Learn modern and ancient technologies! 2 recommended spots perfect to family trip in Saitama

Saitama prefecture is gathering attentions thanks to a Japanese movie ‘Tonde Saitama (Fly Me to the Saitama)’ which is released now. There are many factories such as Lotte and Glico, Bulldog Sauce and Yamaki Jozo producing stuff that most of Japanese people use every day. Some of them hold tours that allow visitors to see a manufacturing process, so even adults can have an experience like the scales fall from their eyes! In addition, Saitama also has lots of spots where you can feel a sense of ancient romance. More than 3,000 Kofun (burial mounds) still exist today, including  the largest round burial mound in Japan. Why not visit Saitama to learn modern and ancient technologies?

This time, we’re going to introduce our recommended spots in the area surrounding Urawa Washington Hotel.

Find hidden gems of Gari Gari Kun at “Honjo Senbon Sakura 5S Factory”!

Do you know that about 10% of Japan’s ice pops is produced in Saitama?  “Honjo Senbon Sakura 5S Factory” located in Honjo city, which manufactures about 3 million at most ‘Garigari-Kun’ per day, and holds a 90-minute factory tour five times a day. It’s the heaven of ice pops where you can learn about Garigari-kun through the factory tour and videos, games and so on. Visiting ‘Gari Gari Kun Hiroba’ after the tour, you can eat various ice pops for free. You may be able to find an ice pop that you have never eaten. Don’t miss the Tanabata and Garigari-kun Day event in July and an event for elementary school students in August!

“The Hundred Caves of Yoshimi” created by nature and ancient technologies

“The Hundred Caves of Yoshimi” where traditional scenery gives you inner peace. Made about 1,400 years ago, this Kofun (burial mounds)  is one of Japan’s largest ancient tombs dug into the side of a hill. It has 219 holes dug in a rocky mountain and designated as a national historic site. You must be mesmerized by the Kofun filled with wisdom and passion of ancient people. Under this rocky mountain, there is a large and complicated underground munitions factory ruin looking like a secret base, and you can explore a part of its ground. In addition, don’t forget to see luminous moss ‘Hikarigoke’ designated as a national natural treasure!