Saitama Prefectural Road And Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 17

Complete Guide to Visiting Saitama Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 17 in Tokyo, Japan

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Saitama Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 17 is a storied corridor connecting Tokyo’s vibrant urban landscape with the rich heritage and scenic diversity of Saitama Prefecture. Closely following the ancient Nakasendō highway from the Edo period, Route 17 is both a critical commuter route and a passage through historic towns, spiritual sites, and authentic local culture. This guide is designed to help you explore the route’s highlights, including visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, must-see attractions, festivals, and practical travel advice. Embrace the seamless blend of tradition and modernity by planning your journey with the detailed insights provided here.

For further tourism resources, refer to the Hikawa Shrine website, Saitama Tourism Official Site, and Japan National Tourism Organization.

Introduction
Historical Background
Route Overview
Major Attractions and Cultural Experiences Along Route 17
Visiting the Omiya Bonsai Village
Visitor Information and Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Call to Action

Exploring Route 17: Saitama and Tokyo’s Historic and Modern Corridor

Historical Background

Origins and Development

Route 17’s history dates to the Edo period, tracing the Nakasendō—one of five key highways built by the Tokugawa shogunate linking Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. The area now known as Ōmiya flourished as a post town (shukuba), developing commercially and culturally around the revered Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, which has stood for over 2,400 years (Wikipedia: Ōmiya, Saitama).

Modernization and Integration

During the Meiji era, Japan’s rapid modernization transformed the Nakasendō’s original path into new roads and railways. Route 17 emerged as a modern highway, managed jointly by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Saitama Prefecture (Wikimedia Commons). Today, it is a major link for commuters and goods, symbolizing the region’s evolution from feudal post towns to metropolitan hubs.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Route 17 traverses areas rich in heritage, notably Saitama City (formed from the merger of municipalities such as Urawa and Ōmiya), and provides access to:

Hikawa Shrine: One of Japan’s oldest shrines, open 6:00 AM–5:00 PM, free entry (Overyourplace).
Omiya Bonsai Village: A center for bonsai culture, with museums and nurseries (admission 500–700 yen for museums; see below for details).
Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore: Open 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (closed Mondays), admission around 300 yen (Japan Guide).

Route Overview

Geographic Scope and Alignment

Route 17 extends approximately 250 km, beginning in central Tokyo and heading north through urban and suburban districts into Saitama Prefecture. It connects major transport nodes, including Omiya Station (a Shinkansen and local rail hub), making it a key artery in the Kanto region (Japan Guide: Saitama).

Key Sections and Landmarks

Tokyo Segment

In Tokyo, Route 17 passes through bustling neighborhoods, offering convenient access to shopping, cultural venues, and transport links.

Saitama Segment

In Saitama, Route 17 supports daily life for over a million residents, providing access to historic and cultural attractions:

Omiya Bonsai Village: Workshops and bonsai gardens (see details below).
Hikawa Shrine: Short walk from Route 17.
Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore: Located in Omiya Park.

Connectivity and Transportation

Route 17 parallels the JR Takasaki Line and Tobu Noda Line. Omiya Station, a major interchange, connects travelers to the Shinkansen network and local lines. Bilingual signage ensures accessibility for international visitors (Japan Guide: Saitama).

Major Attractions and Cultural Experiences Along Route 17

Kawagoe: The “Little Edo” Experience

Kawagoe’s Edo-period streets, such as Kurazukuri Street and Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower), offer a nostalgic glimpse of merchant-era Japan. The city is also home to the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, free) and Taisho Roman Dream Street, with its early 20th-century architecture.

Guided walking tours are available; museum exhibitions may require ticket purchase.

Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten

Explore the only surviving palace building of Kawagoe Castle, with tatami rooms and seasonal cherry blossoms.

Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
Tickets: Adults ¥200, children free
Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; check ahead

Omiya Bonsai Village

A global center for bonsai culture, offering nurseries, shops, and the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum (9:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays; tickets: adults ¥300, students ¥150).

Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities

Nagatoro and Arakawa River: River cruises, nature hikes, and famous rock formations. Peak foliage in autumn.
Ranzan Valley: Ideal for walks and photography, especially in fall.
Sayama Lake: Walking and cycling paths with Mt. Fuji views.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Tobu Zoo & Amusement Park: Over 120 animal species, rides, and seasonal events (tickets: adults ¥1,700, children ¥800; hours vary).
Railway Museum (Omiya): Interactive exhibits and simulators (10:00 AM–6:00 PM, closed Tuesdays; adults ¥1,000, children ¥500).

Traditional Crafts and Culinary Experiences

Papermaking at Ogawa Washi Paper workshops.
Udon noodle-making in Tokigawa town.
Kashiya Yokocho (“Candy Alley”) in Kawagoe for traditional sweets.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

Kawagoe Matsuri: Third weekend of October, featuring floats and performances.
Chichibu Night Festival: Early December, renowned for floats and fireworks.

Unique Experiences and Modern Attractions

Tokorozawa Sakura Town: Pop culture museum and themed dining.
Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu: Hot springs near Chichibu Station.

Visiting the Omiya Bonsai Village

History and Cultural Significance

Founded by bonsai masters who relocated after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, Omiya Bonsai Village remains a world-renowned center for bonsai artistry, combining traditional techniques with modern exhibitions.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM), closed Mondays and New Year holidays. Admission: ¥300 adults, free for children under 15.
Bonsai Nurseries: Generally 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, free entry; purchasing is encouraged.

How to Get There

Train: Omiya Station (JR lines) is the main access point; 15-minute walk or local bus to the village.
Bus: Local routes available from Omiya Station.
Car: Accessible via Route 17; public parking is limited.

Accessibility

Museum and most nurseries are wheelchair accessible; some paths may be uneven.
Accessible restrooms are available at the museum.

Visitor Tips

Spring and autumn are optimal for viewing bonsai.
Guided tours available at the museum; book ahead.
Photography is generally permitted (no flash in the museum).
English brochures and some English-speaking staff.

Nearby Attractions

Omiya Railway Museum
Omiya Park

Visitor Information and Practical Tips

Hours & Tickets: Most shrines are free; museums and special events may require tickets (300–700 yen).
Transportation: Route 17 is easily navigable by car, bus, and train.
Seasonal Highlights: Fall foliage (October–November), cherry blossoms (spring), and major festivals.
Accessibility: Many sites are wheelchair-friendly; confirm details in advance.
Reservations: Recommended for workshops and guided tours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there entrance fees for sites along Route 17?
A: Shrines are generally free; museums and workshops charge modest fees (300–700 yen).

Q: When are the best festivals along Route 17?
A: Kawagoe Matsuri in October and Chichibu Night Festival in December.

Q: How do I access Route 17 from Tokyo?
A: By car or JR train (Takasaki Line) from central Tokyo.

Q: Can I make a day trip from Tokyo?
A: Yes, many attractions are within an hour by train.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, especially in Kawagoe and Omiya.

Conclusion

Saitama Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 17 is more than a commuter route—it’s a journey through centuries of Japanese culture, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you seek Edo-period nostalgia in Kawagoe, the tranquility of bonsai gardens, or lively seasonal festivals, Route 17 offers something for every traveler.

Call to Action

Plan your Route 17 journey today! Use the Audiala app for maps, guided tours, and live updates. Explore our related articles for more on Saitama’s cultural heritage and Tokyo’s historic districts. Stay connected on social media for travel inspiration and event alerts.

Internal Links

Discover More About Saitama’s Cultural Heritage
Guide to Tokyo’s Historic Districts

External Links

Visuals

When publishing, include:

Maps of Route 17’s alignment
Photos of Hikawa Shrine, Omiya Bonsai Village, and Kawagoe’s historic streets
Infographics of transportation options
(Alt text examples: “Map of Route 17 connecting Tokyo and Saitama,” “Photo of Omiya Bonsai Art Museum exterior,” “Historic Kurazukuri Street in Kawagoe.”)

Summary

Traveling Route 17 offers an immersive experience into Japan’s past and present, from the Nakasendō’s legacy to modern commuter convenience. The corridor’s well-connected transport, diverse attractions, and accessible amenities make it ideal for both first-time and returning visitors. Use this guide, official resources, and travel apps to plan confidently, and enjoy a journey that reveals the harmonious blend of Edo-period charm and contemporary culture. For the latest updates, consult the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum and Saitama Tourism Website.