Introduction to Instagrammable Photos in Saitama Prefecture
The Hikawa Shrine, Mitsumine Shrine, and Chichibu Shrine in Saitama Prefecture have been revered by many people since ancient times. Additionally, Saitama is blessed with historical sites and nature-rich tourist attractions, such as Kawagoe, which retains a strong Edo period atmosphere, and the majestic nature of Nagatoro.
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
Located in Omiya City, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, also known as Omiya Hikawa Shrine, is the most important of the approximately 280 Hikawa Shrines in Tokyo and Saitama Prefecture. This shrine has a history of over 2,000 years and attracts many visitors for the New Year’s first shrine visit. In May, the traditional Noh performance “Omiya Takigi Noh” is held. The shrine’s grounds are vast, covering about 30,000 tsubo, with a long approach lined with old pine and cedar trees. There is also a 13-meter-tall wooden torii gate, which was relocated from Meiji Shrine.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:10-minute walk from Kita-Omiya Station
Mitsumine Shrine
The entrance to Mitsumine Shrine’s approach features a rare torii gate known as “Mitsu Torii,” which combines three torii gates. This shrine, located at an altitude of 1,100 meters, is enveloped in mist, creating a mystical atmosphere. It was founded approximately 1,900 years ago by Prince Yamato Takeru and is known for its unique wolf statues. The shrine is also famous as a power spot, and items made from the sacred trees within the grounds are popular.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 75-minute bus ride from Chichibu Station
Chichibu Shrine
With a history of about 2,100 years, Chichibu Shrine is visited by many worshippers for various prayers, such as family safety, business prosperity, traffic safety, and success in exams. The current main hall was built in 1592 by Tokugawa Ieyasu and features Edo-period architectural styles. The Chichibu Night Festival, held from December 1 to 6 each year, is famous as a historic festival alongside Kyoto’s Gion Festival and Takayama Festival.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 5-minute walk from Chichibu Station
Kawagoe
Kawagoe, which prospered as a commercial city during the Edo period, is characterized by its streets that retain a strong atmosphere from that time. Popular tourist spots include the Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower) and the Honmaru Goten of Kawagoe Castle. In Kashiya Yokocho, you can enjoy sweets made with Kawagoe’s specialty sweet potatoes. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is revered as a deity of marital harmony and matchmaking. From July to September, the “Enmusubi Wind Chimes” event features colorful Edo-style wind chimes decorating the shrine grounds, offering enjoyment to visitors.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:24-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
Oshi Castle Ruins
Oshi Castle was built during the Muromachi period (1469-1486). It is also known as the “Floating Castle” because it withstood a water siege by the army of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, commanded by Ishida Mitsunari, at the end of the Sengoku period. The current Oshi Castle was rebuilt after being demolished during the Meiji Restoration, and from its turret, you can get a panoramic view of the city.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 12-minute walk from Gyoda City Station
Hitsujiyama Park
Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu City boasts about 1,000 Someiyoshino cherry trees in full bloom in early April. Additionally, from mid-April to early May, over 400,000 moss phlox plants of nine varieties create a colorful flower carpet. The park also has a “Petting Farm” where you can meet friendly sheep.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Early April to early May
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:20-minute walk from Chichibu Station
Nagatoro
Nagatoro Gorge is characterized by beautiful natural scenery with uplifted rocks spreading like a tatami mat. The rock formations stretch about 50 meters wide and 600 meters long, with walking trails suitable for hiking. From spring to summer, you can enjoy the lush green mountains, and in autumn, the vibrant foliage attracts visitors. The “Nagatoro Line Kudari” boat activity allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery guided by a boatman, deeply experiencing Nagatoro Gorge’s nature. The scenic views created by the clear stream of the Arakawa River and the Chichibu Red Wall, a rock wall tens of meters high, are also highlights of this area.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 5-minute walk from Nagatoro Station
Chichibu Railway
The SL Paleo Express is a steam locomotive operated by Chichibu Railway. This train departs from Kumagaya Station, passes through the beautiful Nagatoro Gorge, and reaches the terminus of the Chichibu Line at Mitsumineguchi Station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The operating period is generally Saturdays and Sundays, but it is recommended to check the official Chichibu Railway website for detailed operating days.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operating days
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information:Operates between Kumagaya Station and Mitsumineguchi Station
