Saitama with Kids — What to Do and Where to Stay
Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Kay
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Tokyo’s neighbor to the north, Saitama Prefecture is mostly known for being a bedtown where many people choose to raise families due to its close proximity to Tokyo. Thanks to this, Saitama is become a relatively kid-friendly place with plenty to do.
There are also famous sightseeing spots like Kawagoe, a little town that makes you feel like you’ve traveled back to the Edo period. For these reasons, Saitama is worth making a day trip to visit from Tokyo.
In this article, I’ll share some places you may want to see in Saitama if you’re traveling with kids.
Table of Contents
What to Do in Saitama with Kids
Kawagoe
Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe has lots of traditional Japanese buildings and shops as well as shrines and temples. It’s quite the contrast from modern Tokyo, making it absolutely worth the visit.
Kawagoe takes less than an hour to get to from Tokyo.
Note that since Kawagoe is a popular tourist destination, it can be very crowded. But once you get off the main street it isn’t so bad.
Musashi no Mura
This park offers a ton of things for kids to do as it has an amusement park, a playground, an area with animals (kids can also ride on a pony), and a little farm where kids can pick seasonal fruits.
Tobu Zoo
Tobu Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the area, with around 1200 animals, including white tigers, as well as rides for kids. They also have illuminations in the winter.
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The Railway Museum
If your child loves trains, then they’ll likely enjoy this museum all about Japanese trains. Children can also learn about how trains operate as well as the history of trains in Japan and their future.
Sayama Ski Club/Kids Park
This is an indoor park that offers snow in winter and transforms into a waterpark in the spring. The waterpark has slip and slides, small pools, as well as a pool filled with foam.
本日の泡イベントの様子です☁️
スッキリしないお天気でしたが、
お子さまは水着でイベントを楽しんでいました🙆♂️GW明けは土日でも目立った混雑なく
ご利用いただける日が多くなっております。ひと足早く夏気分はいかがでしょう？😉
ご来場お待ちしております！🌊✨ pic.twitter.com/nMHboE50iP— 狭山スキー場 (@Sayama_ski) May 20, 2023
Shirakobato Aquatic Park
Shirakobato Aquatic Park not only has several pools (my daughter would be in heaven!), but it also has a playground and beautiful nature with trees and flowers, and an area to do barbeque.
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Tokorozawa Aviation Museum
This aviation museum is great for kids who love airplanes. They have various planes on display and kids can also try different things like a flight simulator or experience what it’s like to walk in on the moon and in space.
Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park
Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park is so cute, which should be no surprise considering it’s named after the Finnish creator of the Moomins. The area also lights up at night and looks absolutely magical.
Saitama Aquarium
This aquarium is a little small with primarily (only?) freshwater fish and otters. But it is nestled in a huge park called Hanyu Riverside Park with a massive park and little streams of water and a pond, so there’s a lot for kids to do and explore.
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Saitama Children’s Zoo
This zoo has over 160 different kinds of animals, including koalas, red pandas, capybara, and penguins.
There’s a petting zoo, a playground, and kids can ride ponies. When it’s hot out, there’s also a very shallow pool where your kids can cool off their feet.
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Seibuen Amusement Park
Seibuen Amusement Park is a retro-style amusement park that might appeal to those who like the Showa period.
It has Godzilla and Ultraman rides, attractions featuring Astro Boy and other Tezuka creations, and a waterpark in the summer.
Musashi-Kyuryo National Government Park
Musashi-Kyuryo National Government Park is the first government park in Japan and according to their website, is as big as 65 Tokyo Domes!
They also boast the largest air trampoline in Japan and have tons of other play areas for kids, including a splash pool in the summer. Kids can also enjoy different seasonal flowers as well as cherry blossoms and plum blossoms.
Where to Stay in Saitama with Kids
If you want to stay overnight in Saitama, here are some of my recommendations for kid-friendly accommodation.
Taishoukaku ・大松閣 (Hanno, Saitama)
Located in an area famous for hiking and nature, this ryokan is the perfect place to relax after a day spent outdoors. It offers both indoor and open-air onsen baths and depending on the plan, you can get breakfast and a kaiseki dinner.
The ryokan is popular with young families with kids, especially since it has indoor and outdoor playgrounds, including a wooden play area for kids. There’s also lots to see nearby such as Moomin Valley Park.
The ryokan is located near Hanno Station, which is 30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo, and they provide free shuttle buses from the station to the ryokan.
This ryokan-style hotel is nestled amongst nature, making it a perfect escape from the city. Breakfast and dinner are included and the hotel offers onsen baths as well.
Kids can enjoy activities like star-gazing or making keyholders.
They also offer baby and toddler goods for rent such as stepstools, bath chairs, potty rings, games, and cribs. The restaurant offers a kids’ menu as well.
Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
If you want to stay in Kawagoe, you might want to consider the Kawagoe Tobu Hotel. The rooms are a little smaller than the other aforementioned accommodation, but this is expected for such a popular tourist area.
Depending on the plan, breakfast is included, and kids ages 5 and under stay for free.
Wrap-up: Saitama with Kids
I hope this look at what to do and where to stay in Saitama Prefecture with kids is helpful to you. As you can see, this prefecture offers plenty of sights and activities to keep little ones occupied, making it worth the trip from Tokyo. (Especially since it’s so close!)