Nagatoro Riverboating Kawagoe

Saitama is an inland prefecture located in the central part of the Kanto Plain and while mountains take up one-third of its area, the rest are all flatlands. Summers are characteristically hot and humid while winters are dry with dry blasts blowing frequently. Occurrence of typhoons and water-related disasters is relatively rare and even on a national level, Saitama offers nice, enjoyable weather. Indeed, it can be said that the climate here is a very pleasant one.

Because the nature of the soil allows good drainage, root vegetables such as carrots and burdocks are actively produced. Therefore, Saitama plays its role as a major production center that sends agricultural produce to the Greater Tokyo area including Tokyo itself.

During the Edo period, the Nakasendo connecting Edo and Kyoto was made. The official route designated by the Imperial court was to pass through Nakasendo and enter Edo from its northern side where the present-day Saitama is located. As a result, we can still find wonderful historical sites today just by stepping into its alleyway. A castle town was also developed and Kawagoe was called "Shoedo (small Edo)." Even now, its townscape still remains.

Additionally, Saitama is considered as a bedroom suburb that also offers natural landscape like Musashino. Such cultural assets that have been existing for long indeed can be seen as another allure of this prefecture.