First Time in Saitama

The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is the world’s largest underground floor water diversion facility, built to withstand the water that rains down on the metropolitan area during flood season. It took 14 years to build the entire structure, and is fitted with pumps, five large concrete containment silos, and a total of 6.4 kilometers worth of tunnels. The Underground Exploration Museum of The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel also offers tours of the structure, though a Japanese-English translator is required.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Known as the “Love Shrine”, the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is home to the God of Matchmaking and Happy Families. Each year, people gather during the summer to attend the Matchmaking Bell ceremony, where 888 bells are put up along with each person’s wishes on a piece of paper. They also give out a total of 20 “Matchmaking charms” each day, starting from 8 am, which are considered the strongest matchmaking good luck charms in Japan. Use this as an opportunity to get close to that special someone!

Koedo Kawagoe

Koedo, or “Little Edo” as it is aptly named, comes from the original name of Tokyo, Edo. Therefore, this street would be considered a little Tokyo, during the Edo period. And it looks the part as well, with its old wooden buildings that sell “Dagashi” or traditional Japanese snacks. It is located 30 minutes from the center of Tokyo, and is great for that stereotypical “Japanese” itch that you may have. They also offer looping tour buses that look like old fashioned automobiles as well, giving that little extra to entertain the tourists.

 

Seibuen Yuenchi has over 20 attractions, including some excellent roller coasters, arranged in a spacious tree-filled park. A water park opens in the summer; winter activities include outdoor ice skating and a trout fishing pond; sakura season brings a cherry blossom festival; and the Hello Kitty Merhen Town brings in the kiddies all year long. Come to Seibuen Amusement Park is great if you want to go to an amusement park in Japan, but are tired of Disney land or Universal Studios.