Things To Do
in Koshigaya
Koshigaya is a suburban city in Saitama Prefecture just north of Tokyo, straddling the Arakawa River. It blends modern retail districts with leafy parks and family-friendly attractions. The Laketown area is a lakeside hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment, linked by convenient rail to central Tokyo.
Its easy, reliable transit makes it a convenient base for day trips to Kawagoe, Omiya, and beyond.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Koshigaya Historic Center, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Wander through the charming streets lined with traditional wooden houses and visit the local museum to learn about Koshigaya's past. Don't forget to stop by the local bakery for a delicious Japanese pastry as you explore.
After lunch at a nearby soba restaurant, take a leisurely stroll to the Koshigaya City Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you watch locals engaging in various activities, from tai chi to picnicking. Visit the nearby Koshigaya Shrine to admire its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens.
As the sun sets, make your way to the shopping district around Koshigaya Lake to experience the vibrant nightlife. Explore the unique boutiques and enjoy a savory dinner at one of the izakayas, where you can savor local delicacies. Finish your evening with a tranquil walk by the lake, taking in the illuminated views of the city.
Begin your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local eatery, featuring grilled fish, miso soup, and rice. Afterward, head to a nearby tea house to participate in a tea ceremony, where you can learn about this age-old tradition and appreciate the art of matcha preparation. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
In the afternoon, visit the Koshigaya Art Museum, where you can admire contemporary art from both local and international artists. After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a light lunch at the museum café, featuring seasonal ingredients. Spend your afternoon wandering through the nearby art district, where you can find unique handmade crafts and souvenirs.
For dinner, indulge in a kaiseki meal, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, at a local restaurant known for its seasonal offerings. Savor each beautifully presented dish that showcases the flavors of Koshigaya. End your evening with a visit to a local onsen, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the soothing hot springs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🛒Groceries (monthly estimate) | $250-450 |
| 🏨Hotel room per night (mid-range) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent rail access to Tokyo and Kawagoe
- Family-friendly attractions around Laketown
- Wide range of shopping and dining
- Pleasant riverside scenery
- Less nightlife compared to central Tokyo
- Some areas require a short train ride for more options
- Can be busy on weekends at Laketown
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello
- "Arigatou gozaimasu" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Toire wa doko desu ka?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Kore kudasai" - This please
- "Kore wa ikura desu ka?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Koshigaya
Visit one of these nice places.
A long, tranquil promenade along the lake with reflections on the water, ideal for golden hour and sunset photography.
Open riverbanks with expansive views, boats on the water, and opportunities for wide-angle landscape shots.
Seasonal blossoms along tree-lined paths; a classic spot for春の写真 and serene park scenery.
Modern station architecture and surrounding streets offering dynamic angles, lines, and signage for urban photography.
Food in Koshigaya
Koshigaya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cold soba with a side of crispy tempura; a refreshing, comforting option found at soba shops near Shin-Koshigaya Station.
Must-Try!
Pork cutlet simmered with egg over rice; a staple at casual eateries throughout the area.
Japanese curry with vegetables and meat served over rice; widely available at family restaurants.
Grilled eel on rice, a seasonal favorite at traditional eateries around central Koshigaya.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market with fresh produce, seasonal snacks, bento boxes, and everyday staples near the city center.
Pop-up stalls and small eateries around Laketown offering yakitori, taiyaki, crepes, and quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light bow is appropriate when greeting; maintain quiet conversation in public spaces and on trains.
Shoes are typically removed when entering homes and some traditional venues; use provided slippers where available.
Wait in orderly queues, especially on trains, buses, and at entrances; avoid talking loudly on transit.
Safety
Tipping in Koshigaya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; you can simply thank service staff. Rounding up the bill is also common in casual settings, but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are common in larger shops and malls. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo work on trains and some stores; many Laketown outlets also accept mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with occasional rain and typhoons; best to start early, take frequent breaks, and enjoy riverside breezes and lake activities.
Mild to cool days with comfortable hiking weather and autumnal foliage in parks and along river paths.
Cool to cold with occasional frost; indoor attractions and laketown illumination provide cozy options.
Pleasant, mild days with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery—great for outdoor strolling and photography.
Koshigaya at Night
Hiking in Koshigaya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, scenic trails along the Arakawa River suitable for easy hikes and strolls.
A short train ride away; forested trails and gentle climbs with city views.
Airports
How to reach Koshigaya by plane.
Major international gateway; about 70-90 minutes by train from Shin-Koshigaya via JR and Keisei lines.
Closer to central Tokyo; about 60-80 minutes by rail from Shin-Koshigaya.
Smaller regional airport to the northeast; longer transit time but convenient for some domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents are families drawn by parks, schools, and Laketown amenities.
A sizable portion of residents commute to Tokyo for work.
Universities and junior colleges nearby attract students.
A stable elderly population supported by local services and healthcare.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local school and community teams; games often played in spring and summer.
Popular among youth and amateur clubs; local matches on weekends.
Indoor courts and gyms widely available for recreation and leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Koshigaya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Koshigaya, vegetarian options include tofu dishes, vegetable tempura, soba/udon without dashi, and rice bowls with greens; specify no fish stock or dashi to staff when ordering.