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Quick facts
Region: Kanto
Capital: Saitama
Population: 7.3 million
Climate: Inland
Cherry blossom (average): 27 March
No. 1 in Japan: Hina dolls (Iwatsuki) and komatsuna greens — One of the few prefectures still growing in population. Among the densest rail networks in Japan
🍲 Local food
Hiyajiru udon, zeri-furai, Soka senbei
Hiyajiru udon comes with a chilled sesame-miso dipping sauce. Zeri-furai is a croquette of soy pulp from Gyoda
🏮 Festivals & events
Chichibu Night Festival — December 2–3. Ornate floats are hauled up a steep slope. One of Japan's three great float festivals with Kyoto's Gion and Takayama; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Kawagoe Festival — Third weekend of October. Floats in the style of Edo's "Tenka Matsuri" face off in musical duels known as "hikkawase"
🌸 Flowers & autumn leaves
Red spider lilies of Kinchakuda — Flowers · Mid to late September. A crimson carpet of 5 million blooms in a bend of the Koma River
🏨 Where to stay in Saitama
The area around Saitama, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Saitama's best-known local dishes are Hiyajiru udon, zeri-furai, Soka senbei. Hiyajiru udon comes with a chilled sesame-miso dipping sauce. Zeri-furai is a croquette of soy pulp from Gyoda
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Saitama?
In Saitama (Saitama), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 27 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.
