Things To Do
in Yorii
Yorii is a quiet town in Saitama Prefecture, just a short ride from greater Tokyo, nestled among gentle hills and river valleys. The town offers a calm rural atmosphere with traditional shops, shrines, and seasonal farms that showcase local produce. Visitors can experience laid-back Japanese countryside culture, from morning markets to scenic walks along the outskirts.
Yorii also serves as a convenient base for day trips to Kawagoe and the surrounding nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in the charming historic center of Yorii by visiting the iconic Yorii Castle ruins, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Stroll through the quaint streets lined with traditional wooden houses and small shops, immersing yourself in the local culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Yorii Town Museum, which offers insights into the area's rich history and heritage.
After a delightful lunch at a local soba noodle shop, head to the beautiful Hachiman Shrine, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Spend some time walking around the shrine grounds, where you can witness locals engaging in traditional rituals and festivities. As the afternoon sun sets, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, enjoying the scenic views and perhaps catching sight of local wildlife.
As evening approaches, indulge in a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local ryokan, where each dish is a work of art showcasing seasonal ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of Yorii, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the town. Conclude your day at a local onsen, where you can relax and unwind in natural hot springs.
Begin your day with a visit to the serene Jozanji Temple, where you can participate in a morning meditation session led by a local monk. Take time to explore the temple grounds, adorned with beautiful gardens and ancient trees, perfect for reflection. Enjoy a simple yet delicious breakfast at a nearby café that serves matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.
After lunch, explore the nearby Ryuuzanji Temple, famous for its picturesque rock gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Engage with local artisans showcasing traditional crafts, such as pottery and calligraphy, giving you a hands-on experience of Japanese culture. Spend the afternoon learning about the significance of these temples in the community and their connection to local festivals.
In the evening, gather with locals for a community dinner event where you can taste homemade dishes that are passed down through generations. Share stories and experiences with your hosts, enhancing your cultural understanding of Yorii. Cap off the night with a stroll through the town, enjoying the vibrant sounds of evening festivities.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🥪Lunch or takeout bento | $6-10 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse per night | $60-110 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $40-70 |
| 🚆Transit pass or single train ride | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, safe town with easy access to Tokyo and Kawagoe
- Rich local countryside experiences and markets
- Limited nightlife and large-scale attractions
- Public transport evenings can be sparse in some areas
- "こんにちは" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか" - Where is the bathroom?
- "おすすめはありますか" - Do you have any recommendations?
- "お願いします" - Please / I would like to...
- "いただきます" - Let's eat (before meal)
- "ごちそうさまでした" - Thank you for the meal (after)
Places to Visit in Yorii
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views with golden light and tree-lined banks, perfect for long exposure and silhouettes.
Traditional wooden storefronts and tiled roofs along a quiet lane, especially picturesque in morning light.
A calm shrine with stone lanterns and torii, ideal for shrine photography and seasonal lanterns.
Open fields with distant hills; ideal for wide-angle landscapes and golden-hour shoots.
Food in Yorii
Yorii Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Buckwheat noodles with sesame sauce, a refreshing seasonal dish found in many local soba shops and casual eateries.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish grilled with crisp vegetables and local pickles, a common countryside staple.
Light tempura battered vegetables from nearby farms served with dipping sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce, rice cakes, and prepared snacks, typically held on weekend mornings in the town center.
During festivals or market days, street stalls offer fried snacks, sweet treats, and grilled skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional inns or temples. Use slippers provided.
Speak softly on trains, buses, and in customer areas; avoid loud conversations.
Purify hands at water basin, do not touch sacred objects, and follow local signs.
Follow local rules for disposing of trash and bottles; bins may be limited.
Safety
Tipping in Yorii
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite service is expected to be included in the price. You can show appreciation with a smile and thanks.
Cash is widely accepted, and many shops take credit cards. IC cards like Suica/PASMO are common for transit and some stores; check ahead.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with cherry blossoms and fresh produce; expect light showers.
Hot and humid; frequent showers and occasional typhoons; stay hydrated and seek shade.
Comfortable temperatures and vibrant fall colors; towns and hills are very photogenic.
Cool to cold with occasional snowfall; crisp air and clear skies on many days.
Yorii at Night
Hiking in Yorii
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with modest elevation gain and scenic views in nearby hills.
Accessible hikes in the foothills to the north; day trips possible from Yorii.
Airports
How to reach Yorii by plane.
Closest major airport; about 60-90 minutes by rail via Tokyo suburbs to Yorii. Easy access to domestic and international flights.
Greater distance but with many international options; travel time typically 1.5-2.5 hours by rail and highway.
Smaller regional airport; reachable by car or bus from Saitama with limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese families and retirees, with a growing number of commuters to Tokyo.
Smaller share of tourists; English signage is limited in some areas, so plan accordingly.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely followed sport across schools and communities; local teams and tournaments are common.
Played at municipal fields and schools; community leagues and youth programs.
Popular on country roads and cycling routes around Yorii and nearby towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yorii.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Yorii, vegetarian options are growing at casual eateries. Look for vegetable tempura, tofu dishes, soba without meat-based broth; ask for plant-based dashi or water-based stock, and consider a bento with rice, pickles, and vegetables.