7 nightlife spots in Saitama

Saitama is adjacent to Tokyo and has good access from Tokyo. Therefore, it has developed as a commuter town for Tokyo. On the other hand, there are many attractive sightseeing spots, so you should combine visiting Saitama when traveling to Tokyo.
In this article, we will introduce 7 nightlife spots that you should definitely visit to enjoy Saitama at night.

Highlights and characteristics of Saitama at night

Saitama belongs to the area called the Capital Region, which is centered around Tokyo. However, there may not be many flashy tourist spots. The charm of Saitama is that it is an environment where the city and nature coexist in harmony. Therefore, even at night in Saitama, tourist spots in the city and those outside the city coexist.

In the city, you’ll find the Saitama Super Arena, where global events are held, as well as large-scale entertainment districts. However, away from the city, there are tourist spots where you can experience the abundant nature, such as clean riverside areas and beautiful mountain ranges. In this way, Saitama’s nightlife spots are characterized by the coexistence of city-specific nightlife spots and spots where you can experience the abundant nature.

Nightlife spots in Saitama

Recommended #1: Saitama Super Arena / Keyaki Square

Saitama Super Arena is a multi-purpose arena where music, sports, industrial, and cultural events are held. For example, it was the venue for basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). It also hosts the world’s largest Anime song live event every year. For this reason, it is known as one of Japan’s leading multi-purpose arenas.

The adjacent Keyaki Square is lit up at night, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll while basking in the afterglow of the event. In this way, Saitama Super Arena and Keyaki Square are best enjoyed together. Furthermore, illuminations are held every year from November to February, making it a popular spot visited by many people from November to February every year.

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Recommended #2: Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park

“Tove Jansson Akebono Children’s Forest Park” is a park based on the world of Northern Europe fairy tales. The thoughts of “Tove Jansson”, the famous author of the fairy tale “Moomin”, are scattered throughout the park. Therefore, it is an attractive spot with a fairy tale-like world view.

Once you enter the park, you can feel like you’ve entered a fairy tale world. This makes it a perfect park for families with children. It’s also recommended for adults as well. On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, the park is lit up, creating an even more romantic atmosphere. At night, the lit-up park is also a recommended spot for dates.

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Recommended #3: Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street

Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street is an atmospheric shopping street lined with historical buildings. It is said that this is because Edo (present-day Tokyo) culture took root in this area during the Edo period (1603-1868). The oldest building in the shopping street was built in 1792 and is currently designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Many of the buildings lining the shopping street are built in an architectural style called “Kura-zukuri”. “Kura-zukuri” is a traditional architectural style that uses clay walls to enhance fire resistance. As a result, you can see vestiges of the Edo period that cannot be seen in modern-day Tokyo. Furthermore, at night, you can enjoy an even more nostalgic view of the shopping street.

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Recommended #4: Omiya Minami Ginza

“Omiya Minami Ginza” is Saitama’s largest downtown area. Commonly known as “Nangin”, it is bustling with locals and tourists alike. The area near Omiya Station is lined with karaoke bars and game centers, making it a popular area for young people. On the other hand, the further away from the station, the more restaurants there are, with an area lined with restaurants of all genres, Izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), bars, clubs, and more.

Omiya Minami Ginza is home to many chain stores with nationwide operations, but it is also known as a bustling downtown area with a retro-style restaurants crowded in the backstreets. There are also many hostess bars and cabaret clubs. It is a lively place that entertains its visitors. It would be fun to stroll around Omiya Minami Ginza with friends.

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Recommended #5: Minoyama Park

Minoyama Park is a park built on the summit of Mount Minoyama. As it is located on the summit, it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and the city. And this beautiful night view is the only one in Saitama Prefecture to be selected as one of the “Top 100 Night Views in Japan”.

When the weather conditions are right, you can see a “sea of ​​clouds” at Minoyama Park. A “sea of ​​clouds” is a natural phenomenon in which clouds spread out below you, making it look like an ocean. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see a fantastic night view of a sea of ​​clouds, where the city lights reflect off and shine in seven colors. If the weather is good, you can also enjoy a romantic starry sky.

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Recommended #6: Tabidachi no Oka Observatory in Chichibu Muse Park

Chichibu Muse Park is a large park located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. In addition to experiencing various activities on the vast grounds, you can also enjoy seasonal flowers and spectacular natural scenery. There are also three night view spots in the park, with “Tabidachi no Oka” being the most popular spot.

When you pass through the observation deck of “Tabidachi no Oka”, you can hear the melody of “Tabidachi no Hi ni” (On the Day of Departure). “Tabidachi no Hi ni” is a graduation song sung at Japanese schools. For this reason, it is known as a night view spot that will make people feel sentimental.

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Recommended #7: Seibu Chichibu Station Onsen Matsuri no Yu

“Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu” is a hot spring bathing facility located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. This hot spring facility is designed based on the concept of “matsuri” (meaning “festival”). Another appealing point is that it is located in front of Seibu Chichibu Station, making it easily accessible.

Inside the facility, there are various types of bathtubs, including open-air bath. Therefore, you will be able to experience many types of typical Japanese baths. The restaurant is also unique. For example, you can enjoy Chichibu specialty delicacies such as “Waraji Katsu” (deep-fried pork cutlet), “Miso Poteto” (potatoes topped with Miso sauce) and “Dango” (sticky rice cake).

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