Saitama Prefecture, Prefecture north of Tokyo, Japan
Saitama is a prefecture north of Tokyo that encompasses 40 cities and 23 towns between the metropolitan region and forested mountains. The area extends from densely built southern districts to rural valleys and rice fields in the north, with several rivers flowing through the plains.
The region formed in 1871 during the Meiji Restoration through the merger of former provinces and developed into a major industrial area. Kawagoe was a castle town and remained an important trading center that has preserved its Edo-period architecture to this day.
Street festivals and traditional craft markets take place year-round in several cities, with local families appearing in kimonos and joining in processions. Many residents practice tea ceremony and visit shrines regularly, especially during New Year holidays and seasonal celebrations.
The prefecture connects to central Tokyo through several rail lines, including the Tohoku Shinkansen at Omiya Station, allowing efficient movement. Visitors can easily switch between urban and rural areas, visiting both temples and nature parks in a single day.
The Railway Museum in Omiya displays 36 historical trains and offers simulator experiences that document the evolution of Japanese rail transportation. Visitors can also have a meal inside a restored dining car from the 1950s.
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