No Need to Worry About Rain! 6 Tourist Spots in Saitama You Can Enjoy on a Rainy Day

There’s no need to feel disappointed thinking your activities are limited on a rainy day! Saitama has plenty of tourist spots you can enjoy even when the weather is bad. Here, we’ll introduce sightseeing spots in Saitama where you can have a great time on a rainy day. You might even want to check this list before deciding where to go next time it rains.

1. The Railway Museum

Saitama City’s “The Railway Museum” is a popular attraction full of highlights, relocated to Saitama after the closure of Tokyo’s Transportation Museum. Located in the railway town of Omiya, it’s affectionately nicknamed “Teppaku.” The symbol is a train wheel. It’s about a 15‑minute walk from Omiya, but taking the Saitama New Urban Transit Ina Line (New Shuttle) is convenient. This train is slightly smaller and runs above ground like a monorail, making it especially popular with children.
From the Railway Museum Station, a direct passageway leads to “Teppaku” and feels like an actual train station. The covered walkway features historic wheels and actual railway models along both sides—fun even before you enter. Don’t miss the detailed stone carvings on the floor. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions of classic train cars, dioramas, and much more to keep you entertained for a whole day. At 3:00 p.m., a large train rotates on a turntable, and full‑scale examples of everything from Shinkansen to steam locomotives create an impressive display. Knowledgeable volunteer guides are available—strike up a conversation and they’ll happily share detailed explanations.

2. Aqua Paradise Patio

On rainy days, people tend to think about spending time quietly indoors, but why not enjoy being active at an indoor pool? “Aqua Paradise Patio,” located in Fukaya Green Park, is one of the largest indoor amusement pools in the northern Kanto region. From the wave pool “Virgin Wave” and lazy river “Crystal River” to the 25‑meter pool, kids’ play area “Kids Lagoon,” and castle‑themed water slide, it also features saunas and jacuzzis. It’s a well‑known spot in Saitama that everyone recognizes.
It’s popular even with visitors from outside the prefecture as it offers a casual taste of a Southern European resort. Since you can enjoy it regardless of the weather, it’s easy to plan your day. Getting your body moving outdoors—even on a rainy day—can feel refreshingly different.

3. Saitama Prefectural Museum of Rivers

With the theme “See, Feel, Learn, and Experience the River,” the Saitama Prefectural “Museum of Rivers” (nicknamed “Kawahaku”) is a tourist spot where you can learn about water, something we use daily without much thought. Centered on the Arakawa River that flows through Saitama, it teaches about the blessings of water—how river water circulates thanks to rainfall and how it enriches our lives. Understanding the benefits of rain may change the way you see it, and you’ll also realize that a lack of rain can be far more dangerous.
Highlights include Japan’s largest “Great Waterwheel” at 23 meters high, the precisely scaled 1/1000 “Arakawa Grand Model 173,” and the large ceramic tile mural “Going Spring” by Gyokudo Kawai. While some parts are outdoors, most of the facility is indoors, so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about the rain. It’s a popular educational spot for families on weekends.

4. Lejaspo Cat’s Eye Sayama Branch

When Saitama residents think of a place to enjoy on a rainy day, the “Lejaspo Cat’s Eye Sayama Branch” often comes to mind. This is an indoor entertainment facility with a game center, bowling alley, mini 4WD course, karaoke rooms, and more—perfect for fun regardless of the weather. There’s also playground equipment for children, making it a family‑friendly leisure spot. A restaurant is also located inside the building.
Various campaigns and events are held, such as a three‑hour spring break package for elementary school students, so be sure to check the official website! Admission is free for preschoolers, making it a budget‑friendly option. Cat’s Eye is popular not only with locals but also with people from outside the prefecture. Some children even say they prefer rainy days because it increases the chances their parents will take them here.

5. Saitama City Youth Astronomical Science Museum

One of the best spots for a rainy day is the “Saitama City Youth Astronomical Science Museum.” With the exception of the planetarium, admission is free, making it an easy and great‑value destination.
Despite the free admission, the exhibits inside are very comprehensive. The corner dedicated to astronaut Koichi Wakata, who is from Saitama City, is especially popular. There are also science shows, experiments, events, and workshops—plenty to see and do. The Saitama City Youth Astronomical Science Museum is a facility where you can broaden your knowledge of cutting‑edge science and technology, all while staying dry on a rainy day.

6. Saitama Aquarium

Source: Nori Norisa (CC BY 2.0)
The Saitama Aquarium is an indoor tourist attraction unaffected by the weather. It features displays of about 70 species of aquatic life and river fish from the Arakawa River system—something unique to Saitama Prefecture, which has no sea. There are also hands‑on programs such as raising koi and goldfish eggs, classes on growing the aquatic carnivorous plant “Mujinamo,” and feeding experiences.
At the “Saisui Shop,” you can buy fish plush toys, mini towels, straps, merchandise featuring the character “Muto‑kun,” and six varieties of original “Hamayaki Senbei” rice crackers. With so many tempting items, it’s hard to choose. You can enter and exit as many times as you like on the same day, and car access is easy. It’s a beloved Saitama sightseeing spot where you can have fun without worrying about the weather.

◎ Summary

Rainy days disappointing? You might think so, but Saitama Prefecture offers many facilities that are perfectly fine in wet weather, as well as sightseeing spots where you can learn about rain itself. Whether with family or as a couple, enjoy Saitama’s classic rainy‑day attractions to the fullest.