Ageo is full of facilities where you can play with your children! 11 Tourist Spots in Ageo

In the Edo period, Ageo City in Saitama Prefecture flourished as a post town. There are no mountains around, only vast plains. Ageo City is filled with tourist spots where you can enjoy time with your children! There are facilities where you can play to your heart's content, places where you can learn, and even tourist spots that display various sceneries depending on the season. This time, we will introduce 11 recommended tourist spots in Ageo City.

1. Ageo Maruyama Park

Since its opening in 1978 (Showa 53), Ageo Maruyama Park has been cherished as a recreational spot for the citizens of Ageo. The vast grounds are equipped with various facilities including a children's playground featuring large play equipment and a sandbox, a small animal corner, and wooden playground equipment that includes a ropeway and a small athletic course.

In spring, the park becomes lively with the full bloom of cherry blossoms, attracting many people for hanami. Residents, employees, and students of Ageo City can use the barbecue area for free upon registration. With a parking lot available, it is also convenient for those arriving by car. Additionally, the park is accessible via Ageo City’s circulator bus “Gurutto-kun” and Tobu Bus.

2. Saitama Ice Arena

Saitama Ice Arena offers not only a full-scale main rink but also a sub rink where even beginners can enjoy skating safely. This sub rink transforms into an illumination rink on certain days and times, providing a unique skating experience. However, please note that on some days when the rink is reserved for events, it may not be available for general public use.

3. Enomoto Farm

A must-visit spot for Ageo sightseeing is Enomoto Farm. In addition to dairy cows, the farm is home to many animals such as dogs, cats, donkeys, goats, miniature pigs, and rabbits, making it a very lively place. You don’t have to travel all the way to Hokkaido; here, you can enjoy delicious yogurt and milk, which is one of its major attractions.

One of the highlights is the gelato made from freshly milked cow’s milk, available in a variety of flavors including milk, matcha, and Ogura (sweet red bean). Moreover, you can partake in a farm experience for a fee, which includes activities like milking cows, making butter, and brushing the animals—unique experiences you can only have here.

After interacting with the animals and savoring fresh dairy products, cap off your visit with a barbecue! Equipment is available for rent, so just bring your ingredients. Please note that reservations are required in advance for the various activities and the barbecue, so be sure to check the website before visiting.

4. Ageo City Nature Learning Center

Ageo City Nature Learning Center is a facility where you can learn about and observe the culture and nature of Ageo. In the exhibition lobby, you can view panels about nature, animals, plants, as well as culture and history. The workshops held in the craft experiment room are a must-see. An added bonus is that admission is free.

5. Ageo Observatory

The Ageo Observatory is an astronomical facility located next to the Ageo City Nature Learning Center. With telescopes installed, you can actually look at the stars and learn about the universe. Although held only on certain days of the week, events such as stargazing parties and solar observation sessions are also conducted. All events are open to the public, so plan your visit on the scheduled day. Best of all, participation is free!

6. Hikawa Kkuwa Shrine

Beloved by the citizens of Ageo as “Okkuwa-sama,” Hikawa Kkuwa Shrine is a familiar spiritual site. Within its precincts, there is the main hall, a hall dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane—who is traditionally revered as the god of academics—and the Nikendō, which honors Zhu Xi. Various events such as the “Ageo Summer Festival,” Setsubun Festival, and New Harvest Thanksgiving Festival are held here, making it a great idea to plan your visit on one of those event days. It’s also extremely accessible, just a 3-minute walk from Ageo Station.

7. Kamihira Park

Kamihira Park is a popular park equipped with various sports facilities. It features a civic baseball field and tennis courts, and its rest areas include changing rooms and showers. With abundant greenery, fountains, gardens, and playground equipment that children love, it’s an ideal spot for families to relax.

Depending on the season, you can also enjoy flowers such as cherry blossoms and roses. In the summer, the park’s babbling brook offers a perfect spot for water play, drawing crowds of children. It’s also convenient to access via the city’s circulator bus.

8. Hanasaki no Yu

For those seeking a relaxing time in Ageo, Hanasaki no Yu is the place to go! In its open-air baths, you can fully enjoy natural hot springs, and there are plenty of other enticing baths available such as Tsuboyu, Nekorobiyu, an electric bath, and a jet bath. With a weekly rotation of herbs and bath additives, each visit offers a different bathing experience.

For an extra touch of luxury, try the relaxation course. Couples might enjoy the rock sauna (ganbanyoku). There’s even a restaurant on site, so you can dine at Hanasaki no Yu. This spot is perfect for soothing your tired body after a day of sightseeing.

9. Saitama Suijo Park

During the summer, Saitama Suijo Park operates as a pool facility bustling with families. It features various pools including small and large transformation pools, a waterfall pool, a children's pool, a wave pool, and a straight slide, ensuring plenty of fun. With a shop selling floatation devices and an on-site restaurant, you can even enjoy a poolside lunch.

What's amazing about Saitama Suijo Park is that it offers different ways to have fun even outside the summer season. During the off-season, you can enjoy fishing in the pool. Various events are sometimes held as well, so be sure to check the website before heading out. Additionally, there are facilities for table tennis, putt golf, and battery car rides.

Since it takes about 30 minutes to walk from Ageo Station, taking a bus is recommended. Of course, there is also a large parking lot available, so accessing by car is fine too!

10. Bateiji Temple

Bateiji Temple offers a glimpse into history dating back to the Kamakura period. When visiting, be sure not to miss the Mokukoku tree. As you enter through the temple gate, you’ll see it on the right side. This Mokukoku tree is so significant that it has been designated as a Natural Monument by Saitama Prefecture. It stands at 12.5 meters tall, has a trunk circumference of approximately 2.57 meters, and is said to be over 200 years old.

In addition to the Mokukoku tree, Bateiji Temple also houses the Suzuki Sotan Haikai Monument, which has been selected as a tangible cultural property of Ageo City, as well as a colored paper depiction of Shaka triad statues. Don’t miss these attractions when you visit!

11. Haraichi Swamp

Located on the border between Ageo City in Saitama Prefecture and Ina Town in Kitaadachi District, Haraichi Swamp is famous for its lotus flowers. The beautiful scenery that can be seen here is the result of cultivating lotus seeds received from Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture. The best time to see the lotus flowers is from mid-July to early August, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly!

◎ Summary

Ageo City is easily accessible from Tokyo by train. Additionally, with a city circulator bus available, you can explore the city even without a car. Use this article as your guide and enjoy your sightseeing adventure in Ageo to the fullest!

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Ageo is full of facilities where you can play with your children! 11 Tourist Spots in Ageo