Introducing 15 Recommended Tourist Spots in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, Filled with Flowers and Art Museums!

Kazo City (Kazo-shi) is located in the northeastern part of Saitama Prefecture. Since this is important, let me say it again—it’s 'Kazo' City. It may not immediately come to mind as a tourist destination, but the city is home to some of the prefecture's most significant ancient shrines, a renowned temple counted among the three great Fudō temples of the Kanto region, and many unique art museums. Kazo is full of must-see attractions.
In particular, the northern half of Kazo City is part of the floodplain of the Tone River, offering a rich natural landscape with vast rural scenery. Along the Tone River, there are various tourist spots where you can closely observe wetland plants and birds that are rarely seen in the city.
With easy access from central Tokyo via the Tobu Isesaki Line, why not visit Kazo City and discover the beauty of each season?

1. Tamashiki Shrine

Located in the southwestern part of Kazo City, Tamashiki Shrine (Tamashiki Jinja) serves as the main shrine of the numerous Hisaizu Shrines (Hisaizu Jinja) scattered throughout Saitama Prefecture. Its history is incredibly ancient, with some theories suggesting it was founded in the 6th year of Emperor Seimu’s reign (year 136).
Tamashiki Shrine, considered a symbolic heart of Kazo citizens, hosts numerous cultural and tourist events throughout the year. One of the highlights is the shrine’s Kagura dance, performed four times annually. This traditional performing art from Kazo has even been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Another major event is the New Year Daruma Market held every February 1st, originating from Takasaki Daruma merchants bringing their goods to Kazo.

However, the most famous attraction of Tamashiki Shrine is undoubtedly the Kisai Wisteria Festival, where visitors admire a grand wisteria tree estimated to be over 400 years old! The massive trellis, covering an area equivalent to 100 tatami mats, overflows with clusters of large wisteria blossoms hanging gracefully, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.
The best time to visit is from late April to early May, when Kazo City sees the highest number of tourists. During the festival, daily performances and local product sales take place, making it a perfect opportunity to fully enjoy Kazo’s attractions.

2. Ukiya-no-Sato

Ukiya-no-Sato is a preserved area spanning 125 hectares, dedicated to maintaining Kazo’s unique rural landscape and the wetlands of Musashino. Historically, the rice paddies in Kazo, located on the floodplain of the Tone River, retained water even after the harvest season, allowing wetland plants to flourish in every season.
The most famous sights are yellow spurge (Euphorbia jolkinii) in April and beautiful irises in June! During the Ayame Festival (Iris Festival), the best way to explore is by taking a ride on a traditional wooden boat called "Tabune" for a scenic water tour. In autumn, visitors can also enjoy a peaceful walk under the colorful foliage of oak tree-lined paths.

3. Yagyū's Three-Prefecture Border

Just a 5-minute walk from Yagyū Station on the Tobu Nikko Line, there is a unique spot where the three prefectures of Saitama, Tochigi, and Gunma meet at a single point. While such three-prefecture borders are often found on mountaintops, this is the only one in Japan that exists on flat land! Because of this rarity, it has been named "Yagyū's Three-Prefecture Border", after the nearby station, and has become a new tourist attraction in Kazo City.
This spot only recently became a tourist attraction because its precise location was not officially determined until 2016. After surveys and discussions, on March 31, 2016, a formal signing ceremony was held by the three local governments: Kazo City (Saitama Prefecture), Tochigi City (Tochigi Prefecture), and Itakura Town (Gunma Prefecture).
For "borderline enthusiasts," this is a dream destination! Just to remind you—the nearest station is in Kazo City!

4. Wakui Museum

The Wakui Museum was built in Kazo City by Wakui Shokai, a company specializing in the sale of imported classic cars. This industrial museum is a rare gem in Japan, as it not only displays classic cars like Rolls-Royce and Bentley but also keeps them in running condition.
Among its priceless collection, you can admire some of the world’s most historically significant vehicles, including:
The oldest surviving original Bentley
A Rolls-Royce once owned by former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida
A Bentley 3 Litre that belonged to Jirō Shirasu
For classic car enthusiasts, this museum in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, is an absolute must-visit!

5. Kisai Castle

Located east of Tamashiki Shrine, the ruins of Kisai Castle (also known as Kisaichi Castle) were once a contested stronghold between the Ashikaga clan of Koga, the Hojo clan of Odawara, and the Uesugi clan of Echigo.
During the Sengoku period, Uesugi Kenshin rushed from afar to rescue an allied castle besieged by Hojo's large army. However, just before his arrival, the castle had already surrendered. Enraged by this, Kenshin, in a fit of frustration, diverted his forces and attacked Kisai Castle instead, ultimately capturing it. Although many siege battles occurred throughout Japan's history, a castle being conquered purely out of frustration is quite unusual.
Today, only a few earthen embankments of Kisai Castle remain, but after World War II, a three-story replica castle tower was built as a tourist attraction. Inside, it functions as a local history museum, showcasing artifacts and historical materials from Kazo City’s former Kisai Town area. From the top floor, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Mount Tsukuba, and even Tokyo Skytree on a clear day.

6. Hokusai Museum

The Hokusai Museum primarily exhibits the artworks of Mikuo Konoki, along with paintings collected by Jin’ichi Tabei. This museum is one of Kazo City's many museums and has become a new tourist attraction in the area.
It also features numerous artworks from local artists around Kazo and offers some pieces for sale. If you're looking for a place to appreciate art in Kazo, this museum is worth a visit.
Interestingly, the name "Hokusai" is believed to come from "North Saitama", but the exact origin remains unclear. However, be aware that the museum does not display any ukiyo-e prints by Katsushika Hokusai.

7. Saitama Center for Environmental Science

Located near the southwestern edge of Kazo City, the Saitama Center for Environmental Science is a key facility that combines both environmental research and educational programs. There are two main attractions for visitors.
The first is the exhibition hall, where visitors are greeted by a plush toy of Kobaton, Saitama Prefecture’s mascot, which even traveled to space with astronaut Koichi Wakata! The hall features interactive exhibits and quizzes, making it a fun experience even for children. Despite the engaging presentations, the topics covered are quite serious, as the facility was formerly the Saitama Prefectural Pollution Center. Visitors can experience an energy-consumption training machine, see a tower displaying the amount of waste a household generates in a year, and explore a mock recycling shop that illustrates how recycling works.
The second attraction is the outdoor ecological garden, which recreates the natural environment of Kazo from the 1950s and 1960s. This artificially designed ecosystem provides a unique opportunity to witness biotope-based environmental restoration and observe wildlife that has become rare in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Rather than visiting alone, this spot is best enjoyed as a family-friendly destination where visitors can learn and explore together.

8. Kitakawabe Rice Park

Growing vegetables on a tourist farm is a common hobby today, but have you ever tried rice farming? Renting a rice field and growing rice is not something individuals can easily do. However, Kitakawabe Rice Park, located on the northern bank of the Tone River in Kazo City, offers visitors this rare experience. Here, you can plant rice, harvest it, and even go strawberry picking in the greenhouse.
The Kitakawabe area of Kazo City, situated between the Tone River and the Watarase River, is one of the best rice-producing regions in Saitama Prefecture. Through hands-on tourism activities, visitors can also take home freshly harvested rice!
However, being surrounded by large rivers has also meant frequent struggles with flooding. To learn about the history of rice farming in Kazo and how people have adapted to floods, visit the Kitakawabe Local History Museum, which is located next to Rice Park.

9. Satoe Memorial 21st Century Museum

Opened in 2001, the Satoe Memorial 21st Century Museum is the first full-scale art museum in northern Saitama and remains one of the top museums in the entire prefecture. It is a registered museum dedicated to the theme of "Japanese gardens, sculptures, and paintings."
The Japanese garden on the museum grounds is beautiful in all four seasons and features various modern and contemporary sculptures from Japan and abroad, including works by the famous Auguste Rodin.
Near the museum, you’ll also find Kazo Hanasaki Water Park, making it a great place to enjoy art in an open and relaxing environment.

10. Kazo Cycling Center

The Kazo Cycling Center is located on the southern bank of the Tone River in northern Kazo City. Kazo sits at the midpoint of a long riverside cycling route that stretches from Gunma Prefecture in the north to Chiba Prefecture in the south.
At the cycling center, there are 20 bicycles for adults and 20 for children, along with helmets—all of which can be rented for free with just a valid ID. There is also a parking lot, making it easy to stop by and enjoy a cycling trip while visiting Kazo by car.
Next to the cycling center is the Kazo Future Museum, another great tourist attraction. The state-of-the-art planetarium, renovated in 2015, is sure to be a hit with kids! If you get hungry after cycling, you can stop by the on-site restaurant for a meal.

11. Musashino Village

If you want to fully enjoy Kazo with your family, then Musashino Village is the perfect destination! This amusement park is themed "A Family Land in the Greenery" and features 23 different attractions, including a ferris wheel, roller coaster, haunted house, and merry-go-round—all the classic rides that kids love.
Another major attraction of Musashino Village is the "Waku Waku Farm," where families can participate in agricultural experiences. No matter the season, visitors can harvest seasonal fruits and vegetables, making it an educational and fun activity for children. A trip here offers both entertainment and a learning experience—a great way for kids to enjoy their visit!

12. Sōganji Temple

Gyokutōzan Fudōin Sōganji Temple, also known as Fudōgaoka Fudōson Sōganji, is a historic temple in Kazo City and one of the Three Great Fudō Temples of Kanto. It is dedicated to Acala (Fudō Myōō), the Buddhist deity of protection, and is a popular destination for visitors seeking blessings for good fortune and business success.
The busiest times at Sōganji are during two major annual events:
The Oni-Oi Mamemaki Festival (Demon-Chasing Bean-Throwing Ceremony) on Setsubun (early February)
The Hiwatari-shiki (Fire-Walking Ceremony) on September 28
During the Oni-Oi Mamemaki Festival, performers dressed as red, blue, and black demons appear, each holding a large torch, a sword, or a club while running through the temple grounds, creating an exciting atmosphere. After this, celebrities take part in the bean-throwing ritual, delighting the crowd.
The Fire-Walking Ceremony allows general participants to join! After a sacred fire ritual, monks walk barefoot over burning embers, and visitors who wish to purify their sins and desires can follow in their footsteps. The fire is believed to be a sacred cleansing flame of Fudō Myōō.
Fudōgaoka Fudōson Sōganji is undoubtedly one of Kazo City’s top spiritual and cultural attractions.

13. Onibasu Festa

The Onibasu plant is an annual water plant in the water lily family, resembling a lotus. It is designated as a rare wild species in Saitama Prefecture. In Kazo City, there is a natural habitat of these precious flowers located southwest of Kitakawabe Kindergarten. From August to September, when the plant blooms with its distinctive purple flowers, photographers and tourists from all over visit the area.
The Onibasu Festa is held every year on a Saturday in mid-August, from early morning until noon. The festival includes local stalls and volunteer guides, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of the plant. Since this is the only natural habitat of Onibasu in Saitama Prefecture, it is worth visiting even if it’s not the blooming season.

14. Watarase Retarding Basin

Located at the northernmost part of Kazo City, spanning across Tochigi and Gunma Prefectures, the Watarase Retarding Basin was originally created to neutralize toxic minerals from the Ashio Copper Mine. Since the mine's closure, the area has transformed into one of Japan’s most significant wetlands, registered under the Ramsar Convention, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife.
One of the highlights is Yanaka Lake, which retains water even during dry seasons. The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, and sailing. Visitors can also walk or cycle across the basin, making it an excellent place for a relaxing nature stroll while exploring Kazo.

15. Climbing Wall

Did you know that Kazo City is home to one of Japan’s top sports facilities? At first glance, Kazo Civic Gymnasium may seem like an ordinary sports complex, but it actually boasts four massive climbing walls—each 13 meters high, making it one of the largest climbing walls in Japan!
Even non-residents can use the facility, but you will need a Kazo Koinobori Climbing Wall Usage Certification, which is issued by Kazo City. To obtain this certification, you must attend one of the four official certification sessions held annually. However, don't worry if you're a beginner—introductory climbing lessons are also available during these sessions, making it easy for anyone to participate!
Since the Kazo Climbing Wall is also a venue for various climbing competitions, why not give it a try and work up a sweat?

◎ Summary

The 15 must-visit attractions in Kazo City—too many? Definitely not! From Saitama’s top rice-producing region to Japan’s largest climbing wall, and even the country’s top producer of koinobori (carp streamers), Kazo is packed with high-quality experiences that make sightseeing anything but boring!
Additionally, Washinomiya Shrine—one of Kuki City's most famous landmarks—is just across the city border. If you're exploring northeastern Saitama, skipping Kazo City is simply not an option!