population: 1.32 million

extension: 217.49 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Saitama and want to visit museums, the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore is a great place to start. It's located in the city of Omiya and showcases the history and culture of the Saitama region through exhibits and artifacts.

Other museums in Saitama that you may be interested in visiting include the Railway Museum in Saitama City, which features a large collection of trains and railway-related exhibits, and the Kawagoe City Museum, which focuses on the history and culture of Kawagoe, a city in Saitama known for its well-preserved Edo-era architecture.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Saitama, Japan are:

1. Saitama Ramen: This is a type of ramen that originated in Saitama and is known for its hearty broth made with soy sauce and pork bones.

2. Sayama Tea: This is a type of green tea that is grown in the city of Sayama and is known for its rich flavor and aroma.

3. Fukaya Udon: This is a type of udon noodle dish that is popular in the city of Fukaya and is served with a variety of toppings such as tempura and grated daikon radish.

4. Oyaki: This is a type of dumpling that is filled with vegetables or beans and is a specialty of the Chichibu region in Saitama.

5. Konnyaku: This is a traditional Japanese food made from the konjac root and is often served in dishes such as oden or stir-fries.

6. Higashi-matsuyama Yakisoba: This is a type of fried noodle dish that is popular in the city of Higashi-matsuyama and is often served with a sweet and savory sauce.

7. Koshu Beef: This is a type of wagyu beef that is raised in the Koshu region of Saitama and is known for its tender texture and rich flavor.

Activities

Certainly! Here are some fun activities that are popular with locals in Saitama:

1. Visit a traditional Japanese garden: Saitama has several beautiful Japanese gardens, including the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum and the Toki no Kane Bell Tower Garden in Kawagoe.

2. Explore the Chichibu Night Festival: This festival, held annually on December 2nd and 3rd, features large illuminated floats and fireworks displays.

3. Go hiking in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park: This park offers a variety of hiking trails through scenic mountain ranges, waterfalls, and forests.

4. Enjoy hot springs (onsen): Saitama has many hot springs resorts, such as Nagatoro Onsen and Chichibu Onsen, where you can relax and unwind in natural hot springs.

5. Visit the Hikawa Shrine: This Shinto shrine, located in Omiya, is over 2000 years old and is one of the most important shrines in the Kanto region. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture and spirituality.