7 Sightseeing Spots in Arashiyama Town, Saitama! You can enjoy the feel of the city even in Saitama

Ranzan Town is located in the central-western part of Saitama Prefecture. The town's name originates from the beauty of the Tsukikawa Gorge, likened to Kyoto’s Arashiyama.
Also known as Musashi-Arashiyama, the town's appeal is not limited to its mountainous scenery! Beginning as a stage for the Genji conflicts, the town later hosted fortresses of prominent figures such as powerful retainers of the Kamakura shogunate, the Kanto Kanrei of the Muromachi period, and the Hojo clan, rulers of Kanto during the Sengoku period. Some of these castle ruins remain as valuable historical sites and popular tourist attractions.
Ranzan Town is easily accessible via the Tobu Tojo Line, making it a convenient one-train trip from the city center or Saitama’s premier tourist city, Kawagoe. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend day trip.

1. Arashiyama Gorge

First, let us introduce Arashiyama Gorge (Ranzan Keikoku), the namesake of the town of "Arashiyama"! Arashiyama Gorge is a scenic area located at the meandering section of Tsuki River, a tributary of Tokigawa, and is also known as "Musashi Arashiyama." When Shizuroku Honda, a landscape architect known as the "Father of Japanese Parks," visited this site in 1928 (Showa 3), he was so impressed by its beauty that he named it after Kyoto's Arashiyama.

The best season to visit is, of course, autumn! The vivid autumn leaves that seem to hang over the river, framed by the borrowed landscapes of Mt. Taihei and Mt. Shou, are a sight that rivals even Kyoto's Arashiyama. One reason for this stunning scenery lies in the unique geology of the area, featuring greenschist rock formations. The flat rock terraces lining the gorge lend a majestic atmosphere to the Musashi Arashiyama landscape. A visit to Arashiyama Town almost always begins with Arashiyama Gorge.

2. Tokigawa Cherry Embankment

The right bank of the Tokigawa River, which flows through Ranzan Town, has had embankments since the Edo period. About 30 years ago, during 1986–1987 (Showa 61–62), around 250 young Somei Yoshino cherry trees were planted here through contributions from Ranzan Town residents as part of a recreational project for Saitama Prefecture citizens. These trees have since grown into a splendid cherry blossom avenue, making it a new tourist attraction for Ranzan Town that attracts many flower viewers in spring.

From Hachiman Bridge in front of Kamakata Hachiman Shrine, past Futase Bridge over the confluence with the Tsuki River, and all the way to Gakkou Bridge, the approximately 2km-long gentle curve of pink rows is a magnificent and elegant sight! The surrounding rural area with few buildings also adds to the charm of the visit.

3. Hiki Castle Ruins Group

The area around Ranzan Town has been a stage for many battles from the Heian period to the Sengoku period. In the late Heian period, the Ōkura Battle occurred, where Minamoto no Yoshihira, brother of Minamoto no Yoritomo, attacked and destroyed his uncle Minamoto no Yoshikata. During the Sengoku period, the internal conflict of the Uesugi clan, rulers of the Kantō region, and the advancement of the Later Hōjō clan led to the construction of several fortresses.

Among these, four castle ruins with significant remaining structures were designated as a National Historic Site in 2007 under the name "Hiki Castle Ruins Group." Remarkably, three of these castles are located within Ranzan Town. Some have been developed into historic parks, while others lie quietly buried in the corners of the Ranzan Valley. However, all of them are sufficient to evoke the era of samurai. If you are visiting Musashi Ranzan, be sure to stop by these sites—you won’t regret it.
Here, we will introduce the characteristics and attractions of all three castle ruins.

◆ Sugaya Castle Ruins

Sugaya Castle, believed to have been situated on the riverbank of the Tokigawa River, is said to have been built by Hatakeyama Shigetada, who played a key role in the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. However, the deep moats and high earthen walls that remain today were modified during the Sengoku period.

At the site of Sugaya Castle's third bailey, the "Saitama Prefectural Ranzan Historic Museum" has been constructed. Here, you can learn about the Hiki Castle Ruins Group and the achievements of Shigetada, who was praised as the "model of the Bandō warriors."

The site is within walking distance of Musashi-Ranzan Station on the Tobu Tōjō Line, making it convenient to visit using public transportation.

◆ Sugiyama Castle Ruins

Known among enthusiasts as a "textbook example of medieval castles" due to its ingenious design and techniques, Sugiyama Castle Ruins are located right in front of the Kan-Etsu Expressway Ranzan-Ogawa IC. The excellence of the remains was so remarkable that the planned expressway route was changed to preserve the site.

Sugiyama Castle is believed to have been built in the 15th century when the Yamauchi Uesugi clan, the rulers of the Kantō region, clashed with their relatives, the Ōgigayatsu Uesugi clan.

The small hill where the castle ruins are located is open to visitors thanks to the generosity of the landowners, and it is even maintained by local middle school students. Even those unfamiliar with castles can vividly imagine life during the Sengoku period, thanks to the series of earthen walls and dry moats.

◆ Ogura Castle Ruins

The third Ogura Castle Ruins, located in the scenic Arashiyama Valley, sit quietly atop a hill. Although it is called a mountain, it is not very tall. If you climb from the back of Daifukuji Temple on the Tokigawa Town side, you can reach it in just about five minutes.

A notable feature of this castle is its remaining stonework. The Arashiyama area is a production site for chlorite schist, a material used for Itabi (stone pagoda steles for memorials). For this reason, there was no shortage of stone materials to build the castle. The primitive stone walls, made of flat, board-like stones, create a rugged castle atmosphere distinct from the beautiful keeps of famous castles from the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods.

It is a must-visit tourist spot after enjoying the scenic beauty of the Arashiyama Valley.

4. Kiso Yoshinaka's Birth Water Spring

The spring associated with Kiso Yoshinaka's birth bath is located within the grounds of Kamikata Hachiman Shrine in Ranzan Town, Kamikata. Yoshinaka's father, Minamoto no Yoshikata, had a mansion in Ōkura, Ranzan Town, but he was ambushed and killed by his nephew, Minamoto no Yoshihira. A young Yoshinaka narrowly escaped and was sheltered in Kiso, Shinshu.

This spring, said to have been used for his first bath, still gushes water and is one of Kamikata's seven famous springs. Nearby are historical landmarks related to Yoshinaka, including the tomb of his beloved concubine, Yamabuki-hime, at Bankei Temple. This site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts exploring Arashiyama.

5. Arashiyama Valley Onsen Health Center Heiseirou

The local gourmet dish “Arashiyama Spicy Offal Yakisoba,” created in Arashiyama Town, is a powerhouse that has won multiple awards at Saitama Prefecture's "B-class Local Gourmet King Championship." This thick, spicy stir-fried noodle dish has a bold flavor and attracts tourists seeking stimulating local cuisine.

In Arashiyama Town, there are about 10 restaurants that serve this "Arashiyama Spicy Offal Yakisoba," but the one most beloved by locals is the "Arashiyama Valley Onsen Health Center Heiseirou." Eating this deliciously spicy dish in the spacious banquet hall while sweating it out is simply superb! Being an onsen facility, it’s also a delight to relax and enjoy your meal after soaking in the hot spring.

Heiseirou also offers private rooms, karaoke rooms, a manga corner, a screening room, and even a mahjong room, making it an enjoyable spot for families and friends alike.

6. Kijin Shrine

Located about 500 meters northeast of Musashi Ranzan Station is Kijin Shrine, the only shrine in Kanto that enshrines demons as its main deity! Even nationwide, there are only four such shrines that honor demons. At Kijin Shrine, the unique bean-throwing ceremony during Setsubun includes chants of "Good fortune in! Demons in!" and "Evil out!"

Looking up at the karahafu (curved gable) of the shrine's main hall, you'll see the faces of a blue demon and a red demon. Naturally, the ema (votive tablets) also feature two powerful-looking demons. When visiting Kijin Shrine, don’t forget to pick up an amulet! The most popular is the “Oni ni Kanabo (Demon’s Iron Club) Amulet,” which contains a miniature iron club. There are various sizes and styles, so choose your favorite golden stick.
If you visit Arashiyama, why not make a wish to the demons?

7. Former Building of the Japanese Red Cross Society Saitama Branch

To the north of “Kiso Yoshinaka's Bathing Spring” stands a chic and modern building with light blue wooden walls that catch the eye. It currently houses the Arashiyama Kindergarten in Arashiyama Town but was originally the former building of the Japanese Red Cross Society’s Saitama Branch. It was relocated to Arashiyama Town in 1983. This building was designed by Keijiro Yamashita, known for his prison architecture, and was constructed in 1905 (Meiji 38) on the grounds of the Saitama Prefectural Government (now located in Urawa Ward, Saitama City).

The building strongly reflects the influence of the "Simple Style" or "Colonial Style" architecture popular in 19th-century America. The light blue walls beautifully contrast with the red bricks of the base and the red tiles of the roof. While it is a pastoral one-story structure, its sophisticated design reveals its high level of artistry.

Visitors can tour the interior during weekdays by making an advance reservation with Arashiyama Kindergarten.

◎Summary

Arashiyama Town offers a collection of hidden scenic and historical spots in Saitama Prefecture. The town is also conveniently accessible, with the Tobu Tojo Line and the Kan-Etsu Expressway running through it, making it easy to reach from central Tokyo. As a gateway to the Chichibu region, it’s perfect for an overnight stay with sightseeing or a day trip from the city. A destination to experience a Kyoto-like atmosphere in the Tokyo metropolitan area—“Yes, let’s go to Arashiyama!

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7 Sightseeing Spots in Arashiyama Town, Saitama! You can enjoy the feel of the city even in Saitama