Road Trip Fun in Tokorozawa & Sayama: A Full-Day Local Adventure!

Hello, fellow travel lovers!

Today I’m excited to share a full-day itinerary around the Tokorozawa & Sayama area — perfect for a relaxing yet exciting day trip from Tokyo! 🚗💨

It’s a perfect mix of nature, gourmet food, local history, and soothing onsen time.

🏁 First Stop: Kojiya Hachimangu Shrine

Start your day with a breath of fresh air and spiritual energy

A quiet morning stroll through the sun-dappled shrine path will calm your heart✨
Don’t miss the bamboo grove behind the shrine — it’s a peaceful photo spot!

🔗ブログ記事：🔗 Kojiya Hachimangu Blog

A Shrine with Totoro!? Let's Go to Kojiya Hachimangu in Saitama!

In Tokorozawa, Saitama, Kōjiya Hachiman Shrine surprises visitors with a giant Totoro in the parking lot!? This quirky spot is full of unique sights—like zodiac animal art by art students and a massive dragon carved with a chainsaw!

tabijun.com

🕒 Recommended time: 30–40 minutes

↓ 🚙 25 min drive (9.5 km)

✈️ Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park

Wide open lawns, retro airplanes, and maybe even a soft-serve ice cream break?
This park is huge and fun for all ages!

🔗ブログ記事：🔗 Aviation Park Blog

Spring Takes Off at Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park! Planes, Cherry Blossoms... and Soft Serve?!

Enjoy Cherry Blossoms and Airplanes at Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park! A vast park where you can admire beautiful sakura trees and get up close to a powerful C-46 transport aircraft. With interactive exhibits and a spacious layout, this “sky-themed park” is a must-visit in spring!

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🕒 Recommended time: 2 hours

↓ 🚙 3 min drive (800 m)

⛩ Tokorozawa Shinmeisha Shrine

Enjoy seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in fall.　A quiet, healing spot to take a breather 🍃

🔗ブログ記事：🔗 Shinmeisha Blog

Tokorozawa Shrine in Bloom – A Peaceful Stop for Travel Gratitude 🌸

Introducing Tokorozawa Shinmeisha Shrine in Saitama! Surrounded by sacred trees, this peaceful shrine features a beautiful cherry blossom-lined path, seasonal flower-filled chozuya, and blessings for travel safety. A perfect healing spot for your spring getaway!

tabijun.com

🕒 Recommended time: 30 minutes

↓ 🚙 19 min drive (5 km)

🍄 Kurihara Shiitake Garden　

You can pick your own shiitake mushrooms, but even the take-home options are juicy and thick!
So tempting to grill them right on the spot… but please hold back (lol)

🔗ブログ記事：🔗 Shiitake Garden Blog

Ran into Juicy, Delicious Shiitake at Kurihara Shiitake Garden! Enjoyed It Even Without a Reservation♪

At Kurihara Shiitake Garden in Tokorozawa, Saitama, I picked up some super plump and juicy log-grown shiitake mushrooms! You can also try shiitake picking if you book in advance. This time I just bought some... but after tasting them, I’m already thinking: Next time, I’m going picking! 😋

tabijun.com

🕒 Recommended time: 40 minutes–1 hour

↓ 🚙 5 min drive (1.7 km)

♨️ Sayama no Cháyu

Yes, a green tea hot spring! The smell is divine, and the setting feels almost like Moomin Valley…

Perfect way to unwind after a full day. 🍵

🔗ブログ記事：🔗 Sayama no Cháyu Blog

Tea Bath in Sayama! Mesmerized by the Green Water… But Was It Really?!

A Relaxing Escape Surrounded by the Scent of Tea! I visited a Chinese-style ryokan in Sayama City for a day-use hot spring experience. From the soothing green tea bath to a scenic open-air tub — and even a gift shop full of tea-themed goodies — here’s my full report!

tabijun.com

🕒 Recommended time: 1.5 hours (late afternoon to evening)

🌟 Tabi Jun's Top Tips! 🌟

✅ All locations have parking + short drive times — perfect for a smooth day trip
✅ Shrine visit ➡️ aviation park walk ➡️ shiitake fun ➡️ tea bath ➡️ (maybe a beer?) = dream combo
✅ Reading the blog beforehand makes everything even more fun!

🌸The journey continues… Wishing you a wonderful trip! — Tabi Jun🌸