A tourist spots in Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture! A village of nature and flowers where ancient history lives on

Hidaka City, located in the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, is famous for Kinchakuda, where clusters of red spider lilies (manjushage) bloom along the Komagawa River. Overlooking these flower fields stands Mt. Hiwada, creating a truly scenic landscape. Hiking trails are well maintained, allowing visitors to fully enjoy nature in Hidaka.

Hidaka is also home to historical sightseeing spots, including the area of Komagō, which was established as a village in the 8th century by immigrants from Goguryeo. Today, let’s explore some of Hidaka’s must-visit attractions!

1. Koma Shrine

If you’re sightseeing in Hidaka, start with a visit to Koma Shrine! This shrine is well-known as a spiritual power spot, especially for blessings of career success and good fortune. It has been visited by members of the imperial family and many notable figures. Politicians like Ichirō Hatoyama and Kijūrō Shidehara also prayed here, later becoming prime ministers!

Parts of present-day Hidaka City and neighboring Hannō City were once settlements for immigrants from Goguryeo, a former kingdom on the Korean Peninsula. Koma District was established in 716, and its leader, Prince Jakko of Koma, is enshrined as the main deity of Koma Shrine. The shrine’s chief priest is his descendant. Passing through the torii gate, you will see a “Shogun-hyō,” a protective statue warding off evil. Here, you can experience the culture of the Korean Peninsula in Hidaka.

2. Kinchakuda

Have you ever seen a vast field of bright red flowers? In Hidaka, you can witness a dreamlike scene! From September to October, about five million red spider lilies (higanbana) bloom in Kinchakuda along the Komagawa River. This is Japan’s largest cluster of these flowers. The 22-hectare area is shaped like a traditional drawstring pouch (kinchaku), giving the site its name.

During the blooming season, the Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival is held. Walking along the paths surrounded by vibrant red flowers and lush greenery is incredibly romantic! Occasionally, you can also spot white or yellow blooms. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies at food stalls and purchase regional specialties. The area is lively with crowds, and a stroll through the flower fields is highly recommended.

3. Saiboku Ham

Saiboku Ham is a pork-lover’s paradise that will instantly whet your appetite! This food-themed facility in Hidaka has free admission. It features restaurants serving specialties like premium tonkatsu and pork steaks, a direct market where you can buy fresh pork at reasonable prices, plus an athletic area and hot spring facilities, making it a full-day experience for families.

Their production process is meticulous. Pigs raised at affiliated farms are pedigree-certified! Additive use is minimal, and their products have won awards at international quality competitions. Be sure to try their famous Golden Pork. Conveniently located, it takes about one to one and a half hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area via the Kan-Etsu or Ken-O Expressway, with plenty of parking available.

4. Mt. Hiwada

Mt. Hiwada is the symbol of Hidaka City. This mountain, with an elevation of about 300 meters, is perfect for casual hiking. The trail is well maintained, making it a popular destination for elementary school excursions as well. The typical route to the summit is about 2 km, taking roughly 50 minutes at a leisurely pace. Along the way to the top, there are two paths: “Male Slope” and “Female Slope.” As its name suggests, the Male Slope features a rugged rocky terrain.

From the area around Kotohira Shrine at the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kinchakuda, famous for its red spider lilies, and the winding Komagawa River. Planning a hiking trip as part of your Hidaka sightseeing is a great idea.

5. Gojō Falls

Gojō Falls is located beside the Yokote forest road. Its name comes from the five Confucian virtues—benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. The waterfall has a drop of about 12 meters. Nearby, the Taki Fudō deity is enshrined, giving the area a spiritual atmosphere. It is an especially recommended spot in summer, offering a refreshing coolness. Why not experience the negative ions of Hidaka here? Note that the waterfall is on private property, so advance reservation is required, and there is an admission fee.

6. Shōden-in Temple

Shōden-in is an ancient temple of the Chizan school of the Shingon sect. Its full name is Kōraizan Shōden-in Shōrakuji. It was founded in 751 to honor the spirit of Prince Jakko of Koma, the leader of the Koma District.

The first thing that greets visitors is the impressive temple gate. Built in the irimoya style, it is a two-story wooden structure made entirely of Japanese cypress. It is about 8.8 meters wide, 5.5 meters deep, with a total area of 48.4 square meters. It is designated as a cultural property of Hidaka City, and its presence is overwhelming. The best season to visit is during cherry blossom season, when the soft pink hues contrast beautifully with the temple’s stately architecture, creating a serene atmosphere.

The view from the main hall is also a highlight. You can see the Koma area, the urban area of Saitama, and even Mt. Fuji. Together with Koma Shrine, this is one of the two major spiritual spots of Hidaka.

7. Sainokuni Shōyu Kingdom

Sainokuni Shōyu Kingdom is operated by Yugeita Soy Sauce in Hidaka. It is a facility where visitors can learn, play, and eat through soy sauce. No reservation is required for the factory tour, which is available year-round. In the hands-on area, you can even press your own soy sauce and take it home. If you are looking for souvenirs, check out the gift corner.

At the snack area, you can taste a wide variety of Yugeita’s specialty soy sauces, including freshly pressed raw soy sauce. The top recommendation is tamago kake gohan (rice topped with raw egg), served with Saitama-grown “Aya no Kagayaki” rice and miso soup made with Yugeita’s local miso. Other unique offerings include soy sauce soft-serve ice cream and soy sauce pudding—delicacies you can only enjoy at Shōyu Kingdom in Hidaka.

8. Komagō Traditional House (Former Arai Residence)

Komagō Traditional House, also known as the Former Arai Residence, was once the home of a village head. It was built between the late Edo and early Meiji periods and is registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property. The property features a large main building, a guest hall with a mukōkarahafu roof and distinctive carvings, a barn with eaves curvature, and two earthen storehouses. These facilities are available for use as well.

Nearby is Kinchakuda, one of Hidaka’s signature tourist attractions. The area is also famous for rapeseed blossoms in addition to the red spider lilies. A visit here allows you to enjoy both historical architecture and seasonal flowers.

9. Ogose Plum Grove

Close to Hidaka, in Ogose Town, lies the Ogose Plum Grove, a designated scenic spot of the prefecture and one of the three major plum groves in the Kanto region. Its origin dates back to the Nanboku-chō period, when plums were planted at the Umezono Shrine during the enshrinement of a branch deity from Dazaifu Tenmangū. The 2-hectare garden contains about 1,000 trees, including red and white plum varieties and wild plums. Counting the surrounding area, there are about 20,000 plum trees in total.

From February to March, the Ogose Plum Blossom Festival is held, featuring local plum and yuzu products, special goods for sale, mini steam locomotives, and various events. Plum-themed Japanese sweets sold at stalls are especially popular. Enjoy them while admiring the blossoms. This is a great spot to visit along with your Hidaka sightseeing trip.

◎ Summary

Hidaka is not only home to the famous Kinchakuda but also offers sightseeing spots where you can feel history and tradition. From nature to historical architecture, everything is truly worth seeing. Hidaka is an easily accessible day-trip destination from the Tokyo metropolitan area, with seasonal events held throughout the year.

If you venture a bit further, you can also enjoy outlet shopping in Iruma City after your Hidaka sightseeing. Whether you prefer spontaneous weekend trips or well-planned itineraries, Hidaka offers something for everyone!

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A tourist spots in Hidaka, Saitama Prefecture! A village of nature and flowers where ancient history lives on