Sayama(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Sakai City, the top choice for easily accessible hotels is Richmond Hotel Sakai, located just a 5-minute walk from Omiya Station on the Seibu Line. This modern hotel offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and direct shuttle service to Tokyo’s Ikebukuro. Nearby, APA Hotel Omiya provides excellent value with family-friendly rooms and a 24-hour front desk. Both hotels are within walking distance of Omiya Park and Seibu-en Amusement Park, making them ideal for travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and easy access to Tokyo and regional attractions.

The best area for first-time visitors to Sakai City is Omiya Station District, known for its central location, abundant amenities, and seamless rail connections. This vibrant zone links directly to Tokyo’s Ikebukuro via the Seibu Railway and Shinkansen trains. Visitors enjoy easy access to major attractions like Omiya Park, Seibu-en, and Sakai Shrine. The district also features shopping plazas, local restaurants serving regional dishes such as Sakai tea rice bowls, and efficient public transport hubs—making it the perfect base for exploring both urban and natural highlights.

Travelers in Sakai City should experience the Sakai Tea Ceremony (Sakai Cha-ku) held annually at Sakai Tea Plantations during spring. Participants learn traditional tea harvesting and preparation techniques using locally grown matcha. Another highlight is the Spring and Autumn Festivals at Sakai Shrine, featuring taiko drumming, yukata parades, and traditional performances. These immersive events offer authentic insight into rural Japanese customs and community life, allowing visitors to connect deeply with local heritage and seasonal rhythms.

Yes, Sakai City offers several family-friendly hotels, including Richmond Hotel Sakai and APA Hotel Omiya, both featuring spacious family rooms, children’s play areas, and baby equipment rentals. These hotels are near Seibu-en Amusement Park and Omiya Park, ideal for parents and kids. Additionally, many provide buffet breakfasts with kid-sized portions and themed activities like mini cooking classes. With free parking and proximity to public transit, these hotels ensure stress-free family travel while offering comfort and entertainment options for all ages.

Must-visit natural attractions in Sakai City include Sakai Park, a scenic green space with a man-made lake, walking trails, and seasonal blooms—cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn. Nearby, Omiya Forest Park offers quiet forest paths and birdwatching opportunities. For a tranquil riverside experience, visit the Kawagoe Waterway, where you can stroll along historic canals lined with willow trees. These easily accessible green spaces make Sakai City a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking serenity within a short commute from Tokyo.

Don’t miss trying Sakai Tea Bowl (Sakai Cha Don), a signature dish made with locally grown matcha blended into savory rice, served with fresh vegetables and grilled fish. Also sample Sakai Beef Bowl, featuring tender beef from regional farms. Street food favorites include kinpira gobou (braised burdock root) and tako yaki (octopus balls) sold at Omiya Night Market. For a true taste of place, visit Sakai Market, where vendors sell seasonal produce, handmade tofu, and artisanal teas—perfect for souvenirs and authentic culinary exploration.

The easiest way to reach Sakai City from Tokyo is by taking the Seibu Railway from Ikebukuro Station to Omiya Station, a journey of about 30 minutes. Alternatively, take the Shinkansen to Omiya Station, then transfer to the Seibu Line—total travel time around 45 minutes. A Seibu One-Day Pass offers unlimited rides and great value. Trains run frequently, and stations are well-connected to hotels and attractions. Avoid rush hours for a smoother trip, and consider using apps like Google Maps or Japan Travel for real-time schedules and route planning.

Top photo spots in Sakai City include Sakai Shrine, with its striking vermilion torii gates and serene wooden structures—especially photogenic during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Omiya Park’s artificial lake reflects stunning sky colors at sunrise and sunset, perfect for mirror-like shots. Seibu-en Amusement Park’s European-themed zones, such as the UK Village and France Village, offer fairy-tale backdrops ideal for themed photography. Lastly, Sakai Tea Plantations provide sweeping terraced fields and tea pickers in action—ideal for capturing rural beauty and cultural authenticity.

Evening highlights in Sakai City include the Omiya Night Market, held every weekend, featuring over 100 stalls selling grilled yakitori, takoyaki, and limited-edition matcha desserts. During summer, Sakai Lantern Festival illuminates the riverbanks with hundreds of paper lanterns, creating a magical ambiance perfect for couples and families. For cultural evenings, check out live music at Sakai Civic Center or art exhibitions in local galleries. These nighttime experiences blend tradition, cuisine, and community spirit, transforming the city into a lively, inviting destination after dark.

For authentic souvenirs in Sakai City, visit Sakai Market for fresh produce, handmade tofu, and seasonal teas. Omiya Shopping Street hosts century-old shops selling traditional sweets, textiles, and Sakai tea gift sets. At Seibu-en Amusement Park, pick up exclusive merchandise like themed plush toys and vintage-style postcards. Many local stores also offer customizable items, such as monogrammed chopsticks or engraved tea bowls. These shops not only support local artisans but also provide meaningful keepsakes that reflect the region’s culture and craftsmanship.