Route 17 at a glance
Saitama Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 17 is an approximately 250 km corridor running north from central Tokyo through urban and suburban districts into Saitama Prefecture. Following the general path of the ancient Nakasendō, it links Tokyo’s urban neighborhoods with historic towns, spiritual sites and places of natural interest. It is also a major commuter and goods route.
In Tokyo, Route 17 passes through busy neighborhoods with access to shopping, cultural venues and transport links. In Saitama, it serves daily life for over a million residents and provides access to historic and cultural attractions. The road connects major transport nodes, including Omiya Station, a Shinkansen and local rail hub. It parallels the JR Takasaki Line and Tobu Noda Line, and bilingual signs support international visitors.
History
The route follows the Nakasendō, one of five major highways built by the Tokugawa shogunate to connect Edo, now Tokyo, and Kyoto. During the Edo period, the area now known as Ōmiya developed as a post town, or shukuba, with commercial and cultural life centered around Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, which has stood for over 2,400 years.
During the Meiji era, Japan’s 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. Today, it reflects the region’s change from feudal post towns to metropolitan hubs. Saitama City itself was formed through the merger of municipalities including Urawa and Ōmiya.
Omiya Bonsai Village was founded by bonsai masters who relocated after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. It remains a center for bonsai culture, combining traditional techniques with modern exhibitions.
What to see
Historic and cultural sites
Hikawa Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. It is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM and admission is free; it is a short walk from Route 17.
Kawagoe offers an Edo-period atmosphere along Kurazukuri Street, with its merchant-era architecture, and at Toki no Kane, the Time Bell Tower. Other sights include Taisho Roman Dream Street, known for its early 20th-century architecture, and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free admission. Guided walking tours are available, and museum exhibitions may require tickets.
Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten is the only surviving palace building of Kawagoe Castle. Its highlights include tatami rooms and seasonal cherry blossoms.
- Hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; last entry at 4:00 PM
- Admission: Adults ¥200; children free
- Accessibility: Wheelchair access is limited; check ahead
Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore, located in Omiya Park, is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and closed on Mondays. Admission is around 300 yen.
Omiya Bonsai Village
Omiya Bonsai Village is a globally known center for bonsai culture, with nurseries, shops and gardens. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum has the following published visiting details:
- One listing gives hours of 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, closed Mondays, with admission of ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for students.
- Detailed visiting information gives hours of 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM; it is closed on Mondays and New Year holidays. Admission is ¥300 for adults and free for children under 15.
Nature and outdoor activities
- Nagatoro and the Arakawa River offer river cruises, nature hikes and well-known rock formations. Autumn is the peak foliage season.
- Ranzan Valley is a destination for walks and photography, especially in fall.
- Sayama Lake has walking and cycling paths with views of Mt. Fuji.
Family attractions
- Tobu Zoo & Amusement Park has over 120 animal species, rides and seasonal events. Tickets are adults ¥1,700 and children ¥800; hours vary.
- Railway Museum (Omiya) has interactive exhibits and simulators. It is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Tuesdays. Admission is adults ¥1,000 and children ¥500.
Crafts, food and seasonal events
- Ogawa Washi Paper offers papermaking workshops.
- Tokigawa town offers udon noodle-making.
- Kashiya Yokocho, or “Candy Alley,” in Kawagoe is known for traditional sweets.
- Kawagoe Matsuri takes place on the third weekend of October and features floats and performances.
- Chichibu Night Festival takes place in early December and is known for floats and fireworks.
Modern attractions
- Tokorozawa Sakura Town has a pop culture museum and themed dining.
- Seibu Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu is a hot spring near Chichibu Station.
Practical visiting information
Route 17 can be navigated by car, bus and train. From central Tokyo, it can be reached by car or by JR train on the Takasaki Line. Omiya Station is a major interchange for Shinkansen services and local lines.
For Omiya Bonsai Village, Omiya Station on JR lines is the main access point. The village is a 15-minute walk from the station or can be reached by local bus; local routes are available from Omiya Station. The village is also accessible via Route 17, but public parking is limited.
Most shrines are free to visit. Museums and special events may require tickets; general admission information gives a range of 300–700 yen for museums and events. Workshops and guided tours may also require reservations.
The Omiya Bonsai Museum and most nurseries are wheelchair accessible, though some paths may be uneven. Accessible restrooms are available at the museum. Accessibility varies at other sites: many are wheelchair-friendly, but details should be confirmed in advance.
For additional information, the guide’s listed resources include the Hikawa Shrine website, Saitama Tourism Official Site, Japan National Tourism Organization, Omiya Bonsai Art Museum Official Website, and JR East Omiya Station Information. Other listed sources are Wikipedia: Ōmiya, Saitama, Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia Commons: Saitama Prefectural Road and Tokyo Metropolitan Road Route 17, Japan Guide, Japan Guide: Saitama, Japan Guide: Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore, Overyourplace, Overyourplace: Cultural Delights of Saitama, Official Hikawa Shrine Website, and Saitama Tourism Website.
Tips
Spring is a good season for cherry blossoms, while fall foliage is a highlight from October to November. Spring and autumn are also optimal seasons for viewing bonsai.
Guided tours are available at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum; book ahead. Photography is generally permitted at the museum, but flash is not allowed. English brochures are available, and some staff speak English. Reservations are recommended for workshops and guided tours.
The Audiala app offers maps, guided tours and live updates.
Nearby places
The Omiya Railway Museum and Omiya Park are nearby attractions to Omiya Bonsai Village.
Frequently asked questions
Are there entrance fees for sites along Route 17?
Shrines are generally free; museums and workshops charge modest fees, with general museum and event admission information ranging from 300–700 yen.
When are the best festivals along Route 17?
Kawagoe Matsuri is in October, and Chichibu Night Festival is in December.
How do I access Route 17 from Tokyo?
You can travel by car or take the JR Takasaki Line from central Tokyo.
Can I make a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. Many attractions are within an hour by train.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, especially in Kawagoe and Omiya.
