5 Photogenic Scenic Spots in Saitama | Recommended Instagrammable Natural Landscapes

Saitama is incredibly easy to reach from Tokyo, yet it unfolds breathtakingly beautiful scenery that takes your breath away. "I had no idea!" — that kind of pleasant surprise is surely waiting for you. Grab your camera and head out to these scenic spots right away!

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1. Chichibu, Hitsujiyama Park | A Pink Paradise Carpeted with Moss Phlox

Every year from April to May, the moss phlox that dyes the entire hillside looks just like a gradient carpet of pink and white. With the silhouette of Mt. Buko layered in the background, you can create a shot full of depth.

Photography Tips: The time of day when soft morning light shines is best. Shooting from a low angle with the moss phlox large in the foreground and Mt. Buko in the background creates a painting-like composition.

Access: About 10 minutes by bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station

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2. Nagatoro, Iwadatami | Light Reflecting on the River Surface Like Jewels

The natural rock pavement carved out by the Arakawa River is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument. In autumn the fall foliage, and in winter the contrast between the crystal-clear blue river surface and the whiteness of the rocks, are exceptional.

Photography Tips: After 4 p.m. in the evening, aim for the "diamonds of light" as the slanting light sparkles on the river surface. A portrait taken while sitting at the edge of the rocks also looks great!

Access: 5 minutes on foot from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway

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3. Hodosan Ropeway Observation Deck | A Sea-of-Clouds Spot Overlooking the Chichibu Mountains

The Chichibu Basin seen from the 497-meter summit can sometimes produce a sea of clouds in the early mornings from autumn to winter. The white sea of clouds spreading below and the ridgelines of distant mountain ranges create a fantastical world.

Photography Tips: The morning after a cold day from October to December is the time to aim for a sea of clouds. Don't miss the magic hour when the orange light just after sunrise dyes the clouds!

Access: Bus or 20 minutes on foot from Nagatoro Station on the Chichibu Railway, then about 5 minutes by ropeway

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4. Ancient Lotus Village (Gyoda City) | Fantastical Pink Lotuses Blooming on the Water

Seen only in the early mornings from July to August, these ancient lotuses are said to have bloomed from seeds 1,400 to 3,000 years old. The pink lotuses blooming densely across the water surface are as beautiful as the Pure Land paradise.

Photography Tips: The peak of the bloom is between 7 and 9 a.m. Looking down from the observation tower, you can capture a geometric composition where pink dots the green carpet formed by the lotus leaves!

Access: About 10 minutes by bus from Gyoda Station, get off at "Kodai Hasu no Sato" (Ancient Lotus Village) and it's right there

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5. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park | Seasonal Flower Fields and a Straight Avenue of Zelkova Trees

This national park lets you enjoy "scenic flowers" all year round — tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, cosmos in autumn. The autumn zelkova avenue in particular shines golden, and the tunnel that continues into the distance has become a hot topic on social media!

Photography Tips: Standing in the center of the avenue and shooting at a slightly wide angle makes the sense of depth stand out. Taking in the light from a slightly backlit position lets the leaves shine through luminously — Good!

Access: About 10 minutes by bus from Shinrin-koen Station on the Tobu Tojo Line

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The greatest appeal of Saitama's great nature is that it's accessible within one to two hours from Tokyo. Why not go searching for a truly special shot on a weekend short trip?

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Hashtags You Can Use for Social Media Posts

`#SaitamaSpectacularView` `#SaitamaTrip` `#InstagrammableSaitama` `#ChichibuScenery` `#HitsujiyamaParkShibazakura` `#NagatoroIwadatami` `#AncientLotusVillage` `#HodosanSeaOfClouds` `#ForestParkFoliage` `#SaitamaCameraClub` `#KantoDayTrip` `#TabitabiJAPAN`