2026 Kitamoto Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

In the afternoon, you can find respite in the cool shade under the arcade. The temperature and humidity are just right, making it comfortable to sit there all afternoon. The sun shines on the stone pavement outside, but it doesn't trap the heat in the air. A humid breeze blows through the arcade, carrying away any remaining heat. You order an iced Thai milk tea and place it on the wooden table. It takes half an hour to warm up, not too hot to become completely so in minutes, nor too cold for the ice to freeze for hours. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted lemongrass from the nearby stalls. The humid air perfectly envelops the fragrance—not too faint to be smelled, nor too strong to be overpowering. You flip through the book you brought, reading slowly, page by page, your neck... The bamboo chair wasn't sticky with sweat, nor was the paper brittle from dryness; even the sound of turning the pages was soft and gentle. Occasionally, a breeze would blow, causing the pages to flutter gently, carrying a faint, moist fragrance that softened even the words. After sitting for over three hours, the bamboo chair beneath me remained cool and comfortable—neither stuffy nor uncomfortably cold. When I closed the book and stood up, I felt perfectly at ease. Back in the city, when my throat ached from sitting in air-conditioned rooms at midday, and I felt sticky after just a short time outside, I always longed for that perfect balance of warmth and humidity under the arcade, making even leisurely reading feel exceptionally pleasant. #NewYearDestinations2026

The Nemophila Festival 2026 in Osaka was held from May 1st to 10th. It was beautiful! Getting there from Osaka is by train and then bus, but the buses can be quite crowded. You can also take a taxi from the train station to the festival grounds for about ¥3000, which is worthwhile if you're traveling in a group. The weather was nice, the views were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, although there were quite a few Japanese people. It wasn't crowded walking around, and you could stop for photos along the way. You can buy tickets through Trip.com, which is convenient and easy. #Osaka #nemophila

MERCORY'S DINER offers an authentic American diner atmosphere reminiscent of scenes from classic American movies, all while being in Japan. Their gourmet burgers, made with meticulous attention to detail, are a must-try. 🍔 The burgers here feature juicy patties packed with the rich flavor of coarsely ground meat, paired perfectly with homemade or specially ordered buns. Despite their generous size, each ingredient is carefully prepared, ensuring not just quantity but a quality that satisfies even the most discerning gourmet adults. From classic cheeseburgers to unique limited-time offerings, the menu boasts a wide variety of options. ✨ The interior is adorned with neon lights and retro posters, creating a nostalgic American diner vibe. With both counter and table seating, it's an ideal spot to enjoy a lively meal with friends or family, or to savor authentic flavors solo. Conveniently located within walking distance from Kitamoto Station, the diner is open late on weekends, allowing you to relax and enjoy the American ambiance and delicious burgers without worrying about time. 📍Location: 1-38-4 Chuo, Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture, 364-0031 🕰️Hours: Lunch: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM (Last Order), Dinner (Mon, Tue, Thu): 6:00 PM–8:30 PM (Last Order), Dinner (Fri, Sat): 6:00 PM–10:30 PM (Last Order). Closed: Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

The appeal of restaurant "Iccho" is its casual dining, offering a wide variety of delicious cuisine in a traditional Japanese atmosphere. 🥢 First of all, the restaurant's exterior and interior are designed with a Japanese aesthetic in mind, evoking the calm and luxurious atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn. The spacious, private and semi-private rooms are perfect for a variety of occasions, from family and friends to business gatherings. The restaurant also offers sunken kotatsu seating where you can kick off your shoes, as well as raised seating, allowing for a truly relaxing experience. Iccho's greatest draw is its extensive menu. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, ranging from Japanese cuisine to Western, Chinese, creative dishes, and desserts. From classic Japanese favorites like sashimi, tempura, sushi, soba, and udon, to Western favorites like hamburgers, pasta, and gratin, there's something for everyone in the family. With a children's menu and a wide selection of desserts, it's sure to satisfy all ages. 🍕🥗🥘 All of the dishes are reasonably priced, yet richly flavored and hearty, offering excellent value for money. Seasonal specials and fairs are also held, so there's always something new to enjoy no matter how many times you visit. The attentive service of the staff and the cleanliness of the restaurant are also reasons for its popularity. The high-quality space, where you can enjoy a relaxing meal in peace, makes everyday occasions even more special. "Iccho" is a family restaurant that will satisfy everyone with its delicious food, comfortable Japanese atmosphere, and extensive menu. Perfect for everyday use or a small get-together, this is a recommended spot. 📍Address: 6-125 Nakamaru, Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture 364-0013 🕰️Hours: 11:00-22:00 #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

"Ishito Kaba Sakura" in Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture It is known as one of the five great cherry blossoms in Japan, next to the three great cherry blossoms in Japan (Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima, Jindaizakura in Yamanashi, and Shimoumazakura in Shizuoka), and is designated as a national natural monument. It is located in the grounds of a small, uninhabited temple called Toko-ji. It is estimated to be 800 years old, and the trunk circumference is recorded as being as much as 11m at its maximum. The thick trunk is divided into four, and the trunk currently in bloom is a division of an old tree, so it is said to be the second generation Kaba Sakura. Location: Tokoji Temple grounds, 3-119 Ishidojuku, Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture Free admission Access: Take the bus bound for "Kitasato University Medical Center, Ishido-Kamazakura Iriguchi" from the west exit of JR Takasaki Line Kitamoto Station, get off at "Ishido-Kamazakura Iriguchi" and walk for 1 minute Approximately 40 minutes by car from Saitama City During cherry blossom season, a small tea shop-like stall opens in the vacant lot outside the temple grounds No cherry blossom festival is held It's a famous cherry blossom spot in Saitama, but it's a hidden gem, so it's recommended #Seasonal places in Japan #Saitama Prefecture #Famous cherry blossom spot #Amazing view

🕰️ Business Hours: 11:00 - 20:00 🏖️ Atmosphere/Facilities: ⭕️ 📍 Location: 1-85 Kitamoto, Kitamoto City, Saitama Prefecture 364-0006 💰 Price per person: 1000 - 2000 yen 💞 Recommended Reason: The Hawaiian decorations and BGM inside the store make you feel like you're in Hawaii. When I ordered a beer, it was served in a glass with ice. It's perfect for this season. First, we had salad and French fries. Then, we had garlic shrimp. The garlic shrimp was simply seasoned. Unlike when I tried it in Hawaii or other places, the shrimp was peeled, making it easy to eat. For dessert, we shared two malasadas and a blueberry sundae. We also had 100% Kona coffee. They also sold Hawaiian goods like Whole Foods Market bags. It was a very lovely shop that made me feel the love for Hawaii. 🌺

#springblossom Various kinds of cherry blossoms. Because there are early blooming, late blooming and a lot of cherry blossoms The cherry blossoms at their best are rotating each other You can enjoy it for a long time. When I visited, the cherry blossoms were at their best, and the cherry blossoms ended. There were also cherry blossoms from now on. The size of the park is not very large, but There is a spacious parking lot and even the kitchen car will be opened. There is also a gravel parking lot along the Arakawa River where more than 10 cars can be parked. A small mountain (hill) in the center of the park? There is You can also look over the cherry blossoms. In April, the banquet mood and the cherry blossom viewing mood combine to be quite lively. I'm a little worried that the toilet is old.

Glico Factory Tour is an educational and entertaining factory tour that takes you to the world of Glico snacks! Here you can observe the production process of POCKY and PRETZ up close, and learn about chocolate. In addition, there are fun guessing games, a display of up to 1,500 toys, a museum area, or a handmade dessert experience (extra fee required), etc. There are all kinds of interesting and surprising activities and discoveries waiting for you, which both adults and children can enjoy! The Glico Factory is open by appointment only. There are five sessions a day: 9:00, 10:30, 12:30, 13:30, and 14:30. Each session takes about 70 minutes. Address: 9-55 Nakamaru, Kitamoto City