Saitama

Nagatoro Iwadatami (Nagatoro Iwadatami)

This magnificent geologic feature, a result of an ancient diastrophism, has been exposed by the action of river waters. Designated by the government as a Scenic Natural Monument, the formation is reminiscent of tatami mat flooring.

Kita-in (Kita-in)

An ancient temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it was destroyed by fire in 1638 and was restored by order of the third Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. The Kyakuden, Shoin, and Kuri pavilions were moved here from the grounds of the Momijiyama Palace of Edo Castle and are designated Important Cultural Properties by the government.

Sakitama Tumuli (Sakitama Kofun-gun)

This site is the largest accumulation of tumuli in the Kanto region; almost all nine tombs are in the keyhole style (Zempo-koen) and all date from the Tumulus period (ca. a.d. 300 to 521). They are all contained in the Sakitama-Fudoki no Oka archaeological park, which also has strolling trails and a museum.