Tokorozawa Sakura Town | Review by Stanley Kuo

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Tokorozawa Sakura Town

One of Japan's largest complex facilities offering the latest in Japanese pop culture.

3 Nov 2026 See More

Before visiting, I didn’t know much about Tokorozawa Sakura Town. I only knew it was a complex attraction combining culture, art, and entertainment, with a museum, restaurants, stores, event and performance spaces, and even a shrine. As for what the place was actually like, I didn’t have much of an idea.

This time, I took the train to Higashi-Tokorozawa Station. As soon as I stepped outside, I was drawn to the distinctive architecture and thought that this place seemed to hold some kind of exciting appeal. Following the map on foot, I noticed many creative little touches along the streets, and before long, I saw the most eye-catching landmark of the trip—the Kadokawa Culture Museum.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the building’s unique and dynamic exterior alone creates a powerful visual impact. Even just standing in front of it, you can sense how strikingly different its presence is from the surrounding environment.

Inside, the museum combines a variety of elements, including history, art, books, and anime culture. I happened to visit during a special Galaxy Express 999 exhibition. Large-scale projections, edited animation clips, lighting, and sound effects created an immersive experience that felt like stepping into the world of the series. The overall visual effect was truly breathtaking.

Another thing that left an especially strong impression on me was the famous Bookshelf Theater. Huge 8-meter-high bookshelves surround the space, and the layered rows of books create an astonishing sense of scale. Combined with the lighting and projection effects, they add an even more fantastical atmosphere. Even if you aren’t particularly fond of reading, it would be hard not to be captivated by the sight of this spectacular sea of books. For me, seeing the Bookshelf Theater in person was reason enough to make a special trip here.

I also knew before visiting that sweet potatoes are one of Saitama Prefecture’s signature specialties, but I didn’t expect to be lucky enough to try a limited-time sweet potato pudding here. I originally just wanted to try something new, but the flavor ended up leaving a strong impression on me. I looked it up afterward and found that it doesn’t seem to be available in Taiwan yet, making this small surprise during the trip feel even more rare and special.

Looking back, I originally didn’t have particularly high expectations for Tokorozawa Sakura Town. But after visiting, everything from the architecture and exhibitions to the spatial design and local specialty foods offered an experience that exceeded my expectations. What began as a trip driven by curiosity ended up becoming one of the most memorable stops on my visit to Saitama.

Other Reviews by Stanley Kuo

Chichibu Pilgrimage Circuit

The 34 Kannon Sacred Sites (temples enshrining Kannon Bodhisattva ) scattered in Chichibu City, Yokoze machi, Ogano machi and Minano machi are called “Chichibu Fudasho”(Chichibu Pilgrimage Circuit )”, and are included in the Japan 100 Kannon Pilgrimage along with 33 sites in Saigoku and 33 sites in Bando.
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- Shrines & Temples
27 Oct 2026 See More

For this day trip to Nagatoro and Chichibu, I chose a different mode of transportation from most travelers. I set out from Kumagaya aboard the SL Paleo Express steam train instead of taking the Seibu Limited Express Laview from Ikebukuro to Chichibu. Besides enjoying the natural scenery along the Chichibu Railway, I specifically set aside the afternoon for downtown Chichibu, hoping to visit some of the area’s famous power spots and try the distinctive Chichibu Pilgrimage Circuit.
My first stop was the historic Chichibu Shrine. The carvings decorating the shrine’s main hall are quite ornate, and the intricate carvings throughout the grounds are well worth slowing down to appreciate in detail.
As for the Chichibu Pilgrimage Circuit, after considering the departure time of my return train and how far I could walk, I decided to visit just Temple No. 15, Shorinji, which I felt a special connection with. Before setting out, I read other travelers’ accounts of their pilgrimages and always wondered what kind of appeal could make people willing to spend the time visiting these temples one by one. It wasn’t until I personally set foot on the pilgrimage route that I gradually came to understand the unique attraction of traveling through Chichibu’s mountains, forests, and communities while enjoying the local scenery and experiencing its traditional religious culture. Chichibu has 34 pilgrimage temples in total, so it looks like I’ll need to plan a separate trip dedicated to the pilgrimage if I want to visit them all.
At the end of the trip, I arrived at Seibu-Chichibu Station, where Matsuri no Yu, connected directly to the station, was the perfect place to recharge and enjoy local food. Of course, my first choice was Chichibu’s specialty, waraji katsudon! The pork cutlets were fried until golden and crispy, coated in the restaurant’s special sweet-and-savory sauce, and served with steaming white rice. It was a very satisfying meal. I had already sampled local beer aboard the SL Paleo Express through a Chichibu Nishiki event, but before leaving, I naturally wanted to seize one last opportunity to try more beer brewed in Chichibu. As I enjoyed the food and drinks, most of the fatigue built up from walking all day seemed to disappear in an instant.
Another delightful surprise on this trip to Nagatoro and Chichibu was the beautiful fall scenery along the way. Although the maple leaves had not yet completely turned red, they happened to look exactly the way I like them best. The intermingling shades of red, yellow, and green made the forests appear even more vivid and layered. Together with the ginkgo trees that had quietly begun turning yellow, there were beautiful views everywhere that made me stop and admire them.
Looking back on the day, from the nostalgic steam train and Nagatoro’s natural scenery to Chichibu’s shrines, pilgrimage, and local food, every experience left me with different memories. My only slight regret is probably that I discovered so late just how captivating the scenery and charm of Nagatoro and Chichibu are. It also made me start looking forward to my next visit.
Kitain Temple

A famous temple of the Tendai sect, founded by Jikaku Daishi in 830. In the early Edo period (1603-1700), the famous high monk Tenkai was the chief priest of this temple.
- Saitama
- Shrines & Temples
25 Oct 2026 See More

My visit happened to coincide with the annual Kawagoe Festival. As soon as I entered Kitain Temple, I was struck by its peaceful atmosphere, completely different from the lively festival outside. Strolling through the temple grounds and admiring the valuable historic buildings, I felt as though I had temporarily escaped the noise of the streets and, for a moment, traveled back in time to the Edo period.

What impressed me most during this visit was undoubtedly the famous 500 Rakan statues. The more than 500 stone statues of Buddhist disciples each have different expressions and poses. Some are laughing heartily, some appear lost in thought, and others seem to be chatting casually with the companions beside them. Every statue is carved with lifelike detail, and looking closely reveals even more of its unique character and charm.

I wonder if you, like me, would try to find one among these more than 500 Rakan statues with whom you feel a special connection, stop for a moment, quietly admire its expression and pose, and experience that indescribable sense of familiarity
Nagatoro Line Kudari

Chichibu and Nagatoro, nestled along the gentle Arakawa River, are known for river activities. Take in spectacular scenery such as the Iwadatami Rocks, designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, as the ride shifts between thrilling rapids and calm stretches. Guided through the varied currents by boatmen using a single pole, this river journey is full of excitement.
- Saitama
- Experiences Facilities
25 Oct 2026 See More

On 2026/10/17, I traveled to Nagatoro and specially arranged to ride the SL steam train. In addition to personally experiencing the unique charm of an old steam locomotive that remains full of vitality despite the passage of time, I also gained a sense of Japan's deep-rooted railway culture through the enthusiasm of the people along the route.

After arriving in Nagatoro, I couldn't wait to head straight for the famous Nagatoro river cruise. I was lucky enough to sit behind the boatman, which gave me an excellent front-row view of the river. The current alternated between calm and rapid, and the scenery kept changing as the boat traveled downstream. Whenever we were about to enter the rapids, the boatman thoughtfully reminded the passengers to get ready and shield themselves from the splashing water. Although it inevitably caught me a little off guard, looking back, this unexpected surprise was the most unforgettable moment of my trip to Nagatoro.