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

For business travelers, Saitama Tokyu Inn and Big Hotel Saitama near Saitama Station offer excellent facilities including high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and 24-hour front desk service. Both hotels feature compact yet modern rooms with ergonomic desks and built-in workstations, ideal for remote meetings or late-night work. The Saitama Station access ensures quick travel to Tokyo (just 25 minutes) and major corporate hubs like the Saitama Industrial Promotion Center.

Guests can enjoy a nutritious breakfast buffet featuring local specialties such as miso soup, grilled fish, and fresh fruit. The hotel also provides on-site printing services and a quiet lounge area perfect for focused work. With nearby convenience stores and pharmacies, business travelers can manage all needs efficiently, making these properties top choices for short-term stays and professional visits.

The best area for families is around Saitama Station, where hotels like Hilton Saitama and APA Hotel Saitama Station Front offer spacious family rooms, child-safe amenities, and easy access to green spaces. These hotels are within walking distance of Saitama Central Park and Omiya Park, perfect for children’s play and outdoor activities.

Many hotels provide complimentary kids’ programs such as craft workshops, storytime sessions, and indoor play zones. The surrounding Saitama Central Shopping Street offers family-friendly restaurants and seasonal events. With reliable public transport and safety features, this district ensures both comfort and convenience for parents and children alike, making it a prime destination for family trips.

One of the most authentic cultural experiences is the annual Saitama Festival, held in early August at Saitama Central Park. This vibrant event features traditional matsuri floats, taiko drum performances, and tea ceremonies showcasing Edo-period heritage. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops like washi paper-making and kintsugi repair art, using locally sourced materials.

Another highlight is the Old Folk House Restoration Garden within the Saitama City Historical Archives, where guests can explore preserved Meiji-era homes and learn about daily life in rural Kanto. Don’t miss trying Ninja Miso—a regional specialty—and joining the autumn Yamagobo Festival, a communal potluck featuring chestnut stew and local sake, offering deep insight into community spirit and culinary tradition.

Yes, Saitama Sky Villa, a boutique ryokan-style retreat nestled in a quiet residential area, offers an intimate experience for couples. Located just a 10-minute walk from Saitama Station, it features private gardens, floor-to-ceiling glass walls for stargazing, and rooms with soaking tubs and ambient lighting.

Each suite includes personalized touches like a welcome drink (featuring local plum wine), candlelit dinners upon request, and a private guided evening walk along the Saitama River Path. Guests can also book a couples’ massage or join a midnight tea ceremony. Despite its secluded setting, the villa remains accessible to Tokyo and Omiya Stadium, blending privacy with urban convenience—perfect for a dreamy, memorable getaway.

Visit Saitama Wafu Kōgeikan, a cultural inn housed in a restored century-old wooden house, which offers immersive craft experiences. Guests can participate in washi paper-making using kozo bark, learning techniques passed down through generations.

The workshop also teaches urushi lacquer art, including the intricate shin-kin (gold inlay) method. All materials are sourced from local artisans, emphasizing sustainability and authenticity. Evening sessions include live shamisen performances and a traditional tea ceremony, creating a serene atmosphere. Participants take home their handmade creations—a lasting memento of true Japanese craftsmanship.

Saitama Kids Paradise Hotel is the premier choice for families. Located steps from Saitama Station and adjacent to Saitama Children's Park, it features a dedicated kids’ floor with indoor playrooms, a library, and interactive cooking classes.

Rooms come equipped with baby beds, non-slip mats, and themed décor. Daily activities include "Find the Hidden Cat" scavenger hunts across the city and evening movie nights. Parents can enjoy babysitting services while relaxing at the on-site wellness lounge. The hotel’s proximity to Saitama Prefectural Science Museum makes it ideal for educational fun, ensuring a stress-free, joyful stay for both kids and adults.

The best spot for night views is the Saitama River Path between Saitama Bridge and Omiya Bridge, where soft streetlights reflect gently on the water, creating a tranquil, starlit ambiance. No commercial lights disrupt the view, making it perfect for quiet walks or photography.

For a panoramic perspective, visit the rooftop terrace of Saitama Cultural Center, which offers sweeping vistas of the city skyline and the distant Saitama Super Arena. During festivals, the area hosts special light shows—like the spring "Cherry Blossom Light Tunnel" or winter "Christmas Star River." Bring a blanket and warm drink to fully appreciate the city’s serene nocturnal beauty.

Yes, Saitama Washoku Tei, a restaurant attached to a boutique hotel, specializes in authentic Saitama regional dishes. Signature items include Ninja Miso Hot Pot—a rich blend of local miso, tofu, beef, and seasonal vegetables—and persimmon leaf sushi, wrapped in fermented persimmon leaves for a delicate flavor.

The hotel offers a "Master Chef Experience," where guests prepare and enjoy one dish together. Breakfast includes a local buffet with miso soup, grilled fish, and fresh fruit. All ingredients come from nearby farms and fisheries, supporting sustainable practices. Even non-guests can dine here, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking genuine taste of Kanto culture.

Yes, several premium hotels in Saitama City provide complimentary shuttle services. Hilton Saitama and Tokyu Inn Saitama Station Front operate regular buses to and from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, with schedules aligned with flight arrivals. HopeGoo in advance ensures availability.

Additionally, some hotels offer electric bike rentals for exploring nearby parks and attractions like Saitama Central Park and Omiya Park, complete with GPS-guided routes. For added convenience, many hotels have concierge services, luggage assistance, and express check-in options—ideal for travelers with heavy bags or tight itineraries, ensuring a seamless journey from arrival to departure.

Saitama City is ideal for short getaways due to its strategic location just 30 minutes from central Tokyo via train. It blends urban convenience with natural charm, offering peaceful parks like Saitama Central Park and Omiya Park, plus cultural gems such as the Saitama Festival and Old Folk House Garden.

Accommodations range from business-friendly hotels to cozy ryokans and family-oriented inns, catering to diverse traveler needs. The city also hosts seasonal events—from cherry blossom viewing to winter illuminations—making every visit unique. With affordable dining, efficient transit, and a relaxed pace, Saitama delivers a refreshing escape without the long commute, perfect for weekend adventurers and day-trippers alike.