Ogawa, Administrative town in Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Ogawa is an administrative town in central Saitama Prefecture, Japan, situated in the Ogawa basin and surrounded by the Sotochichibu Mountains. The town occupies a rural landscape with a mix of traditional and contemporary buildings.
The town was formally established in 1889 during the nationwide restructuring of local governments in the Meiji period. Since then, it has developed into a center for traditional crafts that are still maintained today.
The Washi Experience Learning Center keeps alive the tradition of Japanese papermaking, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Visitors can watch how this craft is still practiced today and understand its place in the community's identity.
The town connects to major urban areas via the JR East Hachikō Line and Tōbu Railway Tōjō Line, with trains departing from Ikebukuro Station. The best time to visit is during moderate seasons when mountain trails and local sites are easily accessible.
NESTo occupies a century-old stone warehouse that has been transformed into a modern coworking space, combining traditional Oya Stone architecture with cedar furnishings. This renovation demonstrates how historic structures can be adapted for contemporary use.
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