About Saitama

Saitama Prefecture is known as a region where beautiful nature and rich culture harmoniously coexist. Located in the inland part of the Kanto region, Saitama offers a variety of landscapes, including the Chichibu Mountain Range and Nagatoro Gorge, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad. Notably, nature-rich attractions such as the Nagatoro River Cruise and Mount Buko are popular for their stunning seasonal views.

Saitama is also rich in historical and cultural landmarks, such as the traditional warehouse-style streets of Kawagoe and the Chichibu Night Festival. The region hosts numerous cultural events, including traditional festivals in Chichibu and the Wind Chime Festival at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, allowing visitors to experience the local culture firsthand.

When visiting Saitama, here are three carefully selected luxury hotels that offer a special stay experience.

Top 3 Luxury Hotels in Saitama

1. Nagatoro Choseikan: Hanano Omotenashi 

出典：長瀞 花のおもてなし 長生館　公式HP

 ■ The Charm of Nagatoro Choseikan: Hanano Omotenashi

Located in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture, Nagatoro Choseikan: Hanano Omotenashi is a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) surrounded by the natural beauty of Nagatoro Gorge and the renowned Iwadatami rock formations. Below are five unique features that highlight its charm:

　1. Guest Rooms with Spectacular Views 

All guest rooms at Choseikan face the Arakawa River and Nagatoro Gorge, offering stunning views of the seasonal natural beauty. Guests can enjoy watching the changes of the seasons, especially during the autumn foliage, with the iconic Iwadatami rock formations—designated as a Natural Monument—right outside their window.

　2. A Historic and Traditional Ryokan 

Founded in 1912, Choseikan is a long-established inn that has grown alongside Nagatoro's tourism history. With over 100 years of tradition, it is said that the famous industrialist Eiichi Shibusawa gave the inn its name. Guests can enjoy a unique atmosphere that blends both history and prestige.

　3. Garden and Iwadatami Rock Formations 

From the beautiful Japanese garden of Choseikan, guests have direct access to the Iwadatami rock formations, a Natural Monument of Japan. This special experience allows visitors to feel the beauty of nature up close. The garden also changes with the seasons, offering spectacular views, particularly in spring and autumn.

　4. Open-Air Baths and Large Public Baths 

Some rooms are equipped with open-air baths, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Nagatoro Gorge from a spacious terrace with ceramic baths. The large public bath uses bamboo vinegar-infused water, providing a soothing experience to relieve the fatigue of travel, which has garnered high praise from visitors.​

　5. Traditional Local Cuisine 

The meals at Choseikan incorporate an abundance of local Chichibu specialties. Guests can savor traditional dishes such as “koi no arai” (chilled carp sashimi), “botan nabe” (wild boar hot pot), and grilled river fish, all served around a traditional hearth. These dishes offer an unforgettable culinary experience.

 ■ Access to Nagatoro Choseikan: Hanano Omotenashi 

• Official Website: https://choseikan.com/
  
• Access: 3 minutes from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway
  
• Address: 449 Nagatoro, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1305, Japan
  
• Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/8zTW2qBpxNhGYwUz5

2. Naguri Onsen Taishoukaku 

出典：名栗温泉 大松閣　公式HP

• Official Website: https://www.taishoukaku.com/
  
• Access: A 7-minute walk from "Naguri Kawabashi" Bus Stop
  
• Address: 917 Shimokaguri, Naguri, Hanno City, Saitama 357-0112, Japan
  
• Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/P7nyBdyJ8BmcUxhg7

3.  Small Hotel C'est la Vie 

出典：大洗ホテル  公式HP

 ■ The Charm of Small Hotel C'est la Vie

Small Hotel C'est la Vie is a quaint hideaway located in Nagatoro Town, Saitama Prefecture, known for its rich natural surroundings and antique-style interiors. Below are five unique features that highlight its charm:

　1. A Quiet Location Surrounded by Nature 

Small Hotel C'est la Vie is nestled within a vast 30,000-tsubo (approximately 99,000 square meters) campsite, surrounded by the Chichibu Mountains and the Arakawa River. The peaceful, serene environment and beautiful nature provide a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing guests to relax in tranquility.​

 

　2. Antique-Style Interiors 

The entire hotel is unified by an antique-style design, creating a charming and elegant atmosphere. Each guest room features a unique design, with attention to detail evident throughout. Guests can enjoy a different ambiance with every visit, making each stay a fresh and exciting experience.

 

　3. Rooms with Open-Air Baths and Private Open-Air Baths  

Four out of the five guest rooms come equipped with private open-air baths, where guests can relax and soak in the hot water while enjoying views of the natural surroundings. The hotel also offers a private open-air bath that can be reserved, allowing guests to enjoy a fully private hot spring experience.

 

　4. Cuisine Featuring Locally Sourced Vegetables 

The hotel's signature kaiseki (multi-course) meals feature over 65 varieties of locally grown vegetables. The dishes, crafted to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients, offer a healthy and satisfying dining experience. Seasonal vegetables are creatively used to enhance both flavor and nutrition.

 

 ■ Access Information for Small Hotel C'est la Vie

• Official Website: https://ceravie.com/
  
• Access: A 20-minute walk from Nogami Station
  
• Address: 419-1 Ido, Nagatoro Town, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1312, Japan
  
• Google Maps : https://maps.app.goo.gl/KFu2YWCsvoztKkDt6