According to JNTO’s latest prefecture-by-prefecture visitor rankings, travel patterns across the Kanto region are strikingly uneven.

Looking at overall visitor numbers, Tokyo is the clear leader. It’s followed by Chiba, home to Narita Airport and Tokyo Disney Resort, and Kanagawa, known for destinations like Hakone and Yokohama.

But when you shift the focus to inbound international visitors, a different picture emerges. Toward the bottom of the rankings in Kanto are Saitama, Gunma, and Ibaraki.

Even though travelers are known for exploring all across Japan, the share of visitors heading to Saitama remains significantly lower than neighboring Tokyo.

Numbers next to each area indicate their ranking.

(Source: Prefecture-by-Prefecture Visitor Ranking)

Located just north of Tokyo, Saitama often gets a rough reputation. In Japanese TV shows and online polls, it’s often labeled Japan’s “most boring” prefecture, and there’s even a self-deprecating nickname, “Dasaitama,” poking fun at its image. In terms of international visitor numbers, it ranks near the bottom in Kanto, just ahead of Gunma.

But is Saitama really that dull? Not at all. The prefecture is home to a range of well-known attractions, along with plenty of hidden spots that are well worth exploring.

Let’s start with some of Saitama’s more local, under-the-radar spots. The names might not ring a bell, but there’s a good chance you’ve come across photos of these places online without realizing it.

Often referred to as an “underground temple,” this striking site in Kasukabe is actually a flood control facility. Located 50 meters below ground and stretching roughly 6.3 kilometers, it’s one of the largest underground discharge systems in the world, built to protect the Tokyo metropolitan area from flooding. When nearby rivers overflow, excess water is diverted here and released into the Edo River.

The highlight is the massive “pressure-adjusting water tank,” supported by 59 towering concrete pillars, each 18 meters high and weighing around 500 tons. Standing beside them, you feel almost dwarfed by the scale. The dramatic, almost sacred atmosphere is what earned this place its “underground temple” nickname. It’s also been featured in films and TV, making it both an engineering marvel and a visual spectacle.

Visits require advance reservations via the official website (https://gaikaku.jp/apply/#apply_01). There are seven tour options, with fees ranging from 1,000 to 15,000 yen. The most affordable option that includes access to the main chamber is the popular “Underground Temple Course” (lobby explanation + water tank), which lasts about 55 minutes and costs 1,000 yen. Note that all tours are conducted in Japanese, so going with someone who understands the language is recommended.

Kadokawa Culture Museum is a unique cultural complex that blends a library, art museum, and exhibition space into one. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, the building’s bold, rock-like exterior makes an immediate impression.

Inside, the standout feature is the “Bookshelf Theater” on the 4th floor. Towering 8-meter-high bookshelves surround the space, and projection mapping brings the books to life in a dynamic, immersive display. It’s a favorite spot for literature lovers and photographers alike.

On the 2nd floor, you’ll find Kadokawa Café, a relaxed space for light meals and drinks, along with a shop selling original goods. Outside, Musashino Reiwa Shrine offers a modern take on traditional shrine architecture, also designed by Kengo Kuma. One of its more unusual charms is the “deadline amulet,” popular among creatives looking for a little extra motivation.

Gongendo Park in Saitama is a hidden gem for seasonal flowers. In spring, around 1,000 cherry trees bloom along a 1-kilometer stretch of embankment, creating a stunning tunnel of blossoms. The Satte Sakura Festival brings food stalls and a lively atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxed stroll under the trees.

In June, about 10,000 hydrangeas across 100 varieties come into bloom. While there are fewer festival stalls, a nearby teahouse stays open daily, offering drinks and freshly baked goods.

Come September, the park transforms again with around 3 million red spider lilies blanketing the riverbanks. Whether you’re shooting close-ups or wide landscape shots, it’s a striking and photogenic scene.

Chichibu is about 77 minutes from Ikebukuro on the Laview limited express. It’s a destination that still sees relatively few international visitors, and the Misotsuchi Icicles are a seasonal sight that’s not always easy to catch.

In the depths of winter, from mid-January to mid-February, massive icicles form along the riverbank, creating a powerful and dramatic landscape. At night, the Otaki Ice Festival illuminates the area, transforming it into a magical, almost dreamlike scene.

Saitama might not be the first place that comes to mind for food, but it has a couple of unique local specialties that are definitely worth trying.

A specialty of the Chichibu area, Waraji Katsudon gets its name from its shape. The oversized, thin pork cutlets resemble traditional straw sandals.

Served as two large pieces, the cutlets are crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Despite their size, the thinness makes them surprisingly easy to eat, especially paired with a bowl of hot rice.

Udon can be found all over Japan, but Saitama’s Musashino Udon stands out for its firm, chewy texture. The noodles are thicker, darker, and much more robust than the smooth styles you might be used to.

Traditionally, the noodles are served cold and dipped into a rich, hot broth, often made with bonito-based stock and slightly sweet seasoning. Many places now also offer them in hot soup. A popular variation is “meat udon,” featuring slices of pork and green onions in a savory dipping broth.

Saitama may be close to Tokyo, but Chichibu feels worlds away. The area is home to a variety of hot springs, from easy-access facilities near the station to quiet ryokan tucked into mountain valleys.

Compared to more crowded onsen destinations, Chichibu offers a slower, more peaceful experience, ideal for travelers looking to truly unwind. It’s a great place to enjoy a relaxed getaway surrounded by nature.

While Saitama’s attractions are often less talked about, several popular spots frequently seen on social media are actually located here. You might be surprised to discover just how many familiar places belong to Saitama.

Often called “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is just 45 minutes to an hour from central Tokyo. Its preserved streets offer a glimpse into the past, with traditional warehouse buildings, a historic bell tower, and the charming Candy Alley.

Even a Starbucks here blends into the old-town aesthetic. Walking the streets in a kimono adds to the nostalgic atmosphere. Don’t miss Hikawa Shrine, known for love and matchmaking, along with its adorable fortune charms.

Located in Hanno, this is the first official Moomin theme park outside Finland. The park recreates the world of the Moomin stories, complete with Nordic-style lakeside scenery.

You can explore Moominhouse, watch live performances, and enjoy themed dining and shopping. It’s an easy place to spend a full day immersed in a storybook setting.

Located in Omiya, The Railway Museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts and families alike. The expansive exhibition hall features around 40 real train cars, from early steam locomotives to retired Shinkansen.

Visitors can step inside select cars, try realistic driving simulators, and watch live demonstrations of railway operations. It’s an engaging, hands-on look at the history and evolution of Japan’s railways.

In the age of social media, chasing the same popular spots can start to feel exhausting. On your next trip to Tokyo, consider setting aside a day or two to explore somewhere overlooked.

You might just discover that Saitama isn’t boring at all, but full of unexpected charm. So grab your camera and set out to find your own hidden corner of Japan.