🕓 2024/10/16
#Hotels
About Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture is known as a region where beautiful nature and rich culture harmonize. Located in the inland area of the Kanto region, Saitama Prefecture features diverse landscapes including the Chichibu Mountains and the Nagatoro Valley, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad. In particular, natural attractions such as the Nagatoro River Boat Ride and Mt. Buko are popular destinations where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Saitama Prefecture also boasts numerous historic and cultural sites, including the kurazukuri (warehouse-style) streetscapes of Kawagoe and the Chichibu Night Festival. Many events are held throughout the year, such as traditional festivals in Chichibu and the Wind Chime Festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, offering opportunities to experience local culture firsthand.
For those visiting Saitama, here are three carefully selected luxury hotels that provide an exceptional stay.
3 Handpicked Luxury Hotels in Saitama Prefecture
Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan
Source: Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan Official Website
■Highlights of Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan
Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan is a historic Japanese inn located in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Nagatoro Valley and its rock formations. Here are five unique highlights of this inn.
1. Guest Rooms with Breathtaking Views
All guest rooms at Choseikan face the Arakawa River and Nagatoro Valley, offering panoramic views of the beautiful nature in every season. In particular, you can enjoy the changing seasons while gazing at the “Iwadatami” (rock formations), a designated Natural Monument. The autumn foliage season is especially spectacular.
2. A Historic and Traditional Long-Established Inn
Choseikan was founded in 1912 (Taisho 1) and has walked alongside the history of Nagatoro tourism. Boasting over 100 years of history, it is said that Eiichi Shibusawa was the one who named the inn. You can enjoy a unique atmosphere where tradition and prestige come together.
3. Garden and Iwadatami Rock Formations
From the beautiful Japanese garden of Choseikan, you can walk directly down to the “Iwadatami” rock formations, a designated National Natural Monument, offering guests a special experience of nature’s beauty up close. The garden views also change with the seasons, with spring and autumn being particularly magnificent.
4. Open-Air Baths and Large Public Baths
Some guest rooms feature private open-air baths, and from the spacious terrace and ceramic open-air bath, you can enjoy panoramic views of Nagatoro Valley. The large public bath uses water infused with bamboo vinegar, and is known for its ability to soothe travel fatigue.
5. Local Cuisine Dining Experience
The meals at Choseikan feature abundant local Chichibu cuisine. In particular, traditional dishes such as “koi no arai” (fresh carp sashimi), “botan nabe” (wild boar hot pot), and “salt-grilled river fish” can be enjoyed around an irori (traditional sunken hearth), providing guests with an unforgettable dining experience.
■Access Information for Nagatoro Hana no Omotenashi Choseikan
- Official Website: https://choseikan.com/
- Access: 3-minute walk from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway
- Address: 449 Nagatoro, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1305
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8zTW2qBpxNhGYwUz5
Naguri Onsen Taishokaku
Source: Naguri Onsen Taishokaku Official Website
■ Highlights of Naguri Onsen Taishokaku
Naguri Onsen Taishokaku is a hot spring inn situated along the Naguri River in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, surrounded by nature. Here are five unique highlights of this inn.
1. A Location Surrounded by Beautiful Nature
Naguri Onsen Taishokaku is located along the Naguri River stream, offering guests the chance to enjoy the scenery of each season in a rich natural setting. The autumn foliage and fresh green seasons are particularly beautiful, and you can spend relaxing moments listening to the gentle sound of the river. The appeal lies in its ability to let you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and become one with nature.
2. A Long-Established Inn with Over 100 Years of History
Taishokaku was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3) and boasts over 100 years of history. The traditional hospitality passed down since its founding, combined with the warmth of wood throughout the inn, has earned it many loyal returning guests. The decor and furnishings also evoke a sense of tradition, creating spaces where you can truly appreciate the depth of history.
3. Hot Springs with Skin-Beautifying Properties
The waters of Naguri Onsen are a hypotonic alkaline cold mineral spring, gentle on the skin and known for their beautifying effects. The water temperature is set at a slightly lukewarm 40 degrees Celsius, allowing for long, leisurely soaks and relaxation. Open-air baths and private baths are also available, offering a private hot spring experience while enjoying the natural scenery.
4. Seasonal Local Cuisine
At Taishokaku, you can enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. In autumn, dishes featuring abundant matsutake mushrooms are served, delighting guests with the flavors of each season. Meals around the irori (traditional hearth) are also available, making the most of nature’s bounty.
5. Warm and Inviting Guest Rooms
All 19 guest rooms are designed to blend with the natural surroundings, characterized by the warmth of wood. Various room types are available, including Japanese-Western and purely Japanese-style rooms, to suit every guest’s needs. Each room offers stunning views of the Naguri River for a relaxing stay. Some rooms also feature private open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy nature and hot springs in your own private space.
The rooms beautifully balance traditional Japanese elements with modern design. Japanese-inspired furniture and interior decor are thoughtfully arranged, creating comfortable spaces filled with the scent of wood.
■ Access Information for Naguri Onsen Taishokaku
- Official Website: https://www.taishoukaku.com/
- Access: 7-minute walk from “Nagurigawa-bashi” bus stop
- Address: 917 Oaza Shimonaguri, Hanno City, Saitama 357-0112
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P7nyBdyJ8BmcUxhg7
Petit Hotel C’est La Vie
Source: Petit Hotel C’est La Vie Official Website
■ Highlights of Petit Hotel C’est La Vie
Petit Hotel C’est La Vie is a small, hidden gem hotel located in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture, featuring rich natural surroundings and antique-style interiors. Here are five unique highlights of this hotel.
1. A Tranquil Location Surrounded by Nature
Petit Hotel C’est La Vie is situated within a vast 30,000-tsubo (approximately 99,000 square meters) auto-camping ground, surrounded by the Chichibu Mountains and the Arakawa River. Enveloped in tranquility and beautiful nature, you can relax and forget the noise of the city.
2. Antique-Style Interiors
The entire hotel is unified in antique-style design, creating an atmosphere of tasteful elegance. Each guest room features a different design with attention to every detail. The appeal lies in being able to enjoy a different ambiance with each visit.
3. Guest Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths
Four of the five guest rooms feature private open-air baths where you can leisurely bathe while taking in the natural scenery. A private reservation open-air bath is also available, allowing hotel guests to enjoy the hot springs in complete privacy.
4. Cuisine Featuring Abundant Local Vegetables
The kaiseki cuisine here features over 65 varieties of locally grown vegetables. The seasonal vegetable dishes are crafted to highlight the natural flavors of each ingredient, offering a wholesome and health-conscious dining experience.
■ Access Information for Petit Hotel C’est La Vie
- Official Website: https://ceravie.com/
- Access: 20-minute walk from Nogami Station
- Address: 419-1 Ido, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1312
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KFu2YWCsvoztKkDt6