Kumagaya

Kumagaya is a designated special city in northern Saitama Prefecture that spreads across neighborhoods with a mix of residential blocks, commercial streets, and green spaces. The layout combines low-rise housing with larger retail and administrative buildings, while some sections retain temple grounds and traditional structures.

The municipality was founded on April 1, 1889, through the consolidation of smaller settlements within the former Osato District. It grew over the following decades by absorbing neighboring communities and later gained special city status.

Local residents maintain small shrines scattered throughout residential areas, where offerings and seasonal decorations reflect everyday devotion. These neighborhood landmarks connect modern life with older customs that remain part of the daily routine for many families.

The main station offers Shinkansen connections that reach Tokyo Station in 39 minutes, making day trips and commutes straightforward. Local bus routes link different neighborhoods and temple sites, with most services departing from the central terminal.

The Nogoji Temple grounds bloom with around 8,000 hydrangea plants in June, transforming the temple complex into a large flower display. Visitors can walk along winding paths through the plantings and observe the shifting color shades.