Tag Archives: saitama

Pink and white flowered hills of Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu

Saitama, right above Tokyo on the map, is often forgotten as a tourist destination. It’s a quiet prefecture that never gets much attention, and therefore is not featured much in guide books. But Chichibu is a great place for travelers on a budget with it’s large collection of mountains, cheap hot springs and Hitsujiyama Park. During early April to early MayContinue reading “Pink and white flowered hills of Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu”

Chichibu

Chichibu is a quiet town in the mountains to the west of Tokyo, best known for it’s festivals. During other times of the year there is not much going on, but it’s a great place to go hiking. Budget travel tips Best to come here only during a festival or for a day or twoContinue reading “Chichibu”

Chichibu Hiking Autumn Colours Report

Chichibu (秩父) is a great place for hiking, about an hour or so west of Tokyo.  This week I went to see the Autumn colors on a mega 9 hour hike.  It was tiring, but the sights were amazing…..  One of the nice things about the Japanese countryside is things like this.  A local hasContinue reading “Chichibu Hiking Autumn Colours Report”

Heirin Temple Autumn Colours Report

Heirin Temple is one of the best places to go near Tokyo for Autumn colours.  I went here not expecting too much.  I thought it would just be a nice park, but Heirin-ji is truly breathtaking.   The wonderfully designed temple is surrounded by bright red and golden leaves. And of course it’s free! To get hereContinue reading “Heirin Temple Autumn Colours Report”

Kawagoe

Kawagoe (かわごえ/川越) is a beautiful traditional down less than an hour away from central Tokyo.  It features a famous authentic old tower and shopping street, which is why many people call it ‘Little Edo’ (Edo was the old name for Tokyo).  A great place for a nice one day trip away from the skyscrapers ofContinue reading “Kawagoe”