What to do in Saitama

Activities, attractions and tours

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Saitama Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Saitama has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Saitama is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Saitama to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Saitama Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Saitama.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Saitama attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

Kawagoe: Kimono Rental Traditional Experience at WARGO

Kawagoe: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO

CA $42
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kawagoe: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Journey to the Showa era in Nakano, the cradle of the Otaku subculture

Journey to the Showa era in Nakano, the cradle of the Otaku subculture

CA $42
per adult
Journey to the Showa era in Nakano, the cradle of the Otaku subculture
Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park

Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park

CA $14
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park
Bonsai Tour & Experience at the Most Sacred City for Bonsai in JP

Bonsai Tour & Experience at the Most Sacred City for Bonsai in JP

CA $75
per adult
Bonsai Tour & Experience at the Most Sacred City for Bonsai in JP
Tokyo: Shamisen Lesson,Shrine Visit, and Folk Music Bar Tour

Tokyo: Shamisen Lesson,Shrine Visit, and Folk Music Bar Tour

CA $96
per adult
Tokyo: Shamisen Lesson,Shrine Visit, and Folk Music Bar Tour
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Top places to visit

1. GMO Arena Saitama

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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A modern architectural building with a unique geometric design, featuring a prominent staircase and glass facade.

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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A park with a cyclist, trees, and a bench.

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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A modern sports stadium with multiple levels and a prominent entrance gate.

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 traditional Japanese garden with wooden benches, potted bonsai trees, and a pathway.

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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A park with a pond, steps leading to a building, and bicycles parked nearby.

6. 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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A grassy field with a pond and trees.

Recommended things to do in Saitama

Number of things to do
166
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Japan Package: CA $5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Saitama

Stay near popular Saitama attractions

A modern architectural building with a unique geometric design, featuring a prominent staircase and glass facade.

GMO Arena Saitama

8.6/10 (627 reviews)
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.
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Where to stay in Saitama

Find the best Saitama areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most.
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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.
A group of people carrying a large wooden structure through a narrow street.
Photo by 🌸 Jun Takechi 🌸
Open Photo by 🌸 Jun Takechi 🌸

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.
A modern building with a curved facade and a crowd of people in front.

Shintoshin

If you're spending some time in Shintoshin, GMO Arena Saitama and Keyaki Hiroba are top sights worth seeing.
A traditional Japanese torii gate surrounded by lush greenery.
Photo by yamai36
Open Photo by yamai36

Minami Ward

While visiting Minami Ward, you might make a stop by sights like Numakage Park and Besshonuma Park.
A modern architectural structure with a prominent glass facade and a unique geometric design.

Chuo Ward

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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Saitama

A white tiger behind a stone enclosure.

Miyashiro

A traditional Japanese shrine with wooden structures and red maple leaves.

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods, Urawa Ward is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Chuo Ward is 3 kilometres away from the centre 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 neighbourhoods, 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.