2025 Konosu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)

A cute cafe with Halloween decorations! A cafe you'll want to visit if you come to Konosu to see the cosmos🍽️ It's so popular that you'll have to line up even on weekdays! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🎃~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kirara Cafe 📍3326-1 Shimoninaka, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture ⏰11:00-16:30 (Lunch L.O. 15:30, Cafe L.O. 16:00) 💤Every Tuesday and Wednesday (open on public holidays) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🎃~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ※This information is current, so please check it out before you go! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🎃~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Right now! This moment! Enjoy the Maya trip to the fullest ✔︎A place I'm glad I went and experienced first-hand ✔︎I hope this will be helpful for your outings♫ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~🎃~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ #Halloween2024 #Saitama #SaitamaCafe #Konosu #Halloween #SaitamaGourmet

Do you have a favorite cherry blossom spot? I visit more than 20 cherry blossom spots every year, but there is one cherry blossom spot that I go to every year 🤫 That is... "Motoarakawa Sakura Namiki"! 🌸 I would like to introduce the charm of "Motoarakawa Sakura Namiki" along with the reasons why it is such a favorite place 😊 ---〖It's close to the station so it's easy to access 🚶♀️〗--- "Motoarakawa Sakura Namiki" is a cherry blossom spot in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture! The nearest station is Fukiage Station on the JR Takasaki Line 🚃 It's about a 6-minute walk, so even those without a car can easily visit this cherry blossom spot ❁⃘*.ﾟ By the way, the best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April! ---〖The 2.5km cherry blossom line is a sight to behold🫢〗--- "Moto-Arakawa Sakura Namiki" is a small river that flows through a quiet residential area, and cherry blossoms are blooming on both sides of the river! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! 😳😳😳 It is one of the largest cherry blossom lined roads in Saitama Prefecture. About 500 cherry blossom trees are planted, and you will definitely be soothed by the endless cherry blossom scenery👍 ---〖A commemorative photo on the stepping stones📸〗--- "Moto-Arakawa Sakura Namiki" has stepping stones installed to cross the river! These stepping stones match the atmosphere of "Moto-Arakawa Sakura Namiki" and are super cute🫶 You can take a photo by stepping on the stepping stones, or you can take a photo of yourself standing on the stepping stones! 🙌 Please go back to your childhood and try jumping on the stepping stones👣 ---〖Sakura petals floating on the water🍃〗--- It is recommended to go to regular cherry blossom spots when they are in full bloom, but the "Moto-Arakawa Sakura Namiki" is recommended even after the peak season◎ That's because... at the "Moto-Arakawa Sakura Namiki", you can see the fallen cherry blossom petals flowing down the river👀 It's a wonderful view that can only be seen at the "Moto-Arakawa Sakura Namiki" because it is close to the water. The river flows calmly, so just watching it is soothing... 😌𓈒𓏸 ---〖Summary〗--- In today's post, I introduced "Motoarakawa Cherry Blossom Trees"🌸 As I was writing this trip memory, I started looking forward to going to "Motoarakawa Cherry Blossom Trees" again this year😆 lol It's a recommended place that you won't regret visiting, so please come and see it💕︎ ---〖Basic Information〗--- 🌸Motoarakawa Cherry Blossom Trees 8 Kamatsuka, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture [Access] 🚃6 minutes walk from Fukiage Station on the JR Takasaki Line 🚗 About 40 minutes from Higashimatsuyama IC on the Kanetsu Expressway [Parking] There is a private parking lot around Fukiage Station #sakura2024 #sakura2024 #cherryblossomspectacle #cherryblossomconquest #cherryblossomspot #cherryblossomspot #saitama #saitamaprefecture #Saitama tourism #Saitama trip #Konosu #Konosu city #Konosu tourism #Konosu trip #Motoarakawa #Motoarakawa cherry blossom lined streets #cherry blossoms #sakura #cherry blossom lined streets #cherryblossoms #Saitama

Pansy House is usually a flower and gardening store🌼 Pansies from Sugamo bloom for a long time and are also the city's flower🌼 We sell flowers from Sugamo, such as pansies, violas, cyclamens, and primulas🌼🌼 🔹Store name: Konosu Agricultural Products Direct Sales Store Pansy House 🔹Address: 165-3 Teratani, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture 365-0071 (Next to Konosu Flower Center) Business hours: 9:00-17:00 Open all year round Parking: 100 spaces Products: Horticultural plants (potted flowers, flower seedlings, orchids, cut flowers, ornamental foliage, vegetable seedlings, flowering trees, seeds) , gardening supplies (soil, fertilizers, terracotta, pots, etc.), agricultural products (vegetables, rice, wheat, pears, strawberries, beans, etc.) #Sugamo City #Farm produce direct sales store #Flower shop #Gardening #Saitama Tourism

#tokyo Kotoku-in Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Kamakura. This temple is known for its iconic bronze statue of Amida Buddha, also known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura. We were impressed by this huge statue of Buddha (after which we learnt that it stands at a height of 13.35 meters and weighs around 121 tons). Standing besides it made us feel so short, though we were highly amazed by it. The temple grounds also include other smaller statues, as well as a small museum with information about the history of the temple and the Great Buddha statue. #Japan

This flower market is operated by Konosu Flower Co., Ltd. There is a viewing course, so even people who are not related to the market can enter. Inside the market there is also a restaurant that serves delicious seafood. Anyone can enter this restaurant as well. Near the market there is also a direct sales store for agricultural products. Since it is sold directly by farmers, you can buy fresh vegetables and rice at a low price. If you visit Konosu, be sure to check it out! #gw2022jp

Flower Street has a nostalgic atmosphere. It's one of those spots you want to keep secret. It's quite difficult to get there by public transport, so it's best to go by car. There is a large flower market and many vinyl greenhouses lined up. There are few people around, so you can take as many photos as you want! There are gazebos as well as flower beds with beautiful seasonal flowers. You can enjoy taking photos to your heart's content. #photogenicspot #placeyouwanttokeepsecret #gw2022jp

The rooms facing the courtyard of Hinanosato are entirely decorated with Hina dolls! There is a full lineup of not only hanging Hina dolls and seven-tiered dolls, but also palace dolls, five-tiered dolls, and three-tiered dolls. There are probably many people who are nostalgic for the Hina dolls they had in their homes. Inside the storehouse, there are cute pastel-colored hanging decorations that will fit in with modern rooms. One corner of the courtyard is a flower bed, where you can enjoy flowers of all seasons. After Hinanosato, we took a drive to Flower Road. We were able to see a beautiful sunset. #Hinamatsuri #Hina dolls #Flower bed #Art museum

Konosu City is famous as the hometown of Hina dolls. From Konosu, the Hina dolls set off on their journeys all across Japan. At Hinanosato, you can see the history of Hina dolls. You may even come across a Hina doll that is completely different from what you imagine. The traditional craft of tsumami zaiku is also worth a look. Konosu is also a city of flowers, and flowers are displayed everywhere. There are pansies on the street lamps! Even the manholes are pansies. #hina dolls #hinamatsuri #hinamatsuri

I came to Konosu to see the 17th Konosu Surprise Hinamatsuri 2022. When you think of Konosu during Hinamatsuri season, you think of the tallest pyramid-shaped doll stand in Japan! It's such a popular event that it's even featured on the news and variety shows. Other than that, Hinamatsuri events were held all over the city, and the whole town was full of energy. This is the Industrial Tourism Center "Hina no Sato." In addition to the traditional craft of Konosu Hinamatsuri decorations, the museum also had related materials on display, which was very educational. At this time of year, you can see many different types of Hinamatsuri decorations, so I highly recommend it! "Konosu City Industrial Tourism Center "Hina no Sato"" 1-4-20 Ningyo, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed: Wednesdays Access: Approximately 14 minutes on foot from the east exit of Konosu Station on the JR Takasaki Line #Girls' Festival #Konosu Surprise Girls' Festival #Girls' Festival #Girls' Dolls

Usually, Hina dolls are displayed in tiers on a red carpet, but there is also a gorgeous series of palace decorations. This is a type where Hina dolls are lined up inside a small palace. Hinanosato has the largest palace decorations in Japan on display. Please come and see the palace decorations, which are intricately crafted, with artisanal skill and luxury. Hinanosato 1-4-20 Ningyo, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture, 365-0037 #Hinamatsuri #Hinamatsuri #Hina dolls #trip2022 #t2203

The storehouse built in the Meiji era is filled with various traditional crafts. Tsumami-zaiku, which is full of vibrant colors, is a traditional craft that has been around since the Edo period. Small pieces of cloth are pinched and folded to create various shapes. The tsumami-zaiku made by the craftsmen of Konosu, who have been making detailed clothes for Hina dolls, is magnificent. Please take your time and take your time to look around. Hina no Sato 1-4-20 Ningyo, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture, 365-0037 #hina dolls #hina festival #hina festival #tsumami craft #doll town #trip2022

Hoyo-ji Temple This Shingon sect temple was built in 1457 at 2-4-42 Honmachi, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. During the Edo period, it was the residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga domain. Access: 7 minutes walk from JR Konosu Station.

Kono Shrine The guardian deity of Konosu-juku, located at 1-9 Motomiya-cho, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. It was founded in 1873 when the Hikawa-sha, Kumano-sha, and Raiden-sha shrines, which were located in the center of Konosu-juku, were enshrined together and named Kosan-sha. It is popular for praying for fertility and safe childbirth. Due to the season, many people visit for the Shichi-Go-San festival. Access: 8 minutes walk from JR Konosu Station.

Shoganji Temple A Jodo sect temple located at 8-2-31 Honmachi, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture. Many historical artifacts remain, including cultural properties designated by Saitama Prefecture and Konosu City. The cultural properties stored there are usually not open to the public, but schools and groups may be able to see them if they contact them in advance. Shoganji Temple's main gate dates back to the Edo period. Access: 8 minutes walk from JR Konosu Station. Located next to Konosu Park.

At the rotary at the east exit of JR Konosu Station, there is a 4-foot fireworks cannon (first photo), a flower clock, and colorful flower beds. The cannons actually used for the Konosu Fireworks Festival are installed here, and are transported to the festival site by crane after the last JR train before the festival, and are returned to this spot in front of the station after the festival. I was surprised to see a video of the transportation on the Konosu Fireworks Festival website.

Elmi Konosu is a large shopping mall conveniently located directly connected to JR Konosu Station. Not only is it easily accessible, but its diverse lineup of stores and community-based services make it popular with people of all ages, from children to adults. In addition to its excellent accessibility, the mall also has ample parking, making it easy to visit by train or car, a major attraction. It's stress-free even on rainy days or when out with children. With a wide variety of shops, from fashion and miscellaneous goods to cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets, it's a one-stop destination for everything from everyday shopping to finding a small gift, dining out, or just enjoying a quick cup of tea. It's also home to the city's only movie theater, making it a great place to stop by after work! 🎥 With banks, clinics, and various service stores nearby, you can take care of all your everyday necessities in one place. 📍Address: 1-1-2 Honmachi, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture, 365-0038 🕰Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

Located in the heart of Saitama Prefecture, *Kounosu City* is a hidden gem where nature, culture, and warm-hearted people harmonize beautifully. 😌 One of its charms is its convenient access—just about an hour by train from central Tokyo. 🚃 Kounosu City is also one of the leading flower production areas in the prefecture. This time, let’s explore the floral wonders of Kounosu. 🌺 ● Recommended Spot ➀ Japan’s Largest Poppy Field: Poppy Happy Square 🥀 Spanning an impressive 12.5 hectares, this vast field boasts approximately 30 million poppies in full bloom, making it Japan’s largest poppy field. The vibrant colors of red, pink, and orange poppies stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a breathtaking view as they sway in the wind. It’s even been selected as one of the "Kanto Fuji View 100 Landscapes," and on clear days, you can enjoy a stunning collaboration with Mount Fuji. 🏔️ ● Recommended Spot ➁ Autumn’s Beauty: "Fukiage Cosmos Arena" 🌼 Along the embankments of the Arakawa River lies "Cosmos Arena Fukiage," where cosmos flowers bloom in abundance during autumn. The contrast between the riverbank filled with flowers and the "Arakawa Water Pipe Bridge" is so picturesque that you’ll want to capture it in photos. On weekends, families often visit, creating a serene and cheerful atmosphere. ☺️ ● Summary Kounosu is a place where you can encounter seasonal flowers and the warm smiles of its people. Whether for a day trip or a weekend getaway, it offers moments of relaxation and joy. Why not let the scent of flowers guide you to Kounosu on your next holiday? ✨ --------------------- 📍 Kounosu City, Saitama Prefecture Access: About 1 hour from Tokyo Station via JR Takasaki Line 〈Poppy Field〉 10 minutes by car from JR Kounosu Station. During the May event (Flower Festival), free shuttle buses are available. 〈Cosmos Field〉 5 minutes by bus from JR Fukiage Station ---------------------

As the cherry blossoms unfurl their petals in soft blush and ivory, time seems to pause—reminding us that beauty is fleeting, yet unforgettable. Under their gentle rain, hearts are lightened, memories bloom, and the spirit of spring quietly stirs the soul. It’s here, in this fleeting bloom, that we’re reminded how the most beautiful things never last forever, and that’s what makes them unforgettable. #aprilblooms

#cherryblossom25 Today I went to Moto-Arakawa’s cherry blossom path — both sides of the riverbank stretch out for several kilometers with giant cherry trees. Best part? Hardly any people!! It truly felt like I had the whole of spring to myself. I was overjoyed 🥹 At first, when I got off and walked to the riverside, it was a bit crowded and the blossoms weren’t fully in bloom — I worried I’d come all this way for nothing. But the further I walked, the better it got: fewer people, denser blossoms, more serene atmosphere. There are bridges and stone steps along the way, perfect for sitting down, enjoying a picnic, or taking dreamy photos. The vibes? Immaculate 💕 If you have more time, definitely check out Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi too — it’s just two train stops away, about 10–15 minutes. There, you’ll find a jaw-dropping combo of pink cherry blossoms and golden rapeseed flowers, like something straight out of a springtime fairy tale. With 500 blooming Somei Yoshino cherry trees, the wind carries petals like snow — every photo looks like a scene from a movie 🎥💮 When I went, there were food stalls and lots of students in school uniforms enjoying the spring afternoon — super wholesome atmosphere. According to the official website, the stalls and event will end this weekend so go while you can! #travel

traveling to saitama

#0yentravelFebruary2025 [Okinawa Soba Kafu Garden] 🕰️Business hours: 11:30-14:30, 18:00-21:00 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ⭕️ 📍Address: 605-1 Yawata, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture 365-0073 💰Price per person: 1000-2000 yen 💞Reasons why we recommend it: There are table seats, counter seats, and tatami rooms, and the background music is Okinawan folk songs, which is good for families with children. The atmosphere inside the restaurant and the staff are good, and it has an Okinawan feel. After looking at the menu and wondering what to do, we ordered the sanmai pork soba, Arinkurin A set (soki soba), seasoned rice, mozuku seaweed, goya chanpuru, and coffee jelly. The mozuku seaweed was chewy, the bitterness of the bitter melon was not too strong, the soup of the soki soba was light, the meat on the bone was tender, and the noodles were all delicious. The takikomi gohan was the best. It was also good value for money, and I was thrilled to be able to enjoy the taste of the food I had in Okinawa in Saitama Prefecture! Thank you for the delicious meal.

#0yentravelFebruary2025 [Soba Restaurant Takeya] 🕰️Business hours: 11:00-20:00 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ⭕️ 📍Address: 4-7-5 Fukiage Honmachi, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture, 369-0115 💰Price per person: Up to 1000 yen 💞Reasons why we recommend it: It feels like a local soba restaurant, and I like the atmosphere! The food was also reasonably priced and very delicious! You can get a large portion of the set, and you can choose between noodles or rice, so even students will be full! Closed on Thursdays, business hours 11:00-20:00, delivery available.

[The appeal and access to the Konosu Fireworks Festival] The Konosu Fireworks Festival, held every summer, is a major event in Saitama Prefecture! 🎆 This festival, where about 10,000 fireworks light up the night sky, is a spectacular event, especially the large fireworks. The diameter is about 600 meters! The moment the powerful fireworks are launched all at once, it's so impressive that it makes your heart pound😲 The appeal of the Konosu Fireworks Festival is not only its gorgeousness, but also the warm atmosphere that brings the whole community together. The festival feeling created by the local people working together makes it even more fun. There are plenty of food stalls and events, so you can eat while watching the fireworks and enjoy it with friends🍢🎉 And the view of the fireworks launched from the Arakawa embankment reflected on the water is truly spectacular. The sight of the fireworks swaying in the silence will take your breath away✨ The venue is easily accessible, about a 20-minute walk from JR Konosu Station! It's also about an hour from Tokyo, so it's easy to get to and you can visit easily. It will be crowded on the day of the fireworks display, so we recommend using public transportation🚉 For your summer memories, be sure to visit the Konosu Fireworks Display. Enjoy the spectacular fireworks and the heartwarming festival atmosphere to the fullest! 🎇 #KonosuFireworksDisplay #SaitamaFireworks #SummerMemories #Fireworks #Festival #LargeDamaFireworks #0YenTravelFebruary2025

From mid- to late October, cute yellow, pink, and white cosmos will bloom in the flower fields of Saitama. \It's going to be spectacular from now on. / There are about 10 million cosmos, so it's a very voluminous event. It's recommended because you can see both the beautiful sunset and the blue sky. Cosmos Festival Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th, 2024 Hours: 9:00-16:00 In addition to stage events, local specialties and agricultural products will be on sale. 📍Location: 636-1 Akeyo, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture 　　　　　　Free parking

Did you know that the largest poppy field in Japan is in Saitama? ? In today's post, we will introduce the "Konosu Flower Festival" held in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture! --〖What is the "Konosu Flower Festival"?〗--- The "Konosu Flower Festival" is a major event held every May in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture✨ There are four venues in total: ・Bamuro Venue ・Fukiage Venue ・Kawasato Venue ・Konosu Open Garden This time, we went to the Bamuro Venue🚶 ---〖We recommend taking the bus from Konosu Station to the venue🚌〗--- The nearest station to the Bamuro Venue of the "Konosu Flower Festival" is Konosu Station on the JR Ueno Tokyo Line/JR Shonan Shinjuku Line! 🚃 It takes less than an hour to get there from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, so it's easy to get there from within Tokyo◎ The horse riding venue is located on the Arakawa riverbed in Horse riding, so it's a little far from Konosu Station🥺 So we recommend taking the free shuttle bus🚌 The free shuttle bus is only available on weekends, 5/11, 5/12, 5/18, and 5/19, but it runs approximately every 15 minutes! If you want to go on a weekday but there's no bus...🥺 don't worry!! There is also a community bus (paid), so you can take the bus to the horse riding venue even on weekdays!! ! ! --〖Japan's largest poppy field🙌〗--- About 30 million poppies are in full bloom at the horse riding venue! They come in a variety of colors, including red❤️ and orange🧡!! ! ! Please try to find your favorite color👀 You can also see Mt. Fuji from Onaribashi Bridge, which is near the horse room venue, and it has been selected as one of the top 100 views of Mt. Fuji in the Kanto region🗻 Please go and see the poppies as well🚶 ---〖There are many flowers other than poppies!〗--- Don't be fooled by the poppies😎 At the horse room venue, you can also see ・Wheat ・Plum blossoms I personally recommend the cute purple ・Plum blossoms !! Try to find the purple fields! 🔎 ---〖There are many other things to enjoy besides the poppy fields! 〗--- At the horse stables, there are food stalls nearby, so you can have lunch while looking at the poppy fields👍 There are also rickshaws that run through the poppy fields, so it's a great way to make some memories✌️✌️ ---〖Summary〗--- In today's post, we introduced the "Konosu Flower Festival"! The best poppy fields in Japan, so be sure to check them out this weekend! 🤭 ---〖Basic Information〗--- 💐 Konosu Flower Festival Umamura Venue 587-1 Takiumamuro, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture [Access] 🚃JR Ueno Tokyo Line/Shonan Shinjuku Line 15 minutes by bus from Konosu Station 🚗15 minutes from Okegawa Kano IC on the Ken-O Expressway [Event Period] 2024/05/11 - 05/19 #Travel with Me #Saitama #Saitama Prefecture #Saitama Tourism #Saitama Trip #Konosu #Konosu Tourism #Konosu Flower Festival #Poppy #Poppy Field #Photogenic #Photogenic Spot #Flowers #Flower Field

#Japan and Korea Springtime Destinations Maeda Park is a refreshing urban oasis that I visited in person and was mesmerized by its beauty and vibrancy. The park has spacious lawns and colorful gardens, each full of vitality and beauty. I strolled in the park, enjoying the sunshine and breeze, and feeling the gift of nature. The park also has a lake and a small bridge over the water, creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, showing the creativity and style of modern art. The park also has well-equipped sports fields and rest areas, where people can relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Maeda Park is an ideal place for relaxation, exercise and art appreciation. I highly recommend everyone to experience this lively and vibrant park and feel the joy and comfort.

Ono Shrine in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 It is said to have been founded in 938 by Minamoto no Tsukō, the provincial governor of Musashi Province. Originally Hikawa Shrine, in 1907, five unranked shrines in Oma and four unranked shrines in Kita-Nakano were enshrined and renamed Ono Shrine, taking the "O" from Oma and the "no" from Nakano. A shrine located in a residential area. The approach to the shrine is longer than expected, and the shrine building at the end is quite impressive. There are several cherry trees behind the shrine building, which are well worth seeing! ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Ohno Shrine ꕥAddress: 2-11-26 Oma, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚉 About 18 minutes walk from Konosu Station ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Sightseeing #Shrine tour #Shrines and temples #Shrine worship #Konosu sightseeing

Mitsugi Shrine in Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 It is said that the shrine was founded in the Tensho era (1573-1592) when a monk who fled Mount Hiei after Oda Nobunaga burned it down in 1571 enshrined Hiyoshi Sanno Gongen here. Known as "Saru no Omiya" (Monkey Shrine), this shrine, which worships monkeys as divine messengers, has countless stone statues of monkeys enshrined within its grounds. There are several orange-colored monkeys, and it is said that by applying vermilion powder called goshu to the stone statues, you will receive good fortune if you come into contact with that part of the statue. Because of the connection to monkeys, there are also monkey fortune-telling slips available! Don't miss the large zelkova tree at the entrance to the shrine grounds, a city-designated natural monument. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Mitsugi Shrine ꕥAddress: 169 Ai no Machi, Konosu City, Saitama Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚉Kita-Konosu Station → approx. 11-minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Sightseeing #Shrine tour #Shrine worship #Shrines and temples #Konosu sightseeing