Kawagoe City also has many parks and scenic spots in the suburbs. Here we will introduce some of them.
Kawagoe Water Park(Ikenobe, Kawagoe City)
Kawagoe Water Park is a prefectural park famous for its large swimming pool. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall, as well as strolling and jogging all year round. There is also a fishing pond, tennis courts, and a barbecue area, making it a popular spot for families.
Isanuma(Isanuma, Kawagoe City)
Isanuma is the largest natural lake in Saitama Prefecture. The surrounding area is famous for its lotus flowers, and in the summer, the scenery is magical. There is also an Isanuma Agricultural Products Direct Sales Shop, where you can purchase local vegetables and enjoy snacks.
Ainashinsui Park(Ainashinden, Kawagoe City)
Ainashinsui Park is a vast 18-hectare park along the Irumagawa River, perfect for picnics and cycling. There are also tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields. Many people bring their pets and enjoy sports, so you can spend your time relaxing here.
Koedo Hatsukari Hot Springs(Shibui, Kawagoe City)
Koedo Hatsukari Hot Springs is a day-trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy natural hot springs. There are also bedrock baths and loyly baths. It’s the perfect place to soothe the fatigue of sightseeing.
Koedo Hot Springs KASHIBA(Matsugo, Kawagoe City)
Koedo Hot Springs KASHIBA is a day-trip hot spring facility located right next to Isanuma. There is also a shuttle bus from Kawagoe Station and Honkawagoe Station.
Natural hot springs Kachofugetsu(Ohyazawa, Hidaka City)
Natural hot springs Kachofugetsu is a day-trip hot spring facility attached to Saiboku, famous for its pork and ham. In the restaurant, you can enjoy delicious dishes made with Saiboku meat.
Kawagoe City Agriculture Center(Isanuma, Kawagoe City)
Kawagoe City Agriculture Center is a facility where you can get close to nature and the soil. You can experience growing vegetables, planting rice, harvesting rice, and more.
Digging sweet potatoes
Sweet potato digging is one of the unique pleasures of Kawagoe. You can experience digging sweet potatoes at a tourist farm on the outskirts of Kawagoe city from September to early November.
Saitama Children’s Zoo(Higashimatsuyama City)
Saitama Children’s Zoo is a zoo with 160 kinds of animals in the 46 hectare forest of the Hiki Hills. If you go a little further, you can meet capybaras and koalas, which is a popular spot in Saitama.
Seibuen Amusement Park(Yamaguchi, Tokorozawa City)
Seibuen Amusement Park is an amusement park with the concept of “a world wrapped in heartwarming happiness.” In the shopping arcade, you can shop using Seibuen currency.
Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Museum(Namiki, Tokorozawa City)
Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Museum is an exhibition facility commemorating Tokorozawa Airfield, which was opened as the first airport in Japan. It also holds events for children.
Sayama Ski Resort(Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa City)
Sayama Ski Resort is the only artificial ski resort in Saitama Prefecture. In the off-season, it becomes an indoor water play theme park.
Metsa Village(Hanno City)
Metsa Village is a Scandinavian-style experience facility located on the shores of Lake Miyazawa, surrounded by nature. Located next to Moomin Valley Park, you can enjoy strolling along the lakeside, shopping for Scandinavian goods, and relaxing at the cafe.
Totoro Forest(Sayama Hills)
Totoro Forest is a naturally rich forest that spreads across the Sayama Hills, the setting for the movie “My Neighbor Totoro,” and it spans Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo. It was purchased by the Totoro Hometown Fund and is being preserved and managed.
Koma Shrine(Hidaka City)
Koma Shrine is a historic shrine in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture, dedicated to Komanokokishi Jakko, a king of Goryeo who came to Japan about 1,300 years ago. It is a spot where history and nature come together in harmony, attracting many worshippers and allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful rows of cherry blossom trees in spring.
Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma(Iruma City)
Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma is the only outlet mall in Saitama Prefecture. Located just off the Iruma Interchange, you can enjoy shopping for famous brands at approximately 200 stores.
Johnson Town(Iruma City)
Johnson Town is an area in Iruma City with an American-style streetscape. The retro buildings, which were once US military houses, give you the feeling of being in the suburbs of America. Cafes and general stores are scattered throughout the area, making it a popular spot for strolling and photography.
Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park(Hanno City)
Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park is a unique children’s park in Hanno City that is filled with the worldview of Finnish fairy tale author Tove Jansson. Surrounded by lush greenery and streams, the park is dotted with unique buildings such as the Mushroom House, Moomin House, Children’s Theater, and Forest House that encourage “adventure” rather than playground equipment. Children can explore freely and play leisurely while nurturing their imagination.
YYoshimi Hyakuana(Yoshimi Town)
Yoshimi Hyakuana is a nationally designated historic site that contains the remains of ancient cave tombs built at the end of the Kofun period (the end of the 6th century to the second half of the 7th century). The rocky mountain with countless holes is a popular historical spot filled with mystery and romance.
Chikozan Park(Sayama City)
Chikozan Park is a vast, lush urban park where you can enjoy nature in every season. The park is packed with family-friendly facilities, including playground equipment, a barbecue area, restaurants, and a children’s zoo. It’s also a great spot for walking, picnics, camping, and bird watching, making it the perfect spot to refresh yourself from the everyday. There are 16 tennis courts with night lighting, but reservations are required.