Saitama
Various industries as its close location to Tokyo
Saitama prefecture is located at the north-west of Tokyo on honshu island. As it’s close to Tokyo, various industries are found in Saitama. As weather damages are less, Saitama is suitable for living.
It was a route of two of the five main roads during the Edo period, and Kawagoe preserves traditional stone houses from the Edo period.
Kawagoe was strategically and commercial important as a neighboring of Japan’s capital, Edo, former Tokyo, during the Edo period. Main area of Kawagoe preserves traditional stone houses, which are more fire proof than more common wooden houses around that time.
Nagatoro offers great nature and impressive gorges. It offers a traditional river boat tour on Arakawa river.
Chichibu night festival is listed as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It has a history of 300 years and held every year from December 1st to 6th.
Kenchin jiru - miso soup with a lot of vegetables that are popular in winter to warm up your body
Yubeshi - preservative food by putting stuff into yuzu, citron
Oname - small dish with soy bean and koji, ingredients to make miso
Saitama is known for the production of washi paper, traditional Japanese paper. Washi paper made in Ogawa town has 1,300 years of history. Especially, Hosokawa paper is unique in that it is made only of kozo, a type of mulberry, and its quality is highly acclaimed in the world.
Iwatsuki ward is known for the production of traditional Japanese dolls. Artisans from Kyoto who constructed Nikko Toshogu Shrine brought a technique of making dolls to Iwatsuki in the late 17th century. Iwatsuki is a great place for the doll production as paulownia woods used for dolls’ faces are grown in Iwatsuki.
