To get to the Shrine there is a 2km approach of zelkovas trees. The first gate (ichi-no-torii) is close to JR Saitama Shin-toshin station, the second gate (ni-no-torii) is close to JR Omiya station, you can get to the third gate (san-no-torii) from there. The famous John Lennon Museum is also in this area.

“Hikawa Shrine” is known as Musashi Ici-no-miya. Musashi is the pre-edo period name of the district, which includes presently Saitama, Tokyo and the east part of Kanagawa. Ici-no-miya means the most prestigious shrine. Omiya “Hikawa Shrine” has over a 2000 year history. With a top 10 ranking as one of the most popular shrines for hatumode (New Year’s visit to a shrine) in Japan. It attracted around 2.03 million worshippers in the first three days of 2008. The shrine holds various cultural events throughout the year. For example on the first day of every month Tsukinami-sai, and on the 15th of every month Ken-ei-sai . During Hanashizume-sai in April, little girls perform the traditional Hanashizume dance. Then in August during Reitai –sai dances from the music department of the Imperial Household Agency are dedicated to the god of the shrine. The most popular cultural event is Taito-sai. It is commonly known as Tohkaichi, since it is held on December 10th. The festival continues for 12 days, it starts from Zen-sai (Pre festival) on November 30th to Hon-sai (Main festival) on December 10th and Ko-sai (Post Festival) on the following day. During this period, Shinto priests from the shrine purify their bodies and serve God without going out of the shrine grounds. At Honsai, 100 different dishes made from various foods from the sea, river, and the land are dedicated to the god of the shrine for the celebration.

In the meantime 1300 street stalls stand side by side on the approach which is full of people like Tori-no-ichi (Cock Fair). There used to be many street stalls that offered foods and equipment for New Year’s Day. But the trend has changed as time goes by, and now the majority of stalls serve food and drinks. Yet, there are so many visitors looking for bamboo rakes and other lucky charms, it has become a signature year-end event for Omiya. Traditional plays put on outdoors with light supplied by bonfires (Takigi-noh) and ancient Japanese court music performances (Gagaku) are also held during this period.

Seasonal trees and flowers, such as the cherry blossom in spring and red leaves in autumn, create a beautiful environment. But there are also many people who just enjoy walking from the shrine to nearby Omiya Park.

• Address: 1-407 Takahana, Omiya-ku, Saitama city, Saitame prefecture
• Tel.:048-641-0137（Main switchboard of Shrine office）
• Access: 20 min. walk from JR “Omiya station east exit”or 15 min. walk from Tobu Noda line “Omiya Koen Station.”

There are about 2000 sake brewers in Japan, and 35 of them are located in Saitama prefecture. Saitama prefecture is rich with water and rice, which are considered to be the soul of sake. According to “Heisei no meisui 100 sen (the 100 best water in Japan, Heisei version,” issued by Ministry of the Environment. Four places in Saitama were selected, this being the highest of all the prefectures. In 2004, “Sake Musashi,” Saitama’s first original brewer’s rice was born. With starchy condensation, the rice produces a good quality Koji (rice malt) which is the key to sake production.

Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo

Kawagoe’s local sake brewer “Kagamiyama” which was founded in 1875 had closed its long history in 2000. But it was reborn in 2007 as the smallest sake brewer in Japan “Koedo Kagamiyama Shuzo,” compelled by the voices of the citizen’s who had a strong desire to rebuild the brewery.

It now produces reputable rich-tasting sake by complying with traditional techniques, taking great care in the production process such as the quality-first-small- quantity preparation. Shinshu a (new sake) from the brewer is enjoying large pre-sale orders.

• Address: 10-13, Nakamachi, Kawagoe city, Saitama prefecture
• Tel.: 049-224-7780
• Fax:049-265-6480

It is said that Bonsai started in the late Heian period (794-1185), having “Bonkei (scene on a tray)” that were bought back by the Japanese envoy to China in the Tang Dynasty as its roots. Then, among nobles and warriors, it became more sophisticated using aspects from Japanese culture. Where people can imagine natural scenery in small plants. In Edo period (1603-1867) Bonsai, along with the Tea Ceremony culture, widely spread from cultural figures to ordinary people. “Bonsai,” is the concept of enjoying plants, nature, the four seasons, and time passing. While being condensed in a small space, are now widely loved all over the world. OmiyaBonsai village was born around 1926．Because the area has an abundance of red ball earth, underground water and the pure air of Musashino. It is an optimum rearing environment for the Bonsai. “Dai Bonsai Matsuri (Great Bonsai Festival)” which is held every May, attracts many Bonsai fans from Japan and all over the world.

• Address: Bonsai cho, Kita ku, Saitama city, Saitama prefecture
• Access: 5 min. walk from Tobu Noda line “OmiyaKoen Station”or 10 min. walk from JR Utsunomiya station.

“Seika En” the shop with a wide variety of Bonsai products, from a 500-year old tree to a stylish modern one.

“Seika En” is an old and established Bonsai garden shop that was founded in Edo/Kaei period (1848-1854). The shop moved to Bonsai village from Negishi, Taito ku, Tokyo to escape war damage in the era of the shop’s third generation owner. The shop has seen continued success in the “Edomae” style. This focuses importance on spontaneous foliage, to form its foundation. At present Mr. Tomio Yamada, the fourth generation owns the shop and garden. At this store, in addition to traditional style (Bonsai), it advocates “Saika Bonsai (Flower decoration bonsai)” this is the form of group planting style in a free-thinking pot. This is the shop’s original style that the owner started to advocate 25 years ago. Now, Ms. Kaori Yamada, the 5th generation has made great efforts to develop the style. Its colorful style of group planting with young trees and grasses from the fields and mountains in pots of various shapes is especially popular among young women as it fits their modern life-style.

How to enjoy Bonsai; look at the Bonsai from the front (the side that the top of the tree bend forward) at first. When you look up the Bonsai from the front, you can feel the vastness of the tree in a small Bonsai. When you appreciate its form and shape, take a close look at the powerfulness of the root spread. Don’t miss the beauty of the trunk skin and the impression of an old tree. As well as being conscious of the pot/tree harmony. Also, if you want to feel the pleasure of watching them bud, you need to nurse them. If you are a beginner, start with a small Bonsai that you can cherish. Maple and acre are also good for enjoying the changes in the four seasons. There is a difference between Hachiue (potted plant) and Bonsai. Bonsai focuses importance on the harmony of the pot and trees. Therefore while the shape is being formed, total balance of the foliage and space is also considered. As Bonsai deals with the live plants, you need to develop it while imagining its shape in the future. This is the real joy of Bonsai and the chance to show your skill. Bonsai is a “real-life work of art” you can feel the seasons and enjoy nature in a small pot.

• Address: 268 Bonsai cho, Kita ku, Saitama city, Saitama prefecture
• Tel.: 048-663-3991
• Access: 5 min. walk from Tobu Noda line“Ohmiya Koen Station”or 10 min. walk from JR Utsunomiya station.
  Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
• Closing day: Every Thursday