Saitama

  • The prefecture's name originates from Sakitama Kofun Cluster in Gyoda City, anciently written as Sakitama.
  • Among Japan's eight landlocked prefectures, Saitama has the highest population.
  • The prefectural flower Primrose once grew wild in Arakawa River wetlands, currently protected at Tajima-ga-Hara.
  • Japan's widest river section of the Arakawa (2,537m) lies between Konosu City and Yoshimi Town.
  • Warabi City has an area of just 5.11 km², the smallest among Japanese cities, but Japan's highest population density.
  • The Railway Museum in Saitama City exhibits over 50 actual railway vehicles with train driving simulators.
  • Nagatoro's Iwadatami is called the birthplace of Japanese geology, with over 1 million annual boat tour users.
  • Kawagoe's Candy Alley features traditional candy shops lined up, retaining Showa-era atmosphere.
  • Sayama Hills served as one of Studio Ghibli's inspiration models for My Neighbor Totoro.
  • Chichibu's 34 Kannon Pilgrimage attracts many pilgrims as the culmination site of Japan's 100 Kannon temples.
  • AEON Lake Town in Koshigaya is one of Japan's largest shopping malls by floor area.
  • The prefectural cycling path 'Arakawa Cycling Road' spans approximately 120km from Tokyo Bay to Chichibu.
  • Famous for Japanese sweets like Soka senbei, Gokabo, and Jumangoku manju, earning the nickname 'Sweets Kingdom.'
  • Kumagaya City, recording 41.1°C, promotes heat-countermeasure tourism as 'Japan's Hottest Town.'
  • The official prefectural mascot Kobaton is modeled after the prefectural bird Oriental Turtle Dove. Derivative character Saitamatch is also popular.