Saitama Prefecture is Tokyo's underrated northern neighbor — a landlocked prefecture where the Edo-period streets of Kawagoe, the world's largest railway museum collection, bonsai gardens tended for a century, and the moss-phlox hills of Chichibu sit within an hour of the capital, all at a fraction of Tokyo's crowds and prices.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Kawagoe sweet potato treats (imo) — Kawagoe has been known for high-quality sweet potatoes since the Edo period; found as chips, cakes, and soft serve throughout Kashiya Yokocho and Ichibangai, from ¥150–500 ($1.01–3.35)
Traditional dagashi candy — hand-made sweets from Kashiya Yokocho's century-old shops; ¥100–300 ($0.67–2.01) per item
Chichibu sake — local breweries around Chichibu produce sake sold at Nakamise Street and Chichibu Shrine-area shops; ¥1,500–4,000 ($10.05–26.80) per bottle
COEDO craft beer — Kawagoe's own craft brewery, available bottled at Koedo Kurari and convenience stores; ¥300–600 ($2.01–4.02) per bottle
Bonsai and bonsai tools — small starter bonsai and pruning tools sold near Omiya Bonsai Village gardens; from ¥2,000 ($13.40) for beginner trees
Festival-themed goods (Chichibu Yomatsuri / Kawagoe Matsuri) — miniature float models, hand towels (tenugui), and happi coats sold seasonally around festival dates; ¥500–5,000 ($3.35–33.50)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kashiya Yokocho (Candy Alley)
A narrow, century-old alley in Kawagoe's Little Edo district lined with roughly twenty shops still hand-making traditional Japanese sweets.
Where: Kawagoe City
Hours: 9:00AM–5:00PM daily; individual shops vary, some close Monday
Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Kurazukuri Street
The best-preserved Edo-period merchant street in the Tokyo region, lined with warehouse-style storefronts selling crafts, sweets, and souvenirs.
Where: Kawagoe City
Hours: Most shops 10:00AM–6:00PM daily
Seibu Chichibu Nakamise Shopping Street
A compact covered shopping arcade at the gateway to Chichibu, stocked with local sake, crafts, and souvenirs tied to the region's mountain and festival culture.
Where: Chichibu City
Hours: 9:00AM–6:00PM daily; hours vary by shop
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Omiya Sonic City
A large station-connected complex in central Omiya combining shopping, dining, and one of Saitama's main concert venues.
Hours: 10:00AM–8:00PM (retail); restaurant floors vary, some until 10:00PM
COCOON CITY Saitama-Shintoshin
A sprawling mall complex next to Saitama-Shintoshin Station offering fashion, homeware, and a large multiplex cinema.
Hours: 10:00AM–9:00PM; restaurants until 11:00PM
LaLa Garden Kasukabe
A family-focused suburban mall in Kasukabe with fashion, everyday goods, and a broad dining floor.
Hours: 10:00AM–9:00PM
AEON Kumagaya
A broad general-merchandise mall in Kumagaya covering groceries, apparel, and everyday shopping needs for northern Saitama.
Hours: 9:00AM–9:00PM (varies by floor and season)