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

Located in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture, the charm of the Shobu Castle Ruins Iris Garden lies in the picturesque landscape of colorful irises blooming on the site of a historic castle. Approximately 6,000 irises of 130 species are planted across the vast grounds, captivating visitors with their fantastical purple carpet-like scenery during the early summer peak season. 💜 The greatest attraction of this garden is undoubtedly the overwhelming beauty of the irises. As you walk along the garden's promenade, you'll encounter a variety of irises in various colors and shapes, from white to purple, yellow, and pink, one after the other, soothing their delicate appearance. The irises' reflection on the water's surface is particularly evocative, evoking traditional Japanese aesthetics. The history of Shobu Castle further enhances this beautiful landscape. The garden was once the site of Shobu Castle, and remains of its earthworks and moat still remain. A stroll through the garden, surrounded by blooming irises and the vestiges of the castle, is a special experience, allowing you to savor the romance of history and the beauty of nature at the same time. ✨ Shobu Castle Ruins Iris Garden is more than just a flower field; it's a place where history and nature blend together, allowing you to experience the traditional beauty of Japan with all five senses. While this year's iris season has already ended, why not spend some relaxing time in this beautiful iris garden next year during the refreshing early summer season? 📍Address: 985-2 Shinbori, Shobu-cho, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 346-0105 #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

🌞 Visiting Experience: Although the farm isn't very large, the lavender has already started being harvested~ We visited at noon, and the 37°C heat was really overwhelming🔥 But I came fully prepared with a hat, sunglasses, and three layers of sunscreen🤣 Meanwhile, my friend kept complaining, "My shoes are burning my feet!" (Haha, poor thing😂) ☀️ Tips for Your Visit: 1. Best Time: Go before 9 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the midday heat. 2. Sun Protection Essentials: - A hat is a must! - Don’t forget sunglasses - Apply sunscreen generously 3. Comfortable Gear: - Breathable long pants (to prevent mosquito bites) - Comfortable sneakers 4. Must-Bring Items: - A bottle of ice water (It’s seriously hot!) - Wet wipes (for wiping sweat) - A portable fan (a lifesaver!) 📍 Address: 38 Shinbori, Ayase-cho, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 🚗 Transportation Tips: It’s recommended to drive or take a taxi. We booked a car through Trip.com, and it took about 1.5 hours from central Tokyo. 💜 Blooming Season Reminder: The lavender blooms from mid-June to early July, so hurry if you want to see it!

Shobu Shrine, located in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture, is a historic shrine cherished by locals for generations. In spring, the shrine's magnificent wisteria trellis blooms with cascading clusters of purple flowers, enhancing the sacred atmosphere. Discover the hidden charm of this tranquil spot where you can leisurely admire the beauty of wisteria. ✨Highlights * The harmony of the shrine's solemn ambiance and the purple wisteria💜⛩️✨ The combination of the shrine's historic architecture and the gracefully blooming wisteria creates a sacred and stunning scenery that is hard to find elsewhere. * Elegant wisteria clusters swaying in the breeze🌸💜 The purple flower clusters hanging from the trellis gently sway in the spring breeze, offering a soothing sight that captivates the heart and makes you lose track of time. * A serene space for relaxed viewing🌿💜 Shobu Shrine is located away from the hustle and bustle, providing a quiet atmosphere where you can take your time to appreciate the beauty of wisteria. It's perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in tranquility and elegance. 👀Key Features * Beautiful gradients of purple💜👀 The wisteria at Shobu Shrine showcases rich shades of purple, with each cluster offering subtle variations in color. * Wisteria flowers glowing under dappled sunlight✨💜 Sunlight filtering through the trellis gently illuminates the purple clusters, making them shine even more beautifully. * The harmony of the shrine's historic structures and seasonal wisteria⛩️💜 The shrine's main hall, torii gates, and other historic buildings blend seamlessly with the seasonal beauty of wisteria, creating a unique atmosphere. 💜Best Viewing Period * Late April to early May 💜 ℹ️Information * Address: 6001 Shobu-cho, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 📍 * Access: * From JR Utsunomiya Line/Shonan-Shinjuku Line "Kuki Station," take the Asahi Bus bound for "Shobu Nakabashi" for about 20 minutes, and get off at "Shobu Shrine-mae" 🚌 * About 15 minutes by car from Tohoku Expressway Kuki IC 🚗 * Hours: Open access to the shrine grounds * Admission: Free 🚗Nearby Attractions * Iris and Lavender Garden: In early summer, vibrant irises and lavender bloom beautifully.💜💙 * Hyakukannon Onsen: Relax in a natural hot spring with free-flowing water.♨️ * Roadside Station Agri Park Yumesugito: Find fresh local produce and specialty items, perfect for souvenir shopping.🛍️🍎 🖋️Summary The wisteria trellis at Shobu Shrine offers a hidden gem where you can peacefully admire the elegant purple flower clusters in a sacred atmosphere. It's especially recommended for those seeking a serene space to enjoy the beauty of wisteria away from the noise. Experience the harmony of the shrine's historic charm and the stunning wisteria flowers.💜✨🌸

#cherryblossom25 Yes, the anime-like cherry blossom riverside scene is real! 💫 📍 Aomobori River (青毛堀川) in Washi-no-miya, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture is now in full bloom as of March 14th! 🩷 370 Kawazu-zakura trees line this peaceful 2.5km stretch of riverbank, blooming in vivid pink, perfectly interwoven with golden rapeseed flowers 🌸🌼 It’s a breathtaking spring palette that seems to stretch into infinity 💕 🚃 Just about 1 hour by train from central Tokyo, this hidden gem is still a low-key spot — perfect for a serene spring escape from the crowds! 🌸 The Kawazu-zakura here blooms early in the season, with peak viewing typically in mid to late March. Now’s the best time to see it — a pink-and-gold dreamscape that feels like stepping into a spring anime scene ✨ 📍 Address: Aomobori River, Washinomiya 2-chome, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 青毛堀川沿いの河津桜 🌸 #travel

#cherryblossom25 Gongendo Park is a full-on cherry blossom dreamscape. I’d seen it trending on #cherryblossom25 for its insane sakura x rapeseed flower contrast — and it’s even more jaw-dropping in person. Picture this: rows and rows of soft pink cherry trees lined up along a levee, with bright yellow nanohana (rapeseed flowers) blooming underneath. It’s like walking through a watercolor painting. The path stretches for over a kilometer, and every few steps the angle changes — offering new views to snap. I visited during their seasonal festival, so the air smelled like grilled corn and sweet mochi, and the energy was high without being overwhelming. I stayed until sunset and watched the blossoms glow pink-orange under the golden sky. No filter needed. This place is a bucket list level stop — if you want maximum color, texture, and a little countryside charm, Gongendo is a #cherryblossom25 essential.

🌸Aoge Horikawa, the finale of this year's early-blooming cherry blossoms 🌸Aoge Horikawa, a famous spot for Kawazu cherry blossoms, a hidden gem in Saitama Prefecture. Kawazu cherry blossoms are planted along the river for about 2.5 kilometers, and about 300 cherry trees will be in full bloom in early March. Rape blossoms are also planted under the cherry blossoms, and the pink cherry blossoms and yellow rape blossoms create a romantic spring scene. 🌸It's very quiet here, and there are few convenience stores, so there are few people who know about it and few tourists who visit. The Kawazu cherry trees are low, making it perfect for taking photos of people. About an hour from Tokyo on the Tobu Line, leave the east exit of Washinomiya Station and go straight, and you'll see the beautiful cherry blossoms in about 5 minutes. There is a small shop on the left side of the station where you can rent a bicycle, which you can rent for 400 yen a day. The owner is a very kind old lady. 🌸This spring has been warmer than usual, and the cherry blossoms are blooming and falling earlier. The Kawazu cherry blossoms along Aogehori River are already in the final stages, and there were many leaves when I visited on the 12th. You may be able to enjoy the full bloom in a few more days, but by next weekend there will only be leaves. This is the last time to see the Kawazu cherry blossoms this year! 🌸 … 📍: Kawazu cherry blossoms along Aogehori River Washinomiya 1-chome, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 🚃: Leave the east exit of Washinomiya Station on the Tobu Line and go straight for about 5 minutes. 📆Photo date: 2023.3.9 #SaitamaSakura #SpringScenery #TravelInJapan

Aogebori River flows near Washimiya Shrine, the oldest shrine in the Kanto region, in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture. About 370 deep pink early-blooming Kawazu cherry trees fill the river for about 2.5 km, making it a famous cherry blossom spot known only to those in the know. Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom 2 to 3 weeks earlier than Somei Yoshino cherry trees, and the best time to see them is usually from late February to early March. In 2025, the best time to see them was delayed due to the cold weather, and they were in full bloom around March 14th. The best time to see them is near Miyamae Bridge, the northern end, a 1-minute walk from Washimiya Shrine, where food trucks and mini events are held. Location: Along Aogebori River, Washimiya area, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture Admission free 24 hours a day Access: 8 minutes on foot from the east exit of Washimiya Station on the Tobu Line #Seasonal places in Japan #Saitama Prefecture #Famous cherry blossom spot #Breathtaking view

I declare! The most beautiful spring in Tokyo is hidden in the Aogeborikawa River in Saitama Prefecture. It only takes 1 hour by train from Tokyo to encounter this forgotten spring secret. It's really worth it! Actual photos taken on March 14th showed 370 Kawazu cherry trees in full bloom along the river bank. The 2.5-kilometer sea of ​​pink flowers, paired with the golden rapeseed fields, was so beautiful that it was beyond belief! I took pictures as I walked, and every frame can be used as an anime wallpaper! 🚶♀️📸 The flowering period is in mid-to-early March, so now is the perfect time to go! When the breeze blows, the petals fall down. Standing in the sea of ​​flowers, it feels like being surrounded by pink snowflakes. It's so romantic that I want to cry. 📍 Address: Washinomiya 2-chome 1, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 📷 Device: iPhone 16 Pro Max 🗓️ Filming date: 2025.3.14 🚊 Transportation tips: Just search "Kawazuzakura along the Aogebori River" on the map, and the nearest station is Washimiya Station of Tobu Railway. • From Asakusa and Kita-Senju: Take the Tobu Railway directly • From Shinjuku: Take the Shonan Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Kuki Station, then transfer to Tobu Railway and ride one station to Washimiya Station • From Ueno or Tokyo: Take the JR Utsunomiya Line to Kuki, then transfer to Tobu Railway to Washimiya. Just walk 5 minutes out of the station and you will see the most beautiful spring! 🌸 🎀 Flower viewing tips: 1. You can rent bicycles at the store in front of Washinomiya Station and ride along the river to enjoy the cherry blossoms. It is leisurely and photogenic, and you can also use them as photo props! 🚲 2. The cherry trees here are relatively short, so you don’t need to bring height-increasing props when taking photos. You can easily get beautiful photos! 3. There are no toilets or shops nearby, so remember to be prepared before departure. 4. The cherry blossom season in Kawazu is relatively late, and it is expected that the best viewing period will be before March 22. If you want to go, make arrangements quickly! The blooming season doesn’t wait for anyone, so hurry up and seize this brief romance and go on this pink spring date together🌸✨ #TokyoCherryBlossomViewing #AogeHoriKawa #SpringTravel #JapanFlowerViewingSeason #TokyoCherryBlossomViewing

During the day, dolls of people from myths and other mythological stories are decorated on the floats and pulled around the town, and at night, the dolls are removed and the floats are decorated with about 500 lanterns on all four sides and paraded around the town. This time, we will introduce the "Kuki Lantern Festival" held in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture. This festival is held every year on July 12th and 18th. The scenery changes between day and night, but the sight of the lantern floats moving along with the festival music is a masterpiece. They even crash the floats into each other! There are three major lantern festivals in Japan, and although this one is not counted among them, it is a festival that is comparable to them! ️ Please come and visit us next year! #SummerFestival2024

#0yentravel I went to the Kuki Lantern Festival, which takes place every year on July 12th and 18th in front of Kuki Station in Saitama Prefecture🏮 Of course, there are a lot of stalls, but the main attraction of the festival is the show where many giant lantern floats run through the streets, gather at the rotary in front of the station, and liven up the atmosphere with music from each district👏🏻 It's one of the largest summer festivals in the Kanto region, with a huge number of people gathering and a very impressive performance✨ This event won first place on Ad Town Heaven😆 It was a lot of fun, and I could feel the summer🙌🏻 #festival

Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture. The Kuki Lantern Festival "Tennosama" is held every year on July 12th and 18th. It is a festival of Yakumo Shrine, the guardian deity of the old Kuki town, and has been held for over 230 years since 1783. The highlight is the parade of seven large floats from each neighborhood around the west exit of Kuki Station, dressed as "doll floats" during the day and "lantern floats" at night. The daytime doll floats are about 7.5 meters tall and weigh about 4 tons, and from around 12 o'clock they are decorated with dolls modeled after characters from mythology and other characters on top of the floats and walk around the city accompanied by music. And the nighttime lantern floats are said to be the best lantern floats in the Kanto region and are very impressive. They gather at the west exit of Kuki Station around 8 p.m., and the floats get closer to each other and rotate, creating a lively atmosphere. The lantern floats are decorated with about 500 lanterns. I go there every year on the night of the 18th, and even though it's a weekday, there are so many people and it's very lively. The lights of the lanterns that decorate the city at night are very tasteful, powerful, and simply beautiful, and I was moved. There are also food stalls, which further liven up the festival atmosphere. The best lantern festival in the Kanto region! Why not visit it once? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kuki Lantern Festival Tenno-sama Held every year on 7/12 and 7/18 🚃JR, Tobu Isesaki Line Kuki Station West Exit #festival #saitama #me and travel #summer festival #kuki #summer event

At a park in Kuki, Japan we found a lot of cute white wild mushrooms on the grass. The park is beautiful with a lake and there is a very good cafe BEACON serve cakes and soft milk ice cream which is the best ice cream ever. If you want to have a quiet time in Tokyo you must go to Kuki. You can ride on a swan paddle boat to see the whole part of the lake. Next time we will definitely do it.

Kuki shi saitama city

Iris Shrine in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 The shrine was originally called Fukuroda Myojinja. The origin is said to be that Washinomiya Shrine/Takehinatori-no-Mikoto Tamashiki Shrine/Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto mother was Inadahime-no-Mikoto. (There are other theories as well) The current name Shobu is thought to come from Shobu Castle, which was named after the castle that was completed on the "Iris Festival" on May 5th. The most well-known variety of wisteria at Shobu Shrine is Noda Fuji. The wisteria, which is said to be over 300 years old, has a root circumference of 9m, a trunk circumference of 150-160cm, and a wisteria trellis covering an area of ​​238 square meters. When I visited, the flowers were starting to fall, but I imagine it would be spectacular when in full bloom. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Iris Shrine ꕥAddress: 552 Iris, Iris-cho, Kuki-shi, Saitama ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏Kuki Station → 🚏In front of Iris Shrine →About 3 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Sakura2024 #Shrines and Temples #Shrines Tour #Shrines Visit #Shrines Lover

#AccommodationReview Washinomiya Shrine is located in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, and is a historic shrine that has been worshiped by local people since ancient times. Its history is long, and the date of its founding is unclear, but according to the shrine's history, it dates back to the Enryaku era of the Nara period (early 9th century). The main deity is Hondawake no Mikoto, who is worshiped as the god of agriculture. The grounds of Washinomiya Shrine are home to a formal shrine building and a magnificent torii gate, creating a solemn atmosphere. There are also giant trees in the grounds that are hundreds of years old, creating a sacred atmosphere. In addition, many worshippers visit the grounds, and the shrine is loved as a sacred space. Washinomiya Shrine is said to bring various benefits, such as matchmaking, family safety, business prosperity, and academic success, and is attracting many believers. It is particularly known for its matchmaking benefits, and many people who wish to get married visit. You can also see many students praying for academic success and shop owners praying for business prosperity at the shrine. Every spring, the cherry blossoms in the shrine grounds bloom magnificently, attracting many visitors who come to view the flowers. The beautiful scenery is loved by locals and soothes the hearts of all who visit. Washinomiya Shrine is loved and respected by many people for its history, natural beauty, and the rich blessings it bestows.

Today, we will introduce "Top 5 recommended cherry blossom spots in Japan"🌸 ① Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi A famous cherry blossom spot in the Kanto region where about 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom for 1 km. You can also enjoy the rapeseed flower fields! One word of advice: There is a large parking lot, so we recommend going by car🚗³₃Address: 887-3 Kokufu, Satte City, Saitama PrefectureAccess: Approximately 10 minutes by car from Satte IC ② Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi A spot where you can enjoy 500 cherry blossoms blooming over 2 km, selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan". The collaboration with the rapeseed flowers is also great! One word of advice: The site is large, so you can enjoy taking photos without worrying about the people around you📸Address: 2-chome Kawaramachi, Kumagaya City, Saitama PrefectureAccess: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Kumagaya Station ③ Egawa Sesewagi Promenade A promenade loved by locals! In spring, Kawazu cherry blossoms bloom along the river 👏 One word of advice: There is no parking nearby, so it is recommended to go by train. Address: 4-chome Shinjo, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Musashi-Shinjo Station ④ Saihoji Temple A spot where you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms in spring and red spider lilies in autumn. The flower water basin is also a highlight! A word of advice: Don't forget to appreciate the flower water fountain that changes with the seasons✨️Address: 2586 Nippa-cho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa PrefectureAccess: About 5 minutes on foot from Nippa Station ⑤ Cherry blossoms at Fuji Cemetery A park cemetery that was also selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan"🌸 The tunnel of about 8,000 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, is very beautiful👏🏻 A word of advice: There is quite a bit of climbing up the stairs leading to the plateau, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes👟Address: 888-2 Omigami, Oyama-cho, Sunto-gun, Shizuoka PrefectureAccess: About 20 minutes by car from Gotemba IC #sakura2024 #sakura2024 #cherryblossomconquest #breathtakingcherryblossomviews

7 Stylish Cafes in Saitama 2023》♡☕️/The addresses and holidays are also listed in the post, so please swipe to see them♪ ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [① On-On Saitama] On-On A cafe located in Saitama City, mostly in the Hasuda area. You can enjoy a wide variety of cafe menus, including homemade bread and carefully selected dishes such as seasonal vegetables. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [② Directions Cafe NOUMACHI Miyashiro] Directions Cafe noumachi noumachi is a cafe started by a design company, and aims to be a casual guide to the town, introducing attractive people, things, and delicious food in Miyashiro and other neighboring cities and towns. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [③ CINQ CAFE Urawa] cinq I was surprised at how fierce the reservations were! I couldn't get through on the phone at all. Once you get in, the interior is relaxed and stylish. They have a wide variety of healthy lunches and drinks! ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [④ Sunny, then sunny, Kuki] Sunny, then sunny A spacious book cafe inside a bakery! You can order one drink and enjoy it inside. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [⑤ Innocent Art Gallery & Cafe Nei Ina] Innocent Art Gallery & Cafe Nei The garden is so large that it really looks like a forest, and according to the website there are 1000! A cafe with a gallery will make you feel like you're traveling. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [⑥ Mayukuri Cafe, Kazo] Mayukuri Cafe is an old-style cafe on a farm in Kazo, Saitama. It is located in a corner of Seinosha Farm, which practices environmentally friendly agriculture with a focus on "completely pesticide-free" farming. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ 【⑦ Spinning House Oshima CAFE BLANCO・Ina】　Spinning House Oshima cafe BLANCO A relaxing old-style cafe featured on NHK Haru's Holiday TV Asahi's Paradise of Life Nationally registered tangible cultural property (building) designated "Oshima Family Residence Main Building" ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼#Saitama bakery #Saitama cafe tour #Best place to visit ranking 2023 #Saitama cafe tour #Saitama cafe club #Old-style cafe #Ina #Saitama gourmet tour #Saitama cafe #besttrip2023

Eastern Saitama \ 3 Stylish and Delicious ♡ Bakeries ☕️ / Click the link below for detailed articles on each shop ♪ The address and closing days are listed in the post, so please swipe the screen to see them ♪ ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [① Panshare Shiraoka] PANSHARE About 5 minutes walk from Saitama Shin-Shiraoka Station (251m!) This bakery was started by a chef who served as the bakery chef of "The Peninsula Tokyo" and has won many bread-making contests. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼[② Sunny Then Sunny Kuki] Sunny Then Sunny A book cafe and bakery in Washinomiya, Kuki City. You can buy bread to take home, or order a drink and enjoy it in the store. The latte art is cute ♡✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ [③cimai・Satte] cimai cimai is a bakery run by two sisters. It is a popular bakery with white plaster walls, tasteful furniture, an antique and stylish store, and has also published a book. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼#Saitama bakery #Saitama bakery tour #Saitama cafe tour #stylish bakery #best place to visit ranking 2023 #Lemon8 trend gourmet information #Kuki gourmet #bakery tour #latte art cafe #Satte gourmet #besttrip2023

These are Kawazu cherry blossoms along the moat leading from Washinomiya Shrine, the holy land of Lucky Star. It has become famous without any notice, and in recent years a lot of people have come, which is sad in itself, but there aren't many parking lots and it's a bit of a walk from the station, so I can easily go there by bicycle and enjoy it, and it's really beautiful. #Washinomiya, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture

This is a row of cherry blossom trees along a moat near my house. It's not particularly famous, so only locals come, but it's very beautiful every year. #Aogehori, Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture #Cherry Blossoms

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