Saitama Prefecture is a hidden gem just an hour’s drive from Tokyo, offering a perfect road trip experience. From the lush mountains of Chichibu to the historic streets of Kawagoe, Saitama is packed with scenic and cultural spots waiting to be explored. This one-day road trip itinerary introduces you to Saitama’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Whether it’s seasonal views or local cuisine, this trip has something for everyone. Rent a car and discover the charm of Saitama!
Summary of One-Day Road Trip in Saitama prefecture
In this article, we introduce a sample road trip in Saitama Prefecture that can be completed in one day by car.
Also, please refer to the details of each facility and how to enjoy them.
- 10:30AMStarting point: Mitsumine Shrine, Chichibu
- 12:00PMChichibu Muse Park
- 1:30PMNagatoro Area
- 4:30PMKawagoe and Koedo Area
- 7:00PMGoal: Tokyo (varies by location)
Starting point: Mitsumine Shrine, Chichibu (10:30AM)
Basic Information
- Address: 298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu, Saitama, Japan
- Opening hours: 24 hours (open for worship)
- Shrine office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Parking Information: Free parking available (early morning is recommended).
How to get there
If you are visiting from Tokyo, take the Hanazono IC of the Kanetsu Expressway → Route 140 to reach Mitsumine Shrine. On the way, you will be able to enjoy lush green scenery on the mountain roads in the Chichibu area. The trip from the Tokyo area takes about 2 hours. Since this spot is located deep in Saitama, an early morning departure is recommended.
How to enjoy
Located at an elevation of over 1,000 meters, Mitsumine Shrine offers spectacular views from the top of the mountain. Worshipping in the sacred atmosphere is soothing. After a stroll, we recommend enjoying the famous “Mitsumine dango” at a teahouse.
Charge
- Admission Fee: None (free of charge)
- Activity Fees: None (free of charge)
- Special prayer: From 3,000 yen (upon request)
- Mitsumine Shrine Hot Spring “Yakushi no Yu” :
- Adults (junior high school students and older): 700 yen
- Children (elementary school students and under): 300 yen
- Towel: 200 yen
points to keep in mind
- Mountainous roads continue: The road to Mitsumine Shrine is mountainous, with sharp curves and narrow roads. Be careful if you are not used to driving. 2.
- Busy times: Be sure to arrive early, as parking lots are often crowded on weekends and in the mornings on holidays.
- frozen road surfaces in winter: Winter tires may be necessary during the winter months due to the possibility of icy road surfaces.
Chichibu Muse Park (12:00PM)
Basic Information
- Address: 990 Nakamiyachi-cho, Chichibu-shi, Saitama
- Opening hours: 24 hours (free in the park)
- Observation deck: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (varies according to season)
- Parking Information: Free parking is available. During busy times, use the parking lot a short distance away.
How to get there from Mitsumine Shrine in Chichibu
From Mitsumine Shrine in Chichibu to Chichibu Muse Park, take Route 140 in the northeast direction for about 50 minutes. On the way, you can take a rest at Roadside Station Otaki Onsen.
How to enjoy
Take a walk in the park and enjoy the view from the observatory. The scenery is different in each season, with beautiful autumn leaves in fall and cherry blossoms in spring. Rental bicycles and hikes on the grounds are also recommended.
Charge
- Admission: None (free to explore the park)
- Activity Fees: None
- rent a bicycle:
- Adult: 500 yen/1 hour、
- Children: 300 yen/1 hour
- Observation deck admission: Free
- Use of barbecue area (reservation required): From 3,000 yen (depends on the area)
- rent a bicycle:
Nagatoro Area(1:30PM)
Basic Information
- Address: Around Iwadatami, Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama
- Opening Hours: Depends on each store and activity (e.g. Nagatoro Line Rafting is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
- Parking Information: Many paid parking lots are available. Early arrival is recommended during peak season.
How to get there from Chichibu Muse Park
From Chichibu Muse Park, drive north on Route 140 to reach the Nagatoro area in about 20 minutes.
How to enjoy
In Nagatoro, we recommend experiencing “line rafting” and enjoying the beautiful flow of the Arakawa River. The spectacular view of the rocky tadami mats is a great photo opportunity. Also, enjoy local food specialties such as soba (buckwheat noodles) and “miso potato” (miso fries).
Charge
- Nagatoro Line Rafting:
- Adult (junior high school student and older): from 1,800 yen
- Children (elementary school students and under): from 900 yen
- Iwatami Tatami walking: Free (walking tour)
- Guideline for meals:
- Local soba noodles: 800 yen to 1,000 yen
- Miso fries: from 300 yen
points to keep in mind
- Tourist Season Crowding: During Golden Week and foliage season, the parking lot may be full early in the morning. Aim for weekdays or arrive early.
- Requires walking: You will need to walk several minutes from the parking lot around Iwadatami to the tourist spots. Prepare comfortable walking shoes.
- Rhine Rafting Operation Status: Rafting may be suspended in the event of rain or rising water. Please check the official website in advance.
Kawagoe and Koedo Area (4:30PM)
Basic Information
- Address: Around Motomachi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- Opening hours: 24 hours (free to explore the streets)
- Toki no Kane: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Kashiya Yokocho: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Parking Information: Many paid parking lots (about 200-300 yen per hour).
How to get there from Nagatoro
From Nagatoro, take Route 140 and get on the Kan-etsu Expressway at Hanazono IC. Exit at Kawagoe IC, and you’ll arrive at the Kawagoe area in about an hour.
How to enjoy
In Kawagoe, take a stroll through the traditional streets. Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere at Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) and Kashiya Yokocho (Confectioner’s Alley), and enjoy local sweet potato sweets. The illumination of the city from evening to night is also a highlight.
Charge
- Observing the Bell Tolling of the Bells of Time: Free (and free to listen to the tolling of the bells)
- Strolling along Kashiya Yokocho: Free
- Kawagoe Festival Hall admission:
- Adult: 300 yen
- Children: 100 yen
- Guideline for local gourmet foods:
- Sweet potato sweets: 200~500 yen
- Dishes using soy sauce: 100~300 yen
points to keep in mind
- Parking options: Parking is plentiful in the city, but the closer you are to the attractions, the more crowded it will be. It is a good idea to park a short distance away.
- Holiday congestion: Traffic jams are especially likely to occur on weekends and holidays. There are also many people.
- Kawagoe Festival: Vehicle entry is restricted during the annual Kawagoe Festival.
Goal: Tokyo (varies by location) (7:00PM)
- How to get there from Kawagoe:. From Kawagoe to Tokyo, take the Kan-etsu Expressway, which takes about 30 minutes~1 hour depending on the location. When driving at night, it is recommended to take breaks as needed.
- How to enjoy:. Reflect on your day’s drive and drive home safely. When returning your rental car, remember to refuel beforehand.
Conclusion
Saitama Prefecture is an ideal destination for a road trip from central Tokyo, where you can enjoy nature and culture. This course will take you to fascinating spots such as Chichibu and Kawagoe, offering a full day experience. Easily accessible by rental car, we encourage you to plan accordingly! This sample course is just an example, and there are other attractive driving spots in Saitama!
Upon request, we will provide other driving model courses for content!
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