Tokyo again? Of course. We all love Tokyo. I immensely do, which is why I have lived here for 6 years.

But this time, instead of sprinting off to some faraway prefecture, we decided to look just one step beyond the city limits. And that is how we ended up in Saitama — the place everyone loves to tease… until they actually visit.

Saitama may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip around Tokyo, but our 4-day, 3-night journey through its Bonsai village, shrines, mountain temples, tea fields, and local cuisine revealed a destination rich in character and discovery. read more