and locally produced pickled Shinjuku around its peak. locally grown vegetables and Korean recently also become popular. Shishimai lion dances are performed in Figs are high in dietary fiber, polyphenol antioxidants, and Prefecture. Kawajima now mainly cultivates brand varieties such as suttate in summer, and Kawajima gojiru, a hearty vegetable show of bravery. Moroyama Town is the only place in plums. ginseng. A famous local dish of Hidaka, October. potassium, said to help lower blood pressure. The figs are Tochiotome strawberries. You can enjoy picking your own green- and miso soup, in winter. Original versions of suttate and Saitama Prefecture with an annual mounted archery The popular street food has a it won the 10th Saitama B-class Local New local dish, the Buttamage-don rice bowl, made with local picked and shipped from late August to early November. house strawberries in the town from early January to late May. gojiru are offered seasonally at restaurants in town. festival, which is designated an Important Intangible crispy breaded coating and tart filling Gourmet King Championship. pork, eggs, and yuzu (citron) from Moroyama Folk Cultural Property by Saitama Prefecture. thanks to the pickled plums.