Use Ōmiya Station and Kawagoe Station as 2 Travel Bases
When sightseeing in Saitama Prefecture without a car, planning around Ōmiya Station, where rail lines from inside and outside the prefecture converge, and Kawagoe Station, the gateway to the historic warehouse district, makes it easier to organize your trip.
From Ōmiya Station, travel not only around Saitama City but also toward Kumagaya and Chichibu. From Kawagoe Station, take a local bus and then walk through the old town. Group attractions in the same direction into 1 day.
Ōmiya Station Is the Gateway to Railways, Bonsai, Shrines, and Doll Culture
Around Ōmiya Station, you can use the New Shuttle, JR Utsunomiya Line, and Tobu Urban Park Line to reach The Railway Museum, Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, and Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum.
Because boarding areas differ by line, check the station signs and work backward from each facility's closing day and final admission time when deciding when to depart.
Combine Buses and Walking from Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe's main attractions are spread between Kawagoe Station, Hon-Kawagoe Station, the Kurazukuri Streets, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and Kita-in.
Take a local or loop bus from Kawagoe Station to the old town, then walk in one direction after arriving to avoid repeatedly retracing the same streets.
Use the following table to review the main starting point and transportation for each of the 10 attractions.
| Attraction | Main starting point | Main transportation |
|---|---|---|
| The Railway Museum | Ōmiya Station | New Shuttle + walking |
| Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum | Ōmiya Station | JR Utsunomiya Line + walking |
| Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine | Ōmiya Station | Walking, or Tobu line + walking |
| Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum | Ōmiya Station | Tobu Urban Park Line + walking |
| Nagatoro | Ōmiya Station | JR Takasaki Line + Chichibu Railway |
| Chichibu Shrine | Ōmiya Station | JR Takasaki Line + Chichibu Railway |
| Kurazukuri Streets | Kawagoe Station | Local bus + walking |
| Toki no Kane | Kawagoe Station | Local bus + walking |
| Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | Kawagoe Station | Local bus |
| Kita-in | Kawagoe Station | Local bus or walking |
Visit 4 Saitama City Attractions from Ōmiya Station
Around Ōmiya Station, attractions introduce four distinct forms of culture: railway history, bonsai, shrines, and doll making.
Instead of packing all of them into 1 day, divide your visits among the west and north sides of Ōmiya Station and the Iwatsuki area to reduce the burden of transfers and walking.
1. The Railway Museum | Take the New Shuttle to the Exhibits
To reach The Railway Museum, take the New Shuttle from Ōmiya Station and get off at Tetsudō-Hakubutsukan Station.
With exhibits on real railway vehicles, railway history, work, science, and the future, it is an attraction where you can spend plenty of time indoors.
Ticket sales methods and participation requirements for hands-on programs may change. Check the facility information for your visit date, and find out whether advance registration is required if there is an experience you want to try.
2. Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum | Discover Bonsai Culture from Toro Station
To reach Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum, take the JR Utsunomiya Line from Ōmiya Station to Toro Station, then walk from the east exit.
Exhibits of bonsai, bonsai pots, and historical materials, together with the bonsai garden, let you observe tree forms and highlights that vary by season.
Outdoor exhibits are affected by the weather, so bring rain gear or prepare for the heat and check for exhibit changes or temporary closures before visiting.
3. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine | Walk the Approach from Ōmiya Station
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine can be reached on foot from the east exit of Ōmiya Station, and the walk along its long approach is part of the experience of reaching the grounds.
The approach to Hikawa Shrine extends for approximately 2 kilometers from Nakasendō and is lined mainly with Japanese zelkova trees.
The grounds are a place of worship and become busier than usual during festivals and the New Year's shrine-visiting season. Do not obstruct other worshippers, and follow on-site guidance about photography and restricted areas.
4. Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum | Take the Tobu Line to the Doll-Making Town
To reach Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum, take the Tobu Urban Park Line from Ōmiya Station to Iwatsuki Station, then walk from the east exit.
Through permanent and special exhibitions, the museum introduces Saitama's doll making and Japanese doll culture.
Exhibition content and admission conditions vary by special exhibition. Check the current exhibition, closing days, and final admission time, and leave enough time for your return train if you combine the museum with a walk through Iwatsuki.
Take a Day Trip from Ōmiya Station to Nagatoro and Chichibu
For a trip to the northwestern part of the prefecture, a straightforward option is to take the JR Takasaki Line from Ōmiya Station to Kumagaya Station and transfer to the Chichibu Railway.
Nagatoro and central Chichibu are on the same line, but because both nature walks and shrine visits take time, decide on your return train in advance.
5. Nagatoro | Walk from the Station to Iwadatami and Along the River
Around Nagatoro Station, you can enjoy the Iwadatami rock formations, scenery along the Arakawa River, and walks toward Mount Hōdō.
From Ōmiya Station, transfer to the Chichibu Railway at Kumagaya Station and use Nagatoro Station as the starting point for exploring on foot.
High water, strong winds, snow, or extreme heat may affect trails and activities. Check the day's weather and tourism association notices, and do not approach the water when conditions are unsafe.
6. Chichibu Shrine | Walk Through Town from Chichibu Station
Chichibu Shrine is within walking distance of Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway and is easy to combine with a stroll along Banba Street and through the city center.
Festivals and events may cause traffic restrictions and crowds. Do not assume travel will take the same amount of time as on an ordinary sightseeing day; check festival notices and railway service information.
Walk Through the Historic Warehouse Town from Kawagoe Station
In Kawagoe's old town, the Kurazukuri Streets and Toki no Kane are close together and can be visited along the same walking route.
Take a bus from Kawagoe Station to the central area, then enjoy the architecture and atmosphere while remaining considerate of others on narrow sidewalks and residential streets.
7. Kurazukuri Streets | Explore Around Ichibangai
In the Kurazukuri Streets, you can walk through shops and alleys centered on Ichibangai, a street lined with stately traditional merchant buildings.
The area is both a tourist destination and an active roadway, so take care not to step into traffic while taking photos or block store entrances.
Restaurants and shops have different business days. If you are visiting a specific store, check its hours and allow extra time when the area is crowded.
8. Toki no Kane | See Kawagoe's Symbol Among the Historic Streets
Toki no Kane stands near the Kurazukuri Streets and is a landmark representing Kawagoe's historic townscape.
View the exterior from the surrounding streets and stop in a place that does not obstruct nearby shops or residents.
The current bell tower was rebuilt in the year after the Great Kawagoe Fire of Meiji 26 (1893).
The bell schedule and nearby traffic restrictions may change for events. Instead of planning solely around hearing the bell, include it as one stop in a broader walk through town so your schedule remains flexible.
Visit a Shrine and Temple from Kawagoe Station
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is north of the old town, while Kita-in is to the southeast, placing them in different directions on either side of the Kurazukuri Streets.
Take a bus from Kawagoe Station to your first destination, then continue in one direction using a mix of walking and buses to reduce the distance spent backtracking through the old town.
9. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | Take a Bus from the Station to Worship
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine can be reached by local or loop bus from Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Seasonal festivals and holidays bring more worshippers, so follow the guidance on the grounds after arriving and worship quietly.
During events, shrine office services, bus stops, and surrounding road conditions may differ from usual. Check same-day notices from the shrine and transportation operators.
10. Kita-in | Visit Cultural Properties and the 500 Rakan Statues
Kita-in contains cultural properties, including buildings relocated from Edo Castle, as well as 500 Rakan statues, offering insight into Kawagoe's temple culture and history.
Travel by bus or on foot from the Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station area, and combine the visit with a walk to nearby Senba Tōshō-gū Shrine.
Services, events, and repairs may change which areas and hours are open to visitors. If you want to see the interiors, check the reception information for that day.
Sample Itineraries for Sightseeing in Saitama Without a Car
Rather than trying to visit all 10 Saitama attractions in a short period, divide your schedule into 3 areas—central Ōmiya, Chichibu and Nagatoro, and Kawagoe's old town—to secure enough time at each site.
Choose places near a station for your arrival and departure days, and plan to devote 1 full day to Chichibu and Nagatoro, which require longer travel.
Keep Each Day on the Same Rail Line and in the Same Area
In central Ōmiya, combine The Railway Museum with Hikawa Shrine or Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum with Hikawa Shrine. Treat Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum as a separate stop along the Tobu line to keep the route clear.
In Kawagoe, create a one-way route, such as heading north from Kita-in through the Kurazukuri Streets and Toki no Kane to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, to reduce repeated walking.
For 2 Nights and 3 Days, Separate Ōmiya, Chichibu, and Kawagoe
Spend day 1 around Ōmiya, day 2 in Nagatoro or Chichibu, and day 3 in Kawagoe to avoid traveling back and forth between areas in different directions.
Use the following table to narrow each day's main focus according to your interests and energy level.
| Main focus for the day | Sample combination | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Central Ōmiya | The Railway Museum + Hikawa Shrine | Admission tickets, closing days, walking distance |
| Bonsai and dolls | Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum + Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum | Transfers between JR and the Tobu line; exhibit changes |
| Along the Chichibu Railway | Nagatoro or Chichibu Shrine | Return schedule, weather, events |
| Kawagoe old town | Kita-in + Kurazukuri Streets + Toki no Kane + Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | Buses, crowds, walking distance |
What to Check Before Traveling by Public Transportation
When sightseeing in Saitama without a car, it is important to check facility closing days, train and bus connections, and busy times in advance.
Avoid packing your schedule too tightly, and leave room to switch to another destination if transportation is suspended or a facility closes unexpectedly.
Compare Facility Closing Days and Admission Procedures
Museums and art museums do not necessarily close on the same weekday and may also close temporarily for special exhibition changes or equipment inspections.
Check each facility's opening status, ticket purchase method, and reservation requirements for experiences and exhibitions on the day of your visit. Also confirm whether construction or events will restrict outdoor attractions.
Choose Your Return Trains and Buses First
Services toward Nagatoro and Chichibu and city buses in the evening may run at wider intervals depending on the time of day.
Do not rely only on the final service. Aim for 1 departure earlier and plan for transfers, movement within stations, and delays caused by crowds.
Prepare for Luggage, Heat, and Rain
Because visits to Kawagoe's old town, the Hikawa Shrine approach, and the Nagatoro riverfront often involve long walks, leave large luggage at a station or your accommodations and wear comfortable shoes.
On days when summer heat, winter cold, heavy rain, or strong winds are expected, bring water, warm clothing, and rain gear. Be ready to shorten outdoor walks and focus on museums instead.
Summary: 10 Places to Visit in Saitama Without a Car
From Ōmiya Station, you can reach The Railway Museum, Ōmiya Bonsai Art Museum, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, and Iwatsuki Ningyō Museum, as well as Nagatoro and Chichibu Shrine via Kumagaya.
From Kawagoe Station, combine buses and walking to visit the Kurazukuri Streets, Toki no Kane, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and Kita-in in one direction, reducing unnecessary backtracking.
Before visiting, check each facility's and transportation operator's guidance for service, closures, admission procedures, events, and weather. Allow enough time for your return trip and walking as you enjoy Saitama's attractions.
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