Higashimatsuyama Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more with this comprehensive travel guide for Higashimatsuyama.


Located in Saitama Prefecture, Kanto region, Higashimatsuyama is a hidden gem in Japan. With a rich history, natural beauty, and delicious food, this city has something to offer for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Higashimatsuyama.

Introduction to Higashimatsuyama

Higashimatsuyama is a small city nestled in the foothills of the Chichibu Mountains. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, this city is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Higashimatsuyama is rich with history and tradition, evidenced by the many historical sites, temples, and shrines. The city is also famous for its natural beauty, including mountain ranges, rivers, and forests.

List of Places to Visit in Higashimatsuyama

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chichibu Muse Park
  • Higashimatsuyama Municipal Museum
  • Gokoku Shrine
  • The Art Museum of Sano City
  • Mitsumine Shrine

Higashimatsuyama is home to several museums and historical places that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Chichibu Muse Park is a popular destination that features a collection of folk art and ceramics, as well as a beautiful garden. Higashimatsuyama Municipal Museum showcases the history of the city, including artifacts and exhibits of the Edo period. Gokoku Shrine is a religious site that honors the soldiers who died in wars for Japan. The Art Museum of Sano City houses a collection of contemporary and traditional art. Mitsumine Shrine is a scenic spot in the mountains with a rich religious history.

Natural Attractions of Higashimatsuyama: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Hiwada
  • Sayama Park
  • Kawagoe Shingashi River Waterfront
  • Hodosan Shrine
  • Shoboji Temple

Higashimatsuyama is abundant with natural beauty, offering scenic views and outdoor adventures. Mount Hiwada is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of Saitama and Tokyo. Sayama Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic and take a stroll. The Kawagoe Shingashi River Waterfront offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for escaping the city’s noise. Hodosan Shrine, located on the outskirts of Higashimatsuyama, is a scenic spot with a rich religious history. Shoboji Temple is a great place to unwind and learn about Buddhist culture.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Higashimatsuyama

Higashimatsuyama is great for outdoor enthusiasts, with several hiking and biking routes available. Some popular hiking and biking routes include:

  • Mount Hiwada
  • Shoboji Temple Hiking Course
  • Tsuki Shrine Hiking Course
  • Higashimatsuyama Nature Experience Course

Best Things to Do in Higashimatsuyama: Activities and Tours

  • Hikawa Gorge Hot Spring
  • Chichibu Night Festival
  • Kawagoe City Stroll and Ramen Tour

Higashimatsuyama offers a variety of activities and tours that visitors can enjoy. Hikawa Gorge Hot Spring is a great spot to relax and unwind after hiking or biking. The Chichibu Night Festival is held annually in December, featuring a parade of decorated floats and fireworks. Kawagoe City Stroll and Ramen Tour is a guided tour that takes visitors to the best spots in the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Higashimatsuyama

Day Activity
1 Visit Chichibu Muse Park
2 Hike Mount Hiwada
3 Tour the Higashimatsuyama Municipal Museum
4 Relax at Hikawa Gorge Hot Spring
5 Explore Kawagoe Shingashi River Waterfront
6 Visit the Art Museum of Sano City
7 Tour Mitsumine Shrine and Shoboji Temple

Food and Drink Scene of Higashimatsuyama

Must-Try Dishes

  • Soba noodles
  • Koshu beef
  • Higashimatsuyama apple juice

The food scene in Higashimatsuyama is influenced by traditional Japanese cuisine. Soba noodles are a popular dish, with many restaurants offering handmade noodles. Koshu beef, which comes from the Yamanashi Prefecture, is a high-quality meat that is often served in local restaurants. Higashimatsuyama apple juice is a refreshing drink made from locally grown apples.

Local Beverages

  • Sake
  • Shochu
  • Craft Beer

Sake and Shochu are traditional Japanese alcoholic beverages that are popular in Higashimatsuyama. Visitors can try a variety of sake and shochu brands at local bars and restaurants. Craft beer is also gaining popularity in the city, with several breweries opening up in recent years.

Where to Stay in Higashimatsuyama: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Smile Hotel Higashimatsuyama
  • Hotel Route-Inn Higashimatsuyama
  • Guesthouse Kuriya Satoyama

Higashimatsuyama offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget to luxury. Smile Hotel Higashimatsuyama and Hotel Route-Inn Higashimatsuyama are both convenient options located near the city center. Guesthouse Kuriya Satoyama is a great choice for those who want to experience traditional Japanese guesthouses.

What to Buy in Higashimatsuyama: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Soba noodles
  • Koshu beef
  • Higashimatsuyama apple juice
  • Glassware from nearby Ogawa City

Soba noodles, Koshu beef, and Higashimatsuyama apple juice make great gifts for friends and family back home. Glassware from nearby Ogawa City is also a popular souvenir, as the city is known for producing high-quality handmade glass products.

Local Culture and Customs of Higashimatsuyama

Higashimatsuyama is a traditional city that values customs and rituals. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and norms, such as taking off shoes before entering a home or temple. Bowing is a common form of greeting in Japan, and visitors should observe this practice when meeting locals.

Best Time to Visit Higashimatsuyama

The best time to visit Higashimatsuyama is during the fall season, from September to November. The weather is mild, and the autumn foliage is beautiful during this time. Visitors can also enjoy several festivals and events held during the fall season, including the famous Chichibu Night Festival in December.

Do’s and Don’ts of Higashimatsuyama

Do:

  • Take off shoes before entering homes or temples
  • Bow when meeting locals
  • Be respectful of traditional customs and norms

Don’t:

  • Eat or drink while walking on the street
  • Be too loud or disruptive in public places
  • Underdress for public places, such as restaurants or temples

Safety and Health

Safety in Higashimatsuyama

Higashimatsuyama is generally a safe city, with low levels of crime. Visitors can feel safe walking around the city at night, but should still take standard precautions to protect their belongings.

Health in Higashimatsuyama

Japan has a high standard of healthcare, and Higashimatsuyama is no exception. Visitors can be assured of receiving quality healthcare if needed. It is advisable to get travel insurance before embarking on any trip.

Getting to Higashimatsuyama: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Higashimatsuyama

  • Tokyo Narita International Airport
  • Haneda Airport

Both Tokyo Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport are convenient options for visitors to Higashimatsuyama. From the airport, visitors can take a train or bus to Higashimatsuyama.

Bus Stations Near Higashimatsuyama

  • Higashimatsuyama Station Bus Terminal
  • Sakado Station Bus Terminal

Higashimatsuyama Station Bus Terminal and Sakado Station Bus Terminal are both convenient options for visitors arriving by bus.

Other Options

There are also several options for those driving, including rental cars and taxis.

How to Get Around in Higashimatsuyama

Visitors can easily get around Higashimatsuyama by taking the bus or train. Higashimatsuyama Station is the main station in the city and offers connections to other parts of Japan.

Where to Go Next from Higashimatsuyama: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kawagoe, Saitama
  • Chichibu, Saitama
  • Nikko, Tochigi

Those looking to continue their travels after visiting Higashimatsuyama can explore nearby destinations such as Kawagoe and Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, or Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.

Conclusion

Higashimatsuyama is a city that is rich in tradition, history, and natural beauty. From hiking trails and natural attractions to historical sites and museums, visitors can explore a variety of attractions in Higashimatsuyama. With delicious cuisine and comfortable accommodations, this city is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.