Things to do in Saitama

Activities, attractions and tours

Saitama
Saitama
Saitama
Saitama
Saitama
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Top places to visit

1. Saitama Super Arena

It’s hard to think of a sport or genre of music or performance that hasn’t been presented at the Saitama Super Arena. Large enough to accommodate American football, it holds regular martial arts competitions as well as hosting some of Asia’s and the world’s biggest names. Tokyo architecture firm Nikken Sekkei designed the arena. It serves as the basketball venue for the 2020 Olympics. Get tickets to a concert or a competition and come to Saitama for a taste of real Japanese fan culture.
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Just a short ride north of the city’s downtown, Tokyo’s premier entertainment and sports venue is one of the world’s largest indoor arenas.

2. Omiya Park

Northwest of Tokyo, Omiya Park is an excellent place to see cherry blossoms in Japan, but it is much more than that. Spread across 165 acres (67 hectares) not far from downtown Saitama, it has enough activities for a whole week of fun. Make the trip to see the cherry blossoms in spring. At other times, groves of red pines and pink-flowered apricots brighten the area, while a community atmosphere exists year round.
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Find a little bit of everything in this big park, from cherry blossoms to a folklore museum, a shrine and even a small zoo.

3. Nack5 Stadium Omiya

With a passionate fan base and a cozy stadium, Nack5 Stadium is almost a shortcut to feeling a part of Japanese soccer culture. Soccer is Japan’s second-most popular sport, after baseball, and was introduced to the country in the late 19th century. In the past few decades, its profile has only grown, with the national team qualifying for nearly every World Cup since 1998. Get a sense of the passion behind the sport by attending an Omiya Ardija game at Nack5.
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J2 League’s Omiya Ardija holds it exciting soccer games in an intimate venue that brings you close to the action.

4. Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum confirms that the art of bonsai sculpting is much more than it seems. The museum, opened in 2010, is the world’s first public bonsai museum and seeks to impart both the historical significance and the creativity of the art. Find it in the heart of Omiya Bonsai Village, where a group of professional bonsai gardeners immigrated in the 1920s to turn the town into a celebration of the tiny trees. Visit the museum and tour the nearby gardens with a new appreciation of the bonsai’s form.
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A collection of more than 120 masterpieces of one of Japan’s most unique art forms is well worth the visit from downtown Tokyo.

5. The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama

Even from the outside, it is clear that the Museum of Modern Art in Saitama is on the forefront of design innovation. Usually referred to as MOMAS, it lives in a striking gridded building designed by the famous architect Kurokawa Kisho. His inventive creation allows natural light to flood nearly every room of the museum.
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The cutting edge of Japanese art, as well as masters including Monet and Gauguin, are housed in a striking modernist building with an inventive chair collection.

6. Keyaki Hiroba

On any given evening, weekday or weekend, you’ll find a party going on in the Keyaki Hiroba. Located next to Saitama Super Arena, one of Tokyo’s biggest entertainment venues, and not far from most of Saitama’s downtown attractions, it is the destination of choice for a good time. During the day, the small mall has a variety of restaurants, convenience stores, pharmacies and more, but in the evening, the second-floor courtyard livens up. Stop here for a few hours or check the calendar to attend one of Saitama’s famous beer festivals.
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Shopping, nightlife and a variety of festivals, as well as a famous Christmastime light display, are right next to Saitama Super Arena.

7. Akigase Park

Stretched out along the Arakawa River, with views of Mount Fuji appearing over pristine green lawns, Akigase Park is a welcome reprieve from the frenetic energy of downtown Tokyo. Located in the slightly sleepier suburb of Saitama, the park is a favorite of families, especially on weekends. Keep the park in mind as a spot to take a break during a busy week of visiting the area. Head here to jog along the footpaths, go bird-watching or just relax and watch the river flow by.
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On Sunday afternoons, Saitama’s families and their dogs flock to this park for picnics, barbecues and views of Mount Fuji.

What to do in Saitama

Popular places to visit

Saitama Super Arena

Saitama Super Arena

Just a short ride north of the city’s downtown, Tokyo’s premier entertainment and sports venue is one of the world’s largest indoor arenas.

Saitama Super Arena
Omiya Park

Omiya Park

Find a little bit of everything in this big park, from cherry blossoms to a folklore museum, a shrine and even a small zoo.

Omiya Park
Nack5 Stadium Omiya

Nack5 Stadium Omiya

J2 League’s Omiya Ardija holds it exciting soccer games in an intimate venue that brings you close to the action.

Nack5 Stadium Omiya
Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

A collection of more than 120 masterpieces of one of Japan’s most unique art forms is well worth the visit from downtown Tokyo.

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama

The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama

The cutting edge of Japanese art, as well as masters including Monet and Gauguin, are housed in a striking modernist building with an inventive chair collection.

The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama
Keyaki Hiroba

Keyaki Hiroba

Shopping, nightlife and a variety of festivals, as well as a famous Christmastime light display, are right next to Saitama Super Arena.

Keyaki Hiroba
Akigase Park

Akigase Park

On Sunday afternoons, Saitama’s families and their dogs flock to this park for picnics, barbecues and views of Mount Fuji.

Akigase Park
Numakage Park

Numakage Park

Summer or winter, there are pools to swim in and even ice rinks to take a spin on in this popular, family-friendly environment.

Numakage Park
Manga Hall

Manga Hall

Japan’s very first manga museum pays tribute to the original manga artist with a selection of his work and a free manga reading collection.

Manga Hall

Areas of Saitama

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Omiya

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Omiya. You might want to make time for a stop at Hikawa Shrine or Nack5 Stadium Omiya.

Omiya
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Urawa Ward

If you're spending some time in Urawa Ward, The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama and Urawa Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Urawa Ward
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Chuo Ward

If you're spending some time in Chuo Ward, Saitama Super Arena and Keyaki Hiroba are top sights worth seeing.

Chuo Ward
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Shintoshin

If you're spending some time in Shintoshin, Saitama Super Arena and Keyaki Hiroba are top sights worth seeing.

Shintoshin
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Minami Ward

While visiting Minami Ward, you might make a stop by sights like Numakage Park and Besshonuma Park.

Minami Ward
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Iwatsuki

While there might not be top attractions in Iwatsuki, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Saitama Stadium 2002 and Omiya Bonsai Art Museum.

Iwatsuki
Kawaguchi

Kawaguchi

Photo "Ageo" by 掬茶 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by 掬茶 (CC BY-SA)

Ageo

Photo "Warabi" by Tak1701d (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tak1701d (CC BY-SA)

Warabi

Photo "Asaka" by Zeimusu (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Zeimusu (CC BY-SA)

Asaka

Frequently asked questions

Is Saitama worth visiting?
Saitama has a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, nature or traditional cuisine, there's plenty here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Saitama?
After you've visited popular attractions like Tokorozawa Sakura Town and Railway Museum, spend some time experiencing Saitama's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Saitama?
You can't leave without checking out Tokorozawa Sakura Town, ranked the top tourist attraction in Saitama.
Is three days enough to stay in Saitama?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama and Manga Hall with a three-day stay in Saitama. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to Tokyo.
Is Saitama a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Saitama. Several key attractions, such as The Museum of Modern Art, Saitama and Urawa Art Museum, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Saitama's best neighborhoods, Urawa Ward is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Chuo Ward is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Saitama with kids?
Deciding what to do in Saitama with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Saitama for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Saitama, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Saitama Super Arena or Kadokawa Musashino Museum.
Are there free things to do in Saitama?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Saitama is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Manga Hall is one spot that doesn't have an entrance fee.