Gyōda is a city in Saitama prefecture that serves as a nice day trip or half day trip from Tokyo. From tokyo station it takes just over 1 hour to reach Kumagaya station direct on the Takasaki line. From there to get to the castle, switch to the Chichibu Railway and ride the train for three stops. Please be warned the Chichibu Railway is often delayed, cancelled or has reduced service. In this case you can take the train to Gyōda station and take a bus from the station. It will drop you off around an 7 or 8 minute walk from the castle. You can ask the bus driver which stop you should get off at. If you get off at Gyōda station , there are also bicycles available to rent from a small tourist information center.
There are few sightseeing spots in Saitama, but Gyōda is certainly a nice place to visit. Perhaps if you’re visiting the region for the second or third time, or if you have already visited the more well- known Kawagoe.
The main draw of Gyōda is Oshi Castle, a reconstruction known for the Siege of Oshi, a battle that took place in the lates 1500s. Now the castle serves as a visitor attraction. To get to the castle after arriving at Gyōda-Shi station, it’s around a 15 minute walk. You can pick up a map at the station or most sign posts are pointing the way to get to the castle. On your walk to the castle, take a second to check the manhole covers beneath your feet. Most cities in Japan have great manhole cover designs and the ones en-route to the castle feature the city’s landmark.
On arrival at the castle you may be greeted by a samurai who will happily pose for photos with you. He can tell you information and a backstory to the castle but only in Japanese. To enter the castle park you cross a small bridge over a moat. As you enter through the gate, if you are there during Cherry blossom season, you may be greeted by a wonderful bloom of trees. If you are lucky enough to be there during the bloom, the trees with the background of the castle turret make for some beautiful photos.
As you are there, you will probably visit the Gyōda provincial museum which is housed in the ruins of the castle. Please check before visiting as many museums in Japan are closed on a Monday and the day after holidays. The museum tells of the history of the city, the battles they faced and also displays local craftsmanship. Most of the displays are in Japanese, but you can get an idea from the artifacts and items on display as to what they are showing. The view from the top floor is rather nice, on a clear day you can see most of the city and beyond.
After exiting the museum, make sure to walk through the castle grounds. There is a small collection of bamboo trees although with a nicely kept array of trees and plants.
Elsewhere in Gyōda you may choose to visit the Tabi Socks museum which is probably the most famous craft from the city. As well as visiting the museum you can also make your own tabi. The museum is a 5 minute walk from Gyōda station (Chichibu Railway). Tabi socks are worn with kimono and a large percentage of all Tabi socks produced in Japan come from Gyōda.
Sakitama Kofun Park is also well-known with nine burial tombs. The tombs are an important part of the area’s history. One of the tombs has a display so you can imagine what the tomb would’ve looked like many years ago.
Gyōda is well worth a trip from Tokyo. If you just have a half-day you may want to visit only the Castle, if you have longer you could easily spend a day around the area. The city is historical, interesting and if you’re lucky you can see some beautiful cherry blossoms.
There are few sightseeing spots in Saitama, but Gyōda is certainly a nice place to visit. Perhaps if you’re visiting the region for the second or third time, or if you have already visited the more well- known Kawagoe.
The main draw of Gyōda is Oshi Castle, a reconstruction known for the Siege of Oshi, a battle that took place in the lates 1500s. Now the castle serves as a visitor attraction. To get to the castle after arriving at Gyōda-Shi station, it’s around a 15 minute walk. You can pick up a map at the station or most sign posts are pointing the way to get to the castle. On your walk to the castle, take a second to check the manhole covers beneath your feet. Most cities in Japan have great manhole cover designs and the ones en-route to the castle feature the city’s landmark.
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| View from the top |
After exiting the museum, make sure to walk through the castle grounds. There is a small collection of bamboo trees although with a nicely kept array of trees and plants.
Elsewhere in Gyōda you may choose to visit the Tabi Socks museum which is probably the most famous craft from the city. As well as visiting the museum you can also make your own tabi. The museum is a 5 minute walk from Gyōda station (Chichibu Railway). Tabi socks are worn with kimono and a large percentage of all Tabi socks produced in Japan come from Gyōda.
Sakitama Kofun Park is also well-known with nine burial tombs. The tombs are an important part of the area’s history. One of the tombs has a display so you can imagine what the tomb would’ve looked like many years ago.
Gyōda is well worth a trip from Tokyo. If you just have a half-day you may want to visit only the Castle, if you have longer you could easily spend a day around the area. The city is historical, interesting and if you’re lucky you can see some beautiful cherry blossoms.
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