[Saitama] Historic city of Kawagoe and natural paradise of Chichibu: tourist attractions to explore with a rental car

Recommended sightseeing spots in Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is the prefecture with the most sunny days per year than any other in Japan. Because there are many sunny days, Chichibu is also attractive because you can enjoy nature to the fullest, such as going down the Nagatoro river and camping. It is also known as the City of Water, as a large proportion of its area is covered by rivers.

In this article, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Saitama Prefecture that you should visit and recommended rental cars that can be rented in the area.

• Table of Contents
• Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
• Nagatoro
• Mitsumine Shrine
• Chichibu Shrine
• Hanazono Forest
• The Bell of Time/Confectionery Alley

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Hikawa Shrine is a shrine that is worshiped as the guardian deity of Kawagoe. The current main shrine, which was constructed in 1842, has elaborate carvings called Edo-bori, and has been designated as an important cultural property of the prefecture.

Since it enshrines the gods of couples and families, it is also worshiped as the ``god of marriage,'' and on sunny days you can even see brides wearing white robes.

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Nagatoro

Nagatoro is blessed with a rich natural environment, where you can enjoy a variety of outdoor sports. In particular, whitewater rafting, where the boatmen maneuver the boat with a long pole, allows you to enjoy the thrill of the violent shaking and splashing of water while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the valley.

If you visit Hodosan Shrine using the Hodosan Ropeway, you will be refreshed and filled with the energy of nature and the gods. We also recommend hiking and flower viewing.

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Mitsumine Shrine

Mitsumine Shrine is located at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters and has long been considered a place of sacred training. The messenger of the gods is a wolf, so a wolf, not a guardian dog, sits opposite the torii gate.

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Chichibu Shrine

Chichibu Shrine is a historic shrine with a history of over 2100 years. It is also famous for having the main shrine building, which was burnt down during the Sengoku period, rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu. It has an architectural style called Gongen-zukuri, and is attractive with vivid carvings of animals hidden throughout.

It is said to bring various benefits such as academic success, praying for passing exams, and prosperity of descendants, and the unique water fortune-telling and Mayumi fortune-telling are also popular.

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Hanazono Forest

Hanazono Forest is a sweets theme park that both adults and children can enjoy, with a pink exterior modeled after a European mansion.

With a wide variety of bread and baked goods for sale, assorted cookies, and all-you-can-eat cakes, the space is like a candy house, surrounded by delicious food everywhere you look.

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The Bell of Time/Confectionery Alley

The first Toki no Kane is said to have been built between 1627 and 1634 at the current location in Taga Town. Since its founding, it has been a symbol of Little Edo Kawagoe, which has signaled "time", which is essential to daily life.

Kashiya Yokocho has been manufacturing sweets since the beginning of the Meiji era. Currently, there are more than 20 stores, so you can enjoy the alley-like atmosphere.

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