The ideal number of days to spend in Saitama depends on your interests and the pace at which you prefer to explore, but generally, 2 to 3 days is enough to experience the top attractions and get a feel for the region.
2-Day Itinerary for Saitama
If you’re on a short trip, 2 days can allow you to see the key sights:
Day 1: Cultural and Historical Exploration
Morning:
- Start your day by visiting Kawagoe, also known as "Little Edo," to explore the historic Kurazukuri Zone with its old warehouse-style buildings, the Toki-no-Kane bell tower, and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Lunch:
Afternoon:
Head to Omiya Bonsai Village to learn about the traditional art of bonsai and visit the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum.
Visit Saitama Super Arena if you're interested in large-scale events or enjoy its surrounding entertainment.
Evening:
Day 2: Nature and Day Trip Options
Morning:
- Visit Chichibu, known for its scenic landscapes. Explore Hitsujiyama Park during the spring for the shiba-zakura flowers or enjoy a hike in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.
Lunch:
Afternoon:
Explore Nagatoro for outdoor activities, such as boat rides on the river or a visit to Iwadatami rock formations.
Alternatively, visit Seibu-en Amusement Park or enjoy shopping at Koshigaya Laketown, one of the largest shopping malls in Japan.
Evening:
3-Day Itinerary for Saitama
If you have 3 days, you can take a more leisurely pace and explore the attractions in more depth, as well as take a day trip to nearby cities like Tokyo or Kawagoe.
Day 1 & Day 2: Follow the 2-day itinerary as outlined above, covering cultural and historical attractions, nature spots, and entertainment venues.
Day 3: Day Trip to Tokyo or Kawagoe
Morning:
- Take a short trip to Kawagoe (about 30 minutes by train) to explore more of its Edo-period charm or head to Tokyo to visit famous districts like Shibuya, Asakusa, or Shinjuku.
Lunch:
Afternoon:
In Kawagoe, visit the Kawagoe Castle or enjoy shopping at the Kawagoe Kimono Museum.
In Tokyo, take in more sightseeing, or visit Ueno Park or Asakusa for a cultural experience.
Evening:
Conclusion
- 2 days is perfect for seeing the highlights and enjoying a mix of cultural sites, nature, and local experiences.
- 3 days allows for a more leisurely pace, including time for day trips to nearby cities and more exploration of the region’s unique offerings.
Ultimately, the number of days you spend in Saitama will depend on how much time you want to devote to each attraction and whether you plan to take side trips to nearby regions like Tokyo or Kawagoe.
