Kasukabe
Introduction
Located in Saitama Prefecture, Kasukabe offers a glimpse into Japanese tradition through its historical craftsmanship. You can explore a region celebrated for the production of kiri-tansu, which are traditional dressers crafted from paulownia wood.
The cultural and economic importance of these materials is reflected in the local landscape, where the paulownia tree serves as the official town tree.
Before you go
Before you visit Kasukabe in eastern Saitama prefecture, you can explore the city's cultural connections to popular manga and cartoon series like Lucky Star and Crayon Shin-chan.
You may find additional information through the local tourist association’s website, which is available in Japanese.
Getting there
You can reach the city by train via Kasukabe Station, which is served by the Tobu Urban Park line and the Tobu Skytree line. If you are traveling from Tokyo, you can take a JR train to Ōmiya to connect with the Tobu Urban Park line or head to Kita-Senju to catch the Tobu Skytree line. For those looking to stay in the heart of town, Minami-Sakurai Station is accessible via the Tobu Urban Park line.
If you prefer to travel by car, you can reach the area from two different expressways. From the Iwatsuki Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, take Highway 16 toward Noda. Alternatively, you can take Highway 16 toward Noda from the Kashiwa Interchange on the Jouban Expressway.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using the Haru Bus, which operates on three routes from Monday through Saturday. For a quicker and more convenient alternative, you may choose to hire a taxi to travel across town.
Where to stay
You can find convenient accommodations in the Central area and near the station to suit your needs. Choose a stay that offers specific amenities like on-site parking or access to natural hot springs.
- 1 Hotel Kasukabe, located within walking distance of the station.
- Yamaya Shinkan, which provides overnight parking for guests.
- Super Hotel Kasukabe Station Natural Hot Spring, where you can enjoy a natural hot spring and included breakfast.
Food & drink
Information regarding local dining and beverages is currently unavailable for this area.
What to see and do
Explore the massive underground flood-control system known as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, or G-CANs. You can tour this expansive facility to see its centerpiece, a vast underground tank supported by dozens of pillars that has been nicknamed the "temple." The site serves as a vital defense against flooding on the Kanto plain and provides a striking architectural backdrop for television commercials.
For fans of popular culture, visit the Crayon Shin-chan Buriburi Cinema Studio located within a local shopping mall. You can browse movie posters and DVDs while posing with life-size characters from the series. Additionally, you can visit the historic Gosha Jinja Shrine to experience the local atmosphere.
Three days in Kasukabe
Day one, you can begin your journey by arriving at Kasukabe Station. From here, you can explore the local area and settle into your accommodations to prepare for your stay in Saitama.
Day two, you can choose to travel toward Tokyo or explore nearby locations such as Senju or Minami. You can also take a trip to see Tobu Skytree or visit other points of interest within the region.
Day three, you can spend your final day exploring more of the surroundings before departing via the Tohoku Expressway or the Jouban Expressway toward Noda or Kashiwa.