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 large, prefectural park located in Ikenobe, Kawagoe City. With its vast grounds and a wide range of facilities, it serves as a beloved recreational spot for local residents and visitors alike. The park’s main attraction is its large-scale swimming pool complex, one of the largest in Saitama Prefecture, which operates during the summer season. It features a lazy river, water slides, and shallow pools for small children, making it a lively destination for families and groups of friends throughout the hot months.
Isanuma（Isanuma, Kawagoe City）
Isanuma is a natural lake located in the Isa-numa area of Kawagoe City, and it is known as the largest marshy lake in Saitama Prefecture.
In the past, it served as an important source of agricultural water, supporting the daily lives of the surrounding communities. Today, it is cherished by many residents and tourists as a relaxing spot where they can enjoy its rich natural environment and beautiful scenery.
A walking path has been developed around the lake, allowing visitors to take leisurely strolls while appreciating the seasonal landscapes. In addition, the “Isa-numa Farmers’ Market” is located nearby, where visitors can purchase fresh local vegetables, fruits, and a variety of processed products.
Ruins of the Shingashi River river bank（Shimoshingashi, Kawagoe City）
The Shingashigawa Riverside Wharf Ruins are located in Shimoshingashi, Kawagoe City, and mark the site of a once-thriving riverside wharf that prospered thanks to the boat transportation along the Shingashi River. From the Edo period through the Meiji period, the Shingashi River served as an important waterway connecting Kawagoe and Edo (present-day Tokyo), with a steady flow of goods and people traveling along its course.
The surrounding area is equipped with informational signage, allowing visitors to take a leisurely walk while learning about the historical significance of the site and the river’s role in regional commerce and transportation.
Senba Riverside Historical Park（Senba, Kawagoe City）
Senba Riverside Historic Park is located in Senba, Kawagoe City, and is a quiet historic park surrounded by abundant nature, despite its proximity to the urban area. The site was once a landing place used in the early Meiji period when boat transportation along the Shingashi River was thriving, playing a key role in supporting Kawagoe’s commerce and logistics.
Within the park, visitors can see remnants of the original landing, such as the terrain and stonework, allowing them to stroll while feeling the history of the area. Additionally, the park preserves wetlands formed by natural springs, offering a rare opportunity to experience a natural environment that is uncommon in the urban surroundings. This combination of historical and natural features makes Senba Riverside Historic Park a unique and valuable spot for both education and relaxation.
Ainashinsui Park（Ainashinden, Kawagoe City）
Aina Waterside Park is located in Apina Shinden, Kawagoe City, and is a spacious waterside park covering approximately 18 hectares along the Iruma River. Surrounded by abundant nature, the park is a popular spot where families, friends, and even visitors with pets can relax and enjoy the changing scenery throughout the four seasons.
The park is well-equipped with sports facilities, including tennis courts, soccer fields, and baseball fields, making it a hub for local club activities and community sports as well. Its combination of natural beauty and recreational amenities makes Aina Waterside Park a cherished place for relaxation, outdoor activities, and social gatherings.
Koaze Waterbird Village Park（Yoshidashinmachi, Kawagoe City）
Koaze Waterfowl Sanctuary Park is located in Yoshida Shinmachi, Kawagoe City, and features a rainwater retention pond as its central attraction. Around the pond, walking paths have been carefully laid out, providing visitors with a peaceful environment where they can enjoy leisurely strolls while taking in the changing scenery of the four seasons.
One of the park’s main attractions is that it serves as a habitat for a variety of waterfowl. Ducks, herons, and other species can often be seen resting on the calm surface of the pond, and during migration seasons, additional birds stop by on their journeys, offering visitors the chance to observe a diverse array of wildlife up close. This makes the park a cherished spot for both relaxation and nature observation among local residents.
Oisezuka Park（Iseharacho, Kawagoe City）
Oiseshizuka Park is located in Isehara-cho, Kawagoe City, and is a lush green park featuring a gourd-shaped pond and a broad expanse of deciduous forest that preserves the natural scenery of the Musashino region. The park also has city-operated tennis courts for public use.
Oiseshizuka Park is well known as a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, and during the spring bloom, it attracts many visitors who come to enjoy hanami. However, the park’s parking lot is small, accommodating only about ten vehicles, so using public transportation, such as buses, is recommended when visiting.
Natural Small Trip Kawagoe Onsen（Kaminodamachi, Kawagoe City）
Chiisana Tabi Kawagoe Onsen is a natural hot spring located in Uenodamachi, Kawagoe City, and the facility’s manager is also a regular visitor. It is an ideal place to relax and relieve the fatigue accumulated from sightseeing and walking around the city. The hot spring source, called “Kawagoe Natural Hot Spring – Bihada no Yu” (Beautiful Skin Water), is gentle on the skin and has excellent heat-retention properties, leaving visitors refreshed in both body and mind after bathing.
Natural hot spring facilities are extremely rare in Kawagoe City, with only three locations in total, including this onsen.
Koedo Hatsukari Hot Springs（Shibui, Kawagoe City）
Koedo Hatsukari Onsen is a day-use hot spring facility located in Shibui, Kawagoe City, where visitors can enjoy natural hot spring baths. In addition to the hot springs, the facility offers a range of relaxation amenities, including ganbanyoku (hot stone baths) and löyly—a sauna experience that uses heated air and steam for enhanced relaxation. Visitors can enjoy not only soaking in the baths but also a variety of wellness experiences. It is an ideal place to relieve the fatigue accumulated from sightseeing and walking around the city.
Koedo Hot Springs KASHIBA（Matsugo, Kawagoe City）
Koedo Onsen KASHIBA is a day-use hot spring facility located in Matsugo, Kawagoe City, situated right next to the scenic and nature-rich Isanuma Pond. It is an ideal place to relax and soothe tired muscles after sightseeing or strolling around the area.
The facility is conveniently accessible with shuttle buses running from Kawagoe Station and Hon-Kawagoe Station. Inside, visitors can enjoy natural hot springs and ganbanyoku (hot stone baths), as well as well-equipped relaxation areas and rest spaces. After soaking in the baths, guests can unwind further by enjoying light meals or drinks, making for a leisurely and rejuvenating experience.
Natural hot springs Kachofugetsu（Ohyazawa, Hidaka City）
Natural Hot Spring Kachou Fuugetsu is a day-use hot spring facility located in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture, adjacent to Saiboku Ham, a place famous for its pork and ham products. In addition to the appeal of its hot spring baths, the facility takes advantage of its location within the Saiboku premises, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy meals prepared with fresh local ingredients as well as shop for souvenirs.
The hot spring water contains skin-friendly minerals, allowing visitors to soak in comfort and relieve the fatigue accumulated from daily life, sightseeing, or walking around the area. A visit to Kachou Fuugetsu provides a refreshing experience for both body and mind, making it an ideal destination for relaxation.
Digging sweet potatoes
Sweet potato digging has long been a popular seasonal activity for tourists and families in Kawagoe. The suburbs of Kawagoe in particular are blessed with fertile soil and have long been known as a sweet potato producing region. As a result, the city is dotted with many farms where tourists can experience sweet potato digging, and this experience is usually available from September to early November.
Saitama Children’s Zoo（Higashimatsuyama City）
Saitama Children’s Zoo and Nature Park is a vast zoo spanning approximately 46 hectares, making use of the rich natural environment of the Hiki Hills in Higashimatsuyama City. The zoo is home to approximately 150 species of animals, including capybaras and koalas, and is characterized by its open-air exhibits that make the most of the natural terrain. Not only can you observe the animals up close, but you can also enjoy the seasonal scenery as you leisurely stroll around the park.
Seibuen Amusement Park（Yamaguchi, Tokorozawa City）
Seibuen Amusement Park is an entertainment-packed amusement park themed around a Showa-era retro worldview. Based on the concept of “a world enveloped in a heartwarming sense of happiness,” the park’s unique atmosphere, evokes nostalgic scenes and warm human warmth, making visitors feel as if they’ve been transported to a Showa-era movie. You can use the park’s exclusive “Seibuen Currency” to shop, eat, and drink.
Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Museum（Namiki, Tokorozawa City）
The Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Museum is an exhibition facility built to commemorate Tokorozawa Airfield, an essential part of Japan’s aviation history. Tokorozawa Airfield is known as the first officially opened airfield in Japan during the Meiji era, marking the beginning of Japan’s aviation history.The museum not only conveys this precious history, but also has a variety of exhibits and experience corners where visitors can enjoy learning about the development of aviation technology and the mechanisms of flight. However, due to large-scale renovation work, the museum will be closed from September 1, 2025 to the end of March 2027 (planned).
Sayama Ski Resort（Kamiyamaguchi, Tokorozawa City）
Sayama Ski Resort is a popular spot known as Saitama Prefecture’s only artificial ski resort. It’s popular with a wide range of skiers, from beginners to advanced skiers. Being indoors, it’s unaffected by weather and offers stable skiing conditions throughout the year, making it a major attraction. During the off-season, the resort transforms into a large-scale indoor water play theme park.
Metsa Village（Hanno City）
Metsa Village is an experiential leisure facility themed around a “Scandinavian lifestyle” located on the shores of Lake Miyazawa in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture. Surrounded by forest and lake, the expansive site offers shopping, dining, and activities, making it a popular spot for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located nearby is Moomin Valley Park, where you can experience the world of Moomin.
Koma Shrine（Hidaka City）
Koma Shrine (Komajinja) is a historic shrine located in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture. Its deity is King Jakko of Koma, a leader of the immigrants who came to Musashi Province at the beginning of the Nara period. The shrine grounds are surrounded by beautiful nature throughout the seasons. Especially during the spring cherry blossom season, the approach to the shrine is lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom, making it a popular spot for people to stroll and take photos.
Kinchakuda (Hidaka City)
Kinchakuda Manjushage Park is known nationwide for being one of Japan’s largest cluster amaryllis (red spider lilies) colonies. The land formed by the meandering Koma River, which flows through Hidaka City, resembles a drawstring bag, hence the name “Kinchakuda.” Kinchakuda’s greatest attraction is the spectacle of approximately 5 million bright red cluster amaryllis flowers spreading across the entire area. The best time to see them is mid- to late September, when the forest floor is dyed a deep crimson, creating a mystical sight that captivates visitors.
Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma（Iruma City）
Mitsui Outlet Park Iruma is the largest outlet mall in southern Saitama Prefecture, a popular spot visited by many shoppers and tourists on weekends. Another attractive feature is its excellent accessibility, located just off the Iruma Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway.The vast grounds are lined with around 80 shops, offering a wide range of products, from famous domestic and international brands to fashion, sports, outdoor goods, interior goods and everyday items. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Johnson Town（Iruma City）
Johnson Town is an area with a unique streetscape, offering an exotic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’ve wandered into the suburbs of America. Originally developed as a residential area for U.S. military personnel, the area is now lined with renovated military housing, creating a unique atmosphere.The entire town is unified in an American style, characterized by white wooden one-story buildings, colorful exterior walls, and spacious lawned gardens.
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.
Yoshimi Hyakuana（Yoshimi Town）
Yoshimi Hyakuana is a group of cave tombs believed to have been constructed at the end of the Kofun period (late 6th century to late 7th century). It is a valuable historical heritage site designated as a national historic site. Countless holes, totaling 219, are carved into the tuff rocks here. These holes were dug by people of the time to bury their dead, and they provide valuable clues to ancient funeral culture and beliefs.
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.
