2020-03-02

Living in Saitama: Guide for Foreigners

Advice

Saitama is the capital of Saitama Prefecture, and it was formed in 2001 as a merger of several small municipalities. It’s a 20-minute train ride from Tokyo, which makes it a popular commuter town, but it also offers many opportunities and attractions in itself.

Interesting Things To See In Saitama

Saitama-Shintoshin by Sound_Gene is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The highlight of most Saitama travel guides is Kawagoe, a historic town that is now turned into an interactive, open-air museum. It’s recognizable for its merchant houses known as kurazukuri, and is also a spot where you can try out Saitama’s famous sweet potato dish. The museum is close to the Kawagoe station, which offers a direct train to Tokyo.

You can learn more about Saitama’s culture and traditions in one of the 35 sake breweries, such as Suzuki Shuzo, that offer educational tours and sake tasting. Another great choice is the Railway Museum, organized by JR East with a goal to showcase the history of trains in Japan but also to explain train operation through interactive simulations and documentaries. Finally, the Prefectural Museum is where you can have a look at striking artifacts from the ancient era all the way to the Edo period.

Saitama is known for offering a perfect balance between country and city life, and there are many natural attractions you can explore. Mount Buko is a famous hiking spot, Arakawa River allows you to enjoy stunning nature in a wooden riverboat, and Mt. Hiwada- Mt. Takasashi – Mt. Monomi hiking trail offers a beautiful experience of exploring forests, waterfalls, and hidden shrines.

Quality Of Life In Saitama

Saitama by Takayuki Miki is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Saitama is known mainly as a commuter town for those who want a less crowded and cheaper alternative to Tokyo. As a result, it’s well-connected to the capital, and the Omiya Station is a massive traffic hub that serves Seibu Shinjuku, Joetsu Shinkansen, Seibu Ikebukuro and many other suburban lines. It’s, therefore, affordable and easy to reach almost every part of the country.

Being a mix between the countryside and city, Saitama has a generous range of local restaurants and stores where you can enjoy fresh, locally produced food. It’s also home to the largest shopping mall in Japan, called AEON Laketown, where you can find both Japanese and global brands. It is located near IKEA and the American supermarket Costco.

The price of living is what attracts many residents to Saitama. Groceries, restaurants, transportation, and utilities are generally much lower than in Tokyo, and the same goes for their apartments. The average monthly rate for a one-room apartment is 65,000 yen per month and around 150,000 yen monthly for a three-bedroom apartment. Many real estate agencies cater to foreigners, and there are also expat communities that can help you with choosing the perfect housing in Saitama.

Conclusion

Saitama-ouhashi by tsuntsun cf is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you want to work or study in Tokyo, but want to live in a less crowded and more affordable area, Saitama is worth considering. It has lively shopping, cultural, and dining scenes while there are also many natural attractions you can enjoy. Saitama is a popular choice among foreigners, and you will easily find a community to support you in your new life, as well as affordable housing that will help you save money for future adventures in Japan.

Sources: Numbeo, Japan Travel, Expat, Jetro, Japan Guide