3-Day Saitama Itinerary - A Zen Retreat Right Next to Tokyo in Chichibu, Kawagoe, and Hanno

What Sort of Place Is Saitama Prefecture?

Saitama Prefecture, located just north of Tokyo in the Kanto region, offers a fascinating mix of urban energy and natural beauty. While its bustling southeastern areas - including the prefectural capital, Saitama City, and shinkansen hub Omiya City - are considered part of the Greater Tokyo Area, the rest of the prefecture opens up to lush mountains, expansive tea fields, and peaceful rural landscapes.

The prefecture retains strong ties to its past in towns like Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo,” where preserved streets and traditional warehouses create a nostalgic atmosphere. Nature lovers flock to the mountainous Chichibu region, famed for its hiking trails and breathtaking views. The prefecture also dazzles with spectacular nature views, such as the vibrant bloom of five million red spider lilies at Kinchakuda Manjushage Park and the stunning cherry blossom displays along the Arakawa River at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi.

How to Get to Saitama From Tokyo

Getting to Saitama from Tokyo is quick and convenient, with multiple train lines offering direct access to different parts of the prefecture.

To reach Omiya Station, Saitama’s main transportation hub, travelers can take the JR Saikyo Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Takasaki Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, or the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from major stations in central Tokyo. The shinkansen from Tokyo Station takes just 25 minutes to Omiya.

For those heading to Chichibu, the scenic “La View” Limited Express departs from Ikebukuro Station and reaches Seibu Chichibu Station in about 80 minutes. Seat reservation is required.

To access Kawagoe, take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe Station or Kawagoe-shi Station (around 30 minutes by express train), or the Seibu Shinjuku Line from Seibu Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station (around 1 hour). Limited express trains are also available and take about 50 minutes with seat reservation required.

Useful Rail Passes

The SEIBU KAWAGOE PASS is ideal for a day trip from Tokyo to Kawagoe. This discounted round-trip ticket covers travel between Seibu-Shinjuku, Takadanobaba, or Ikebukuro and Hon-Kawagoe Station. The pass resembles a good-luck charm and includes a prayer for safe travels.
* Limited express or reserved-seat trains require an additional fee.

Use the SEIBU 1 Day Pass if you are planning to explore both Tokyo and Saitama. This pass gives you unlimited rides on all Seibu Railway lines (except the Tamagawa Line) for one day, including access to Kawagoe, Chichibu, and more.

Day 1: Chichibu - Go on a Pilgrimage Located Right Next to Tokyo

Tucked into the mountains of Saitama Prefecture, the 100-kilometer-long Chichibu Fudasho or Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage comprises 34 temples dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The route winds through forests, hills, and rural villages, offering a contemplative journey where history, nature, and spirituality converge. 

Founded in 1234, the pilgrimage became a vital local path during the Edo period when worshippers were unable to travel to more distant pilgrimage circuits. Today, the Chichibu pilgrimage remains both a religious tradition and a scenic hiking route, inviting travelers to walk in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims.

This itinerary covers temples No. 26 to No. 29, a 6.4-kilometer route ideal for a day trip that includes several scenic attractions and is easily accessed from the Chichibu Railway. Depending on the season, visitors may choose to extend their route to include cherry blossoms at temples such as Iwamatsuyama Seiun Temple (a 12-minute walk from Chosenin Temple) and Shofukuji Temple (a 25-minute walk from Iwamatsuyama Seiun Temple). Alternatively, Hitsujiyama Park, known for its shibazakura, is just a 20-minute walk from Chichibu Station.

AM - Enyuji Temple and Iwaido Kannon Hall

Access: Take the Chichibu Main Line from Chichibu Station to Kagemori Station. The temple is a 9-minute walk from the station.

Framed by the rugged slopes of Mt. Buko, Enyuji Temple (Temple No. 26 of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage) was built in the mid-Edo period. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple’s main hall is where visitors can receive “goshuin” official temple stamps to commemorate their visit.

The temple’s grounds also feature the Child-raising Jizo, believed to protect newborns and ward off misfortune, as well as a beautiful natural stone “chozubachi” basin used for purification rituals.

A 30-minute walk from Enyuji Temple through a steep forest path brings you to Iwaido Kannon Hall, the temple’s inner sanctuary. Also built in the mid-Edo period, the vermilion-lacquered hall is perched against a massive rock cave, with a stage-like design inspired by Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple.

Behind the hall, stone Buddha statues and pagodas hide within the cave, while a short trail leads to a bronze Kannon statue which is believed to date back to 1714. The surrounding area, known as Chichibu Shugendo, features uniquely shaped rocks once used for ascetic training. From the hall, mist rises from the valley below and the imposing Mt. Buko creates a view of almost otherworldly beauty.

AM - Daienji Temple

Access: A 10-minute walk from Iwado Kannon Hall.

From Iwaido Kannon Hall, the pilgrimage continues toward Daienji Temple (Temple No. 27 of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage). Visitors soon come across a striking 15-meter-tall statue of Kannon standing prominently on a hillside, one of Kanto’s Three Great Kannon Statues. 

Following tradition, worshippers should first pay respects at Tsukikagedo Kannon Hall, located further down the slope, before visiting the goshuin office. The temple is also renowned for its "Water of Longevity," a natural spring said to extend the life of those who drink from it, and its striking stone approach, marked by a monument inscribed with the 27th temple number.

LUNCH - Old Folk House Restaurant Shand Fleur

For lunch, enjoy a meticulously crafted course meal at a charming local restaurant housed in a beautifully renovated, century-old Japanese house. Reservations are required. Guests remove their shoes at the entrance, so be sure to wear socks. The intimate 30-seat space overlooks a refined garden which changes with the seasons, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Courses include soup, salad, a main dish, dessert, and coffee or tea.

PM - Hashidatedo Temple

Access: A 21-minute walk from Old Folk House Restaurant Shand Fleur.

Just over a kilometer from Old Folk House Restaurant Shand Fleur lies Hashidatedo Temple (Temple No. 28 of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage), set beneath the 65-meter-high cliffs of Mt. Buko. The vermilion Kannon Hall, dating to the Edo period, enshrines Bato Kannon (Horse-headed Kannon) which has long been revered as a guardian of horses and, today, of traffic safety, with wooden horse statues and votive plaques depicting horses emphasizing this connection. 

Beside the hall is the Hashidate Limestone Cave, considered sacred by pilgrims as a passage symbolizing rebirth. For a small fee, visitors can explore its twisting 140-meter path of stalactites before emerging near the stone steps leading back to the temple. 

*From December to February, both the temple and the cave are closed. 

PM - Jurin's Geo

Access: 1-minute walk from Hashidatedo Temple.

Near the limestone cave is also this charming cafe that feels like a hidden retreat. Set before the cliff, which offers a breathtaking backdrop of seasonal greenery, Jurin's Geo specializes in rich French press brews, refreshing coffee floats and jelly, and desserts such as silky pudding and seasonal fruit parfaits. Featuring fruit like strawberries, melons, loquats, and more depending on the month, the parfaits are layered beautifully in tall glasses, offering a new surprise with every spoonful. The tranquil setting and beautiful views make it the perfect place to slow down and linger!

PM - Chosenin Temple

Access: A 28-minute walk from Jurin's Geo.

Chosenin Temple (Temple No. 29 of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage) lies across the Shoue Bridge, where visitors are treated to sweeping views of the 156-meter-high Urayama Dam. The temple grounds feature a spacious main hall, flanked by stone lanterns and encircled by a tranquil Zen garden. Visitors will also notice groups of “sekisatsu” stone prayer tablets that were offered to the temple, a tradition dating back to 1234.

At the temple’s entrance stands an ancient weeping cherry tree known as the “Cherry Blossom of Resurrection.” Once shaded by a towering cedar, it had stopped blooming, but after the cedar was removed during dam construction, the tree flowered once more - a symbol of rebirth and resilience. Beside it, the Enmei Jizo statue welcomes visitors as a guardian of children and longevity. Within the main hall, treasures and sacred objects, including offerings from the Tokugawa Shogunate and a Hokusai painting, reflect centuries of devotion.

PM - Banba Street and Chichibu Shrine

Access: From Chosenin Temple, walk 17 minutes to Urayamaguchi Station and take the Chichibu Main Line (8 minutes) to Ohanabatake Station. From there, Banba Street is just a 3-minute walk, and Chichibu Shrine is another 5 minutes down the street.

Once back in Chichibu’s city center, head to Banba Street, a charming cobblestone avenue lined with buildings from the early 1900s that leads visitors straight to Chichibu Shrine. Many of the structures are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties and still operate as shops and eateries, offering a nostalgic glimpse of Japan’s Taisho era (1912 - 1926).

At the heart of the city, Chichibu Shrine - believed to be over 2,000 years old - is renowned for its Night Festival in December, but it’s peaceful and captivating year-round. Highlights include the main hall’s exquisite and intricately detailed carvings, particularly the unique depiction of the Three Wise Monkeys, which reverses the traditional “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” to instead convey the message “See well, listen well, and speak well.”

DINNER - Buta Miso-don at Shin-Sekai

Access: A 5-minute walk from Chichibu Shrine.

For dinner, indulge in one of Chichibu’s specialties at Chichibu Shin-Sekai, a restaurant run by the century-old butcher shop Sekai. Founded in 1915, Sekai perfected a secret regional recipe originally used by hunters to preserve wild boar, now applied to tender Chichibu pork marinated in aged miso. Each piece is juicy, richly flavored, and served over rice, making it a favorite among locals for its authentic, hearty taste.

STAY - NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi

Access: A 3-minute walk from Shin-Sekai.

For an unforgettable stay in Chichibu, NIPPONIA Chichibu Monzenmachi offers accommodations within historic buildings like the early Showa–period (1926 - 1989) Koike Tobacco Shop and the adjacent Miyatani House, both Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. The Maruju Pharmacy, built between 1868 and the early Showa period, has also been beautifully renovated, creating a cozy traditional space. Each room is uniquely designed, highlighting the charm of the original architecture while blending Taisho, Showa, and modern styles. Guests can relax at their own pace while experiencing Chichibu’s history firsthand!

Day 2: Hanno - A Meditative Day Among Nature

AM - Takedera Temple

Access: Take the Seibu Chichibu Line from Seibu Chichibu Station to Hanno Station (51 minutes). Round-trip transfer to/from Takedera Temple is available when booking this experience.

Hidden deep in Hanno’s lush mountains, Takedera - known as the “Bamboo Temple” - has over 1,000 years of history. Takedera has long been a sacred site for mountain worship and is dedicated to Gozu Tenno, a guardian deity believed to protect against epidemics, disasters, and misfortune. What makes Takedera especially captivating is its serene bamboo forest, complete with bamboo torii gates and an ancient “chinowa” grass ring used in purification rituals.

Here, visitors have the extraordinary chance to try “suizen” or blowing Zen meditation. Guided by a master musician, this experience begins with an introduction to the “shakuhachi” bamboo flute inside a traditional Japanese room. After learning the basics, participants step into the temple’s secluded bamboo grove. Unlike other types of meditation, suizen invites you to walk among towering bamboo, letting the flute’s notes blend with the wind and rustling leaves. It’s a meditative journey that nurtures mindfulness while connecting deeply with the spirit of the temple.

LUNCH - Shojin Ryori at Takedera Temple

After meditation, visitors can savor “shojin ryori,” a traditional vegetarian Buddhist meal prepared with seasonal ingredients and beautifully served in bamboo bowls. Throughout your time at Takedera, you’ll also have opportunities to interact with the temple staff and the shakuhachi instructor, gaining deeper cultural insight through friendly conversation. With English-speaking guides accompanying you, everything flows smoothly, allowing you to fully appreciate the stories and spiritual atmosphere that make this temple so unique.

PM - Sayama Tea Experience

Access: Take the Hachiko Line from Higashi-Hanno Station to Kaneko Station (6 minutes). The meeting point, Ikenoyaen, is an 18-minute walk from the station. Tea Field Terrace Chanowa is a 25-minute walk from Ikenoyaen.

Sayama tea is a rare treat, making up only about 2% of Japan’s tea production. This tea yields deep, complex flavors cherished by locals and tea enthusiasts alike, offering a truly special tasting experience worth seeking out.

In Sayama, tea lovers can dive into hands-on activities such as joining farmers in the tea fields to hand-pick tea leaves, visiting a factory to see how they’re processed, and even trying their hand at roasting tea. Alternatively, visitors can challenge their palate with “tocha,” a centuries-old tea-guessing game.

One of the most serene ways to enjoy Sayama tea is at Tea Field Terrace Chanowa, an outdoor deck set in the middle of the lush tea fields. Offered by local producers, this unique experience lets you savor seasonal teas while surrounded by endless rows of green. Cushions, tableware, and everything you need are provided, so all that’s left is to relax, sip, and admire the scenery!

*Reservations must be made at least three days in advance

*Arrive at the plan’s specified tea store 30 minutes before your reservation time to receive the explanation and supplies

* You will need to provide your own transportation to the deck, whether it be by rental car, taxi, or walking.

DINNER - Yamaya

Access: Go back to Kaneko Station and take the Hachiko Line to Kawagoe Station (30 minutes). Yamaya is a 27-minute walk or a 7-minute bus ride from the station.

End your day in Kawagoe with an unforgettable dinner at Yamaya, a historic “ryotei” restaurant established in 1868. Once the villa of a wealthy merchant family, the elegant estate still echoes with the presence of feudal lords and distinguished guests of centuries past. Today, Yamaya welcomes travelers with refined “kaiseki ryori,” artfully prepared to showcase the finest seasonal ingredients of the region. Set against the backdrop of serene gardens, dining here is as much a cultural experience as it is a culinary one.

STAY - Kawagoe MUSIBIYA

Access: A 7-minute walk from Yamaya.

For a memorable stay in Kawagoe, Kawagoe MUSUBIYA is a charming traditional Japanese house built in the mid-Meiji period (1868 - 1912). Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic experience, the classic architecture and tatami interiors immerse guests in traditional Japanese living. With its warm atmosphere, thoughtful details, and blend of comfort and tradition, MUSUBIYA offers a unique base for exploring Kawagoe and enjoying a truly special cultural experience.

Day 3: Kawagoe - Step Back to the Edo Period

AM - Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Access: A 15-minute walk from Kawagoe MUSUBIYA.

Start your morning in Kawagoe with a visit to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a spiritual landmark with over 1,400 years of history. Once venerated as the guardian of Kawagoe Castle, it remains a place of deep local devotion. Today, it is especially cherished for its blessings of love and harmony, attracting couples and visitors from near and far. In summer, the atmosphere becomes even more magical during the Wind Chime Festival, when thousands of colorful glass chimes sway in the breeze, filling the shrine grounds with a gentle symphony.

AM - Kashiya Yokocho

Access: A 13-minute walk from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Stroll down Kashiya Yokocho, Kawagoe’s nostalgic “Candy Alley,” where around 30 traditional confectionery shops line a charming cobblestone street. Here, the air is filled with the sweet scents of Japanese snacks. Be sure to sample local specialties made from Kawagoe’s famed sweet potatoes, such as freshly steamed purple sweet potato “manju” buns at Inabeya, crispy candied “imokenpi” - thin strips of sweet potato deep-fried and coated in sugar - at Kawagoe Kenpi Kobo, or the beloved “imokoi,” soft buns made from yam and rice flour and filled with sweet potato and red bean paste, at Kashofumon Kashiya Yokocho Store.

AM - Ichibangai Shotengai and Toki no Kane

Access: A 4-minute walk from Kashiya Yokocho.

Known as Koedo, or “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is celebrated for its well-preserved Edo period streetscape. The city’s historic charm is most evident in the Warehouse District along Ichibangai Shotengai Shopping Street, where traditional storehouses and merchant shops line the street much as they did centuries ago, when Kawagoe flourished as a hub of trade.

Strolling past tiled rooftops and wooden facades feels like stepping back in time. Don’t miss the Toki no Kane, or “Bell of Time,” the iconic clock tower that has marked the hours for generations.

LUNCH - Kincho

Access: 1-minute walk from Ichibangai Shotengai Shopping Street.

For lunch, enjoy a taste of Kawagoe’s local specialties right beside the Toki no Kane. At Kincho, a long-established shop, you can savor their signature “imo udon,” a unique dish that blends Kawagoe’s famed sweet potatoes with handmade udon noodles. The sweet potato powder kneaded into the dough gives the noodles a delightful chewiness, a light aroma, and a subtle sweetness that sets them apart from regular udon!

PM - Taisho Roman Yume Dori Street

Access: A 6-minute walk from Kincho.

Continue your walk to Taisho Roman Yume Dori Street, a street that beautifully blends history with retro charm. Once Saitama’s first arcade, it was eventually demolished as it aged and rebuilt with a streetscape inspired by the Taisho era. Today, the street is lined with a mix of storehouse-style buildings, traditional townhouses, and Western-inspired architecture, creating a unique backdrop often used for TV dramas and commercials. Visit in spring to witness a beloved Kawagoe tradition, when hundreds of “koinobori” colorful carp streamers flutter gracefully above the street from late March through mid-May.

PM - Kinbue Shoyu Soy Sauce Park

Access: From Taisho Roman Yume Dori Street, walk 2 minutes and take bus No.2 or 3 from the Nakacho Kawagoeshi Bus Stop. Get off at the Igusa Shogakko Mae Bus Stop. Kinbue Shoyu Soy Sauce Park is a 4-minute walk from the bus stop.

End your day by experiencing one of Saitama’s proud traditions at Kinbue Shoyu Soy Sauce Park, established over 230 years ago. On their guided tour, you’ll learn how soy sauce is made using traditional methods, from soaking and steaming locally grown soybeans to fermenting the mixture in large wooden barrels. Visitors can observe different stages of fermentation, watch soy sauce being pressed by hand, and discover unique varieties of the seasoning. After the tour, browse their shop for special souvenirs!

Make the Most of 3 Days in Saitama

Close enough to Tokyo for a quick escape, yet rich enough to stand on its own, Saitama is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a refreshing blend of culture and the great outdoors! From the spiritual journey of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage to the peaceful bamboo groves of Takedera Temple and the historic streets of Kawagoe, visitors can immerse themselves in tradition, nature, and local flavors while in Saitama. This journey proves that just a short train ride from Tokyo, a hidden gem of Japan awaits discovery.

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