🕓 2024/10/23
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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.
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.
Located along the Naguri River in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture, Naguri Onsen Taishoukaku is a traditional onsen inn surrounded by nature. Below are five unique features that highlight its charm:
1. Beautiful Natural Surroundings
Naguri Onsen Taishoukaku is situated along the mountain stream of the Naguri River, offering a tranquil retreat where guests can enjoy the seasonal beauty of nature. Particularly during autumn foliage and the fresh greenery of spring, the views are stunning, and the sound of the flowing river provides a soothing ambiance, perfect for a relaxing stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2. A Historic Ryokan with Over 100 Years of Tradition
Founded in 1914, Taishoukaku boasts over 100 years of history as a traditional ryokan. The warmth of its wooden interiors and the traditional hospitality passed down through generations have earned it many loyal repeat guests. The décor and furniture throughout the inn reflect its deep-rooted history, offering visitors a space that truly feels steeped in tradition.
3. Skin-Beautifying Onsen Waters
The waters of Naguri Onsen are a mildly alkaline cold mineral spring, known for their gentle effects on the skin and high beautifying properties. The baths are kept at a comfortable temperature of around 40 degrees Celsius, allowing guests to enjoy long, relaxing soaks. There are also open-air baths and private baths where guests can enjoy a more secluded experience while taking in the natural surroundings.
4. Seasonal Cuisine Featuring Local Delicacies
At Taishoukaku, guests can savor seasonal kaiseki (multi-course) meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. In autumn, the menu often features dishes rich with matsutake mushrooms, allowing guests to enjoy the flavors of the season. Some meals are also served around a traditional irori hearth, making the most of the natural bounty of the region.
5. Warm and Inviting Guest Rooms
Taishoukaku offers 19 guest rooms, each designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. With a variety of room types, including Japanese-Western hybrid rooms and traditional Japanese-style rooms, guests can choose accommodations that best suit their needs. Many rooms offer stunning views of the Naguri River, providing a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. Some rooms also come with private open-air baths, offering the perfect space to enjoy the natural beauty and hot springs in privacy.
The guest rooms balance traditional Japanese elements with modern design, featuring furnishings and interiors that reflect the essence of Japan. The natural scent of wood and carefully selected traditional furniture create a comfortable and welcoming space for guests to enjoy.
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.