Saitama

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Saitama (さいたま) is the capital of Saitama prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan. It came into existence after the merging of 4 former cities, including Urawa and the former capital, in 2001. Upon its creation, it became the tenth most populous city in the nation and the only capital city with its name written in hiragana instead of Chinese characters.

An introduction to Saitama

Tourist office

• Omiya station | - ☎ +81 48-644-1144 +81 48-647-8778 Opening Hours: Daily 9:00AM Monday - 19:00PM
• Urawa station | - ☎ +48-600-0070 +48-600-0070 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00AM Monday - 18:30PM
• Shintoshin neighborhood | Chūō-ku, Kamiochiai 2 ☎ +48-883-1055 +48-883-1055 Opening Hours: Daily 10:00AM Monday - 18:30PM

Travel to Saitama

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Saitama

The closest major international airport is Tokyo Narita Airport|Narita.

A tiny number of JR Narita Express trains serve at Omiya Station -- as of this writing and the 17:16 and 18:48 NEX departures from NRT T1 terminate at Omiya, and Omiya has two originating NEX services at 6:21 and 9:09. When it is available the NEX is fairly fast, taking around 110 minutes. At other hours, you can make it to Ōmiya station by taking the Narita Express to Tokyo and changing to the Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen; either route is covered by the Japan Railway Pass or JR East Pass.

JR Kanto Bus runs limousine bus service and the O North Liner, every hour from Narita Airport to and from the Saitama Shintoshin and Ōmiya train stations. The trip takes about two hours and costs ¥2750 each way.

The cheapest way to travel from Narita Airport to Omiya is to take a Narita Sky Access commuter train to Shin-Kamagaya station and change to the Tobu Noda Line. This takes about the same amount of time as the bus but only costs ¥2580.

From Haneda Airport you can take the Keikyu line to Shinagawa station and change to the JR Keihin-Tohoku line for the run to the Saitama area (80-90 minutes to Omiya, ¥2020). Hourly limousine buses also run to Ōmiya station (90 minutes, ¥2500).

By Rail

Saitama's Ōmiya Station (大宮駅) is a major train hub, connecting together the Tohoku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen lines, as well as the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Tohoku (Utsunomiya) Line, JR Takasaki Line, JR Saikyo Line, JR Kawagoe Line, JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line and Tobu Noda Line.

Why do shinkansen trains travel from Tokyo to Omiya in nearly the same time as local trains?|While bullet trains in the north are capable of speeds up to 275 km/h (165 mph), trains between Tokyo and Omiya are limited to 110 km/h (65 mph) due to residential noise restrictions.

• Just about all northbound shinkansen trains from Tokyo and Tokyo/Ueno|Ueno stop at Ōmiya station, with the ride from Tokyo taking 25 minutes. A reserved seat costs ¥2800, and a non-reserved seat, ¥2580, making the ride quite uneconomical compared to a local train. However, if you have a Japan Railway Pass or JR East Railway Pass, your trip is covered. Departures every 5-15 minutes. (Note: If you do decide to make this peculiar journey, note that seating is all-reserved on the Hayate and Komachi bullet trains.)
• Regular trains on the Tohoku and Takasaki lines run from Ueno to Ōmiya in 25 minutes at a cost of ¥650. These trains make added stops at Saitama Shintoshin Station (さいたま新都心駅), near the Saitama Super Arena. Service every 10 minutes or less.
• The Keihin Tohoku Line is a local service connecting Ōmiya and Saitama Shintoshin to eastern Tokyo, including from Tokyo station (50 minutes, ¥740), Shinagawa (one hour, ¥620) and Kawasaki (75 minutes, ¥780). Service every 10 minutes or less.
• There is also service from western Tokyo to Ōmiya via the Saikyo Line and the Shonan-Shinjuku Line. Trains leave from Ikebukuro (25-35 minutes, ¥780), Shinjuku (30-40 minutes, ¥650) and Tokyo/Shibuya|Shibuya (30-40 minutes, ¥740). Service every 10 minutes or less.
• The Shonan-Shinjuku Line is also the best way of reaching Ōmiya from Yokohama (one hour, ¥890). Service runs every 10-20 minutes. Keihin-Tohoku Line local trains make the same run in 80-90 minutes, departing every 10 minutes or less.
• The Tobu Noda Line links Ōmiya station with Kasukabe (connection to the Tobu Isesaki Line), Kashiwa (connection to the JR Joban Line), Shin-Kamagaya (connection to the Narita Sky Access Line and Shin-Keisei Railway) and Funabashi (connection to the Keisei Line and JR Sobu Line).

How to get around in Saitama

GPS 35.9051|139.6469

Most of the attractions are within walking distance of one of the city's train stations, but there are Community Buses with routes throughout the city.

What to see in Saitama

• Saitama Museum of Modern Art - 埼玉県立近代美術館 saitama-kenritsu kindaibijutsukan | 35.869626, 139.642929 ☎ +81 48-824-0111 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5:30PM ¥200 (special exhibits have separate fees) A museum of modern art featuring works by famous painters, such as Monet, Picasso, and Chagall.

Gateway of the Hikawa shrine"roumon" - Roumon (Gateway) of the Hikawa shrine

• Hikawa Shrine - 氷川神社 hikawa jinja - 35.91675, 139.629734 - One of the most important Shinto shrines in the Kanto area, claiming the history of more than two thousand years. Take the train to JR Omiya station, exit to the east, and keep walking until you come to the tree-lined street. This is the two-kilometer long entrance path to the shrine. Turn left and walk straight north until you reach Hikawa Shrine itself. On New Year's Day, people young and old come to visit and celebrate the new year. Next to the shrine is a park, Omiya Koen.

• Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore - 埼玉県立歴史と民俗の博物館 | 35.921168, 139.630087 - Exhibits artifacts from around Saitama Prefecture with information about its history and culture.

The Railway Museum 20080614 - Railway Museum

• Railway Museum - 鉄道博物館 | 3-47 Onaricho 35.920276, 139.617798 Saitama New Shuttle Tetsudo-hakubutsukan Stn, one stop from JR Omiya Opening Hours: Open Wed-Mon 10 AM Monday - 6 PM ¥1000/500 adult/child A must of rail buffs and great for kids and the museum features 36 engines on display (including Japan's first steam locomotive), train cab simulators, Japan's largest HO-gauge miniature railway and more. You can even eat your lunch in a restored dining car. English language signage is sparse.

• Sōji-in - 総持院 - 35.895395, 139.70492 ☎ +81 48-878-1545 A temple famous for its garden of hundreds of peonies which bloom from the end of April through the beginning of May.

• Tōgyoku Doll Museum - 東玉人形の博物館 tōgyoku ningyō no hakubutsukan | 3-2-32 Hommachi, Iwatsuki-ku 35.949686, 139.69365 ☎ +81 48-756-1111 - ¥700 Tōgyoku dolls are a famous local product and symbol. According to legend, a priest named Esho became sick while passing through the area. Although he recovered from the illness, it weakened him to the point that he couldn't leave the town. He began to pass the time by making dolls out of the local wood. His dolls slowly grew in popularity and the tradition of doll-making has been a part of the Iwatsuki area ever since. They were given the name 'Tōgyoku' by a local lord when he was given one of the dolls as a present. The museum has many examples of these dolls, as well as exhibits of other types of dolls. They also have workshops where you can make your own dolls for a fee.
• Urawa Art Museum - うらわ美術館 urawa bijutsukan | 35.860629, 139.652457 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 5PM Free, except special exhibitions The museum collects and displays art of and from books. They also aim to foster local artists by featuring their works.

• Jion-ji - 慈恩寺 | 35.979476, 139.710755 - The 12th temple of the Bandō 33 Temple Pilgrimage.

Omiya Bonsai Village

The Omiya Bonsai Village (大宮盆栽村) is home to a handful of bonsai nurseries which moved here from central Tokyo following the great Kantō earthquake in 1923 and they moved to this leafy suburb due to the easy access to fresh water. It's considered to be the 'Bonsai Capital' of the world. Visitors can roam around and visit each of the nurseries. Some bonsai can also be purchased. Pictures are not permitted.

• Omiya Bonsai Art Museum - 大宮盆栽美術館 | 35.928777, 139.633333 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM (4PM in winter) ¥700An informative museum with exhibits about the various types of bonsai and themes they represent, and how they are trained. The museum includes English explanations and brochures, so you can learn a lot about this traditional Japanese art form without knowing (Japanese).

• Fuyō-en - 芙蓉園 | 96 Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku 35.924203, 139.632631 - This bonsai nursery nearest Omiya Koen serves as the garden of the president of the Japanese Bonsai Association.

• Kyūka-en - 九霞園 | 131 Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku 35.925630, 139.633591 - Established in 1929 by Kyūzō Murata and the caretaker of the imperial bonsai collection. The founder has now passed away,
• Seikō-en - 清香園 | 268 Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku 35.926725, 139.633566
• Mansei-En - 蔓青園 | 268 Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku 35.927526, 139.632861
• Tōju-en - 藤樹園 | 247 Bonsai-cho, Kita-ku 35.926595, 139.631435
• Shōsetsu-en - 松雪園 | 640 Higashiōnarichō, Kita-ku

}} Note that a museum at the Saitama Super Arena dedicated to John Lennon closed permanently at the end of September 2010.

Best things to do in Saitama

Saitama Super Arena-2015-11-01 - Saitama Super Arena

• Ōmiya kōen - 大宮公園 | 35.919, 139.631

Ōmiya Park Omiya park 002 - The park has a long history. It is the first prefectural park in Saitama. In 1989, a second park was added and in 2001, a third park. As a result, it became the very big park. There is a small zoo in the park. There is a swimming pool, amusement park, soccer field, museum and archery ground, too. It is park that is enjoyable for all ages. When it is spring, many people do Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossoms Spots|cherry-blossom viewing there.

• Omiya Park Zoo - 大宮公園小動物園 | 35.918642, 139.632225 Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 4PM Free A small children's zoo, home to a variety of birds, monkeys, squirrels, reptiles, and other small animals.

• Saitama Super Arena - さいたまスーパーアリーナ | 35.894788, 139.630862 A multi-configuration arena that can seat up to 37,000 people. Numerous shops, restaurants and attractions can be found within. A pedestrian walkway links the Saitama Shintoshin train station with the Super Arena. It's a very big hall. Many famous artists often give concerts there. The person who lives in Saitama does ceremony of Coming of Age Day there every year in January. There is a square around the Saitama Super Arena. It's a good place for a date. On Christmas, a lot of people come, because of the beautiful lights.

• Saitama Arts Theatre - さいたま芸術劇場 | 35.877208, 139.621965 - The city's primary performing arts theatre. Throughout the year and they hold orchestral concerts, piano concerts, plays, musicals, and other events. It has even been used to film dramas. There is also a cafeteria and restaurant on site.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Saitama

• Red Voltage - レッドボルテージ | 35.860307, 139.653043 ☎ +81 48-824-0290 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 7PM This is the official souvenir shop for the Red Voltage soccer team.

• AEON Mall - イオンモール | 35.891392, 139.614597 ☎ +81 48-856-7100 | Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 10PM Marge mall complex.

• Urawa Corso - 浦和コルソ | 35.858376, 139.655737 ☎ +81 48-824-5555 | Opening Hours: 10AM Monday - 8PM (restaurants open until 9:30PM) A mall with a variety of shoes and clothing shops, as well as some specialty shops.

• Sweets Shop Ogawaya - 御菓子司 小川屋 | 35.90738, 139.6173 ☎ +81 48-664-2844 | Opening Hours: 9:30AM Monday - 6PM Famous sweets for Bonsai Monaka (盆栽最中）and Ōmiya Poppo (大宮ぽっぽ）.

Halal Restaurants in Saitama

Jumangoku Manjuu is a famous brand of cake from Gyōda, Saitama. Manjyuu is a Japanese-style bun that stuffed with bean paste. Some department stores and souvenir stores such as Sogo department in Omiya station always sell it. One manjyuu is ¥205.

• The Three Little Lambs - ３匹のひつじ - 35.905169, 139.62694 ☎ +81 48-645-4129 A delicious lamb shabu-shabu restaurant which also serves lamb sashimi or lamb yakiniku. With drinks you can obtain a delicious, filling meal for under 3000 yen.

• Total Kitchen - トータルキッチン | 35.929066, 139.606583 ☎ +81 48-653-9207 Home to Saitama's very own Sweets Gyoten Gyoza, a sweet gyoza with a potato and Rice flour base. They also serve a variety of other Japanese dishes, like ramen and soba.
• Torikukai Yakitori and grill | 6-26--9 Tozuka Kawaguchi Saitama About 6 min walk from Tozuka angyo station off the Nanboku line in Saitama ☎ +81 48-294-5200 During the week master Suzuki san grills up the freshest Chicken and on weekends the best ramen using the freshest Chicken for a wonderful broth. During the week at dinner its a Yakitori bar with a friendly lively local crowd. 5000 yen for a dinner for two depending on how much you drink and its all top quality cooking.

• The King George Tavern - キングジョージ、大宮 | 2-51 Tokai Biru B1, Omiya-ku 35.905099, 139.628095 ☎ +81 4 8649 5040 | Opening Hours: 5PM Monday - 1AM A few minutes walk through the seedier side of Saitama from Omiya Station's East Exit. Turn right at the exit and then left down the brightly lit strip full of agents and hostesses in evening dresses. The King George is a way down on your right. This English-style pub is often full of expat English teachers, and hosts a lot of gigs and live events. Drinks are around ¥600.

• The HUB - HUB大宮東口店 | 35.909029, 139.624908 - From Omiya Station (East Exit) and take your first left. Walk for about a half a KM north until you will see the bar on your right. Every gaijin loves a Hub, and this one is arguably the best in the Kanto region, thanks to its massive interior and patio, as well as a non-smoking section that actually stays smoke-free. Food also available in addition to drinks.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Saitama

Saitama - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Saitama, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Saitama. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Saitama and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Saitama. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Saitama. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSaitama: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Saitama.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Saitama: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Saitama, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Saitama.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Saitama, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Saitama, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Saitama and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Saitama, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Saitama, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Saitama without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Saitama is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Saitama.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Saitama is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Saitama, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Saitama Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Pioland Hotel - パイオランドホテル | 35.908994, 139.624886 ☎ +81 48-648-0010 +Singles from ¥7900

• Business Hotel Shinpuso - 35.911861, 139.624929 ☎ +81 48-641-4734 + | checkin=4:30-10PM / Check-out: 10AM

• Chateau Briant - 35.922515, 139.630744
• Royal Pines Hotel - 35.860757, 139.652496

Travel Next

• Kawagoe
• Kasukabe
• Tokyo
• Chichibu

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