Origin of Saitama prefectural name
SAITAMA – Divine Spirit of Happiness 埼玉県 Although it is basically known where the name “Saitama” came from (a village named “Sakitama” in present-day Gyoda city), the actual meaning remains…
Cherry and rapeseed blossoms in Gogendo Park, Satte, Saitama
About an hour by express train from Tokyo (Kinshicho), Satte is on the way to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Satte is famous for these cherry blossoms (sakura) and rapeseed flowers…
Homestay in Saitama Prefecture 2020
Updated: April 19, 2021 *Update: To prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Saitama Homestay Program in 2021 has been canceled. Online Zoom meetings will be held instead. Saitama Prefecture is…
Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin Temple
Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin Temple (妻沼聖天山) is Saitama Prefecture’s sole National Treasure building. It is a magnificent restoration of a 250-year-old building covered with intricate woodcarvings. Menuma Shodenzan Kangiin temple was…
Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri Festival 2013
Kumagaya in Saitama Prefecture is famous for some of the hottest summer temperatures in the Tokyo/Kanto area. On a relatively “cool” (around 33 C) evening, I went to see the…
Hina Matsuri Doll Festival at Konosu, Saitama
Happy Grrlz Day! Saw Hinamatsuri at Konosu City Hall in Saitama Prefecture for the first time. The lobby had a huge pyramid (7 meters high) of 1,800 hina dolls flanked…
Iruma Air Show
Nov. 3 is when the annual Iruma Air Show is held at Iruma Air Base in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture. It’s one of Japan’s most spectacular free shows. The main attraction…