Saitama: The Land of Many Colours
埼玉：彩の国
The world is drawn to Saitama’s numerous attractions
Saitama is a diverse region endowed with rich natural blessings which flourish throughout every season. It is also highly developed in many fields, including industry, culture, and academia. Located on the Kanto Plain, the central and eastern areas of this inland prefecture are adjacent to the greater Tokyo conurbation and home to a countless number of dining and drinking establishments, as well as commercial facilities centered around Saitama Shintoshin, the prefecture’s principal business area. In the prefecture’s western Chichibu area, visitors can enjoy dramatic vistas of natural beauty, including the Okuchichibu Mountains and Nagatoro Gorge. The city of Kawagoe contains some remarkable historic buildings dating back to Japan’s Edo period, while a variety of agricultural crops are grown in the northern area of Saitama’s broad flatlands. Each part of the region has its own attractions.
Saitama has an extensive transport network, with six shinkansen (bullet train) lines, a railway network of 24 routes, and six highway networks that lead in all directions. Located only 100km from the central Tokyo metropolis, Saitama is a seat of industrial development, although local and traditional industries still thrive here: in 2014 and 2016 respectively, Hosokawa-shi hand-made paper and two festivals in Saitama Prefecture were registered by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritages. Saitama is also home to seven professional sports teams, and many sports enthusiasts worldwide now know the colours of Saitama since the prefecture will be the host of events during the 2019 Rugby World Cup as well as the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.
多彩な魅力に世界が注目
四季折々の彩り豊かな自然に恵まれ、産業、文化、学術など様々な分野で発展する多彩な国、埼玉。関東平野の内部に位置する内陸県で、東京に隣接する中央・東部地域には、県内屈指のビジネスエリア「さいたま新都心」を中心に飲食店や商業施設などが集積する大都市が広がっています。県西部の秩父地域では奥秩父山塊や長瀞渓谷などダイナミックな自然美が楽しめるほか、川越には江戸時代の面影ある街並が残り、平地が広がる北部地域では様々な農作物が生産されているなど、地域ごとに異なる魅力を呈しています。
6つの新幹線、24路線を有する鉄道網や東西南北を結ぶ6 の高速道路網と交通網が充実。都心から100km と近く工業も発展している一方で、地場産業や伝統産業もしっかりと継承されており、2014年には細川紙が、2016年には県内の２つの祭がユネスコ無形文化遺産に登録されました。
また、プロスポーツ7チームを擁し、スポーツ愛好家が多い一面は、2019年のラグビーワールドカップ、2020年の東京オリンピック・パラリンピックの舞台となることで、埼玉の新たな彩りとして世界中に知れわたることでしょう。
The Colours of Tradition
伝統の彩り
Numerous Saitama traditions have been handed down from generation to generation and from region to region. Some of these traditions have been certified as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage assets, an acclamation attracting new interest and wide recognition, not only within Japan but also from overseas.
土地から土地へ。人から人へと連綿と受け継がれてきた埼玉の伝統の数々。そのうちいくつかはUNESCO無形文化遺産に認定され、国内のみならず海外においても広く知られるところとなり、改めて注目を集めています。
UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
Hosokawa-shi Paper
This Japanese washi paper is handmade from 100% unbleached Japanese hybrid mulberry. It is a craft traditionally practised in the villages of Higashi Chichibu in the Chichibu district, and Ogawa in the Hiki district. The nagashizuki style of paper is robust yet glossy, with a distinctive texture not found in other styles of paper. The Hosokawa papermaking technique had been refined at the village of Hosokawa on Mount Koya in Kishu (present-day Takano, in Wakayama Prefecture), and during the Edo era it was refined by the farmers living in the riverside village of Higashi Chichibu. They used the clear stream waters to produce paper for the city of Edo as a secondary business during the off-season. On November 27, 2014, Hosokawa-shi paper was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as “Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese handmade paper”. Sekishu-banshi paper from Shimane Prefecture) and Honmino-shi paper from Gifu Prefecture were similarly registered at the same time.
UNESCO無形文化遺産
細川紙
秩父郡東秩父村及び比企郡小川町で伝承されている未晒し（みざらし）の国内産楮（こうぞ）100％を原料とする流し漉きの和紙で、強靭さと艶やかな光沢を併せもつ、他では見られない独特の風合いがあります。江戸時代、紀州高野山の細川村（現：和歌山県高野町）で漉かれていた細川奉書の技術を、東秩父村の川沿いの農家が清流を利用し、農閑期の副業として江戸向けに生産を始め、発展。2014年11月27日、「和紙・日本の手漉和紙技術」として島根県の石州半紙や岐阜県の本美濃紙とともに無形文化遺産に登録されました。
Yama, Hoko, Yatai Float Festivals
山・鉾・屋台行事
On 1st December 2016, two Saitama Prefecture festivals were among the 31 Japanese parade-based festivals registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages as “Yama, Hoko, Yatai Float Festivals in Japan.”
2016年12月1日、山車が巡行する日本の祭31件とともに、埼玉県の2つの祭が「山・鉾・屋台行事」としてユネスコ無形文化遺産に登録されました。
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Kawagoe Festival (Kawagoe Hikawa Festival)
Held on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of October every year (but held on 14th and 15th of October if these fall on a Saturday and Sunday)
This float festival is a repetition of the former Edo-era Tenka festival. Spectacularly decorated festival floats carrying elaborate dolls parade along historic Kurazukuri Street, symbolic of Kawagoe, also known as “Little Edo”.
UNESCO無形文化遺産
川越まつり (川越氷川祭）
毎年10月第3土・日曜日に開催（10月14、15日が土・日の場合はその日に開催）
江戸の「天下祭」を今に再現した山車行事。精巧な人形を乗せた絢爛豪華な山車が、小江戸川越の象徴である蔵造りの町並みの中引かれる。
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Festival)
Held on the 2nd and 3rd of December every year.
An annual festival celebrating Chichibu’s own Chichibu Shrine. Alongside the Gion Festival of Kyoto and the Takayama Festival of Hida, it is one of “The Top Three Float Festivals in Japan.” On the day of the festival, two floats topped with decorative kasaboko streamer poles and four other floats are pulled along. Be sure to watch the fireworks that are launched into the clear winter night sky!
UNESCO無形文化遺産
秩父夜祭(秩父祭)
毎年12月2・3日に開催
秩父の総社、秩父神社の例大祭。京都の祇園祭、飛騨の高山祭とともに「日本三大曳山祭り」に数えられ、祭礼当日は絢爛豪華な2台の笠鉾と4台の屋台が曳行される。冬の澄んだ夜空にあがる花火も必見
The Colours of Nature
自然の彩り
Nature in Saitama: Coloured by the Four Seasons
Although only 100 km from Japan’s capital of Tokyo, Saitama provides many opportunities for encounters with nature for those who don’t mind a little adventure. There are many beautiful spots where one can rejuvenate the spirits. So why not visit the four colourful seasons of Saitama?
四季を彩る埼玉の自然
首都・東京から100km の距離にありながら、少し足を延ばせば気軽に自然を感じ、リフレッシュできる場所が数多くあります。色鮮やかな四季の彩りを訪ねてみませんか。
Shibazakura Hill
At the foot of Mount Bukō, overlooking the centre of Chichibu, is Hitsujiyama Park. About 17,600 square metres of which is filled with 400,000 colourful shibazakura flowers (moss phlox) in 9 varieties, which bloom from mid-April to early May in hues of pink, white, purple, and more.
芝桜の丘
武甲山の麓、秩父市街地を一望する羊山公園にあり、4月中旬から5月上旬、ピンクや白、紫色など色とりどりの芝桜9種40万株以上が開花、約17,600平方メートルが埋め尽くされる
Nagatoro River Boating
The thrill of splashing through the turbulent rivers in traditional boats poled by skillful local boatmen is an unforgettable experience, as is viewing the dramatic landscape of the Iwadatami Rock Formations and red rock walls carved by the river and the elements. In winter the boats are even equipped with kotatsu heaters!
長瀞ライン下り
岩畳や赤壁など自然が創り出したダイナミックな景観を眺めながら、和舟で荒川を下る船頭さんの個性溢れるガイドや巧みな竿さばきも楽しみの一つ。冬にはこたつ舟の運行も
Hidaka Kinchakuda
An area of land shaped like a drawstring purse, created by the changing meanders of the Koma River. Many seasonal flowers bloom here, but from mid-September to early October, outstanding red spider lilies bloom spectacularly in the forest, creating a unique natural beauty that colours the surroundings like a crimson masterpiece.
日高巾着田
高麗川の蛇行によりできた巾着形の土地。四季折々の花が咲くが、特に9月中旬から10月上旬、雑木林の中に曼珠沙華が咲き乱れ、辺りを深紅に染め上げる独特の美しさは圧巻
The Icicles of Misotsuchi
Natural ice columns formed from frozen waterfalls. The largest ice column is up to 10 metres tall and 50 metres wide. Early January to mid-February is the best time to see them, when they are illuminated at night creating a dreamlike landscape.
三十槌の氷柱
岩清水が凍ってできる天然の氷柱。大きいものは高さ10メートル、幅50 ートルにもなる。1月上旬から2月中旬頃までが見頃で、夜にはライトアップされ、幻想的な風景が現れる
The Colours of Food
食の彩り
All kinds of Saitama specialties
An area blessed by the most abundant rivers of all Japan’s prefectures, as well as by mild climatic conditions, Saitama Prefecture yields a massive volume of agricultural produce, including a wide variety of vegetables, rice, wheat, flowers, and livestock. It is called a microcosm of Japanese agriculture. The entire area of Saitama Prefecture lies within 100 km of central Tokyo, and the locality makes the most of its geographical advantage — fresh vegetables thrive here, and Saitama numbers among the top Japanese regional producers of several varieties, including spinach and onions. Many farms are open to the public during harvest seasons, offering easy access to a wide range of fruits such as strawberries and grapes, as well as other fresh food, making food-tastings one of Saitama’s special attractions.
多種多様な埼玉ブランド
温暖な気候条件で、県土面積に占める河川の割合が日本一という豊かな川の恵みを受けるなど、野菜や米、麦、花、畜産をはじめとする日本農業の縮図といわれるほど多種多様な農産物を生産。中でも県内全域が都心から100㎞圏内にある産地という「地の利」を生かし、新鮮さが求められる野菜の生産が盛んで、「ほうれんそう」や「ねぎ」などの総生産量は全国トップクラスを誇ります。
また、イチゴやブドウなどのフルーツ狩りなどを行なう観光農園も多く存在し、体験型の食を気軽に楽しむことができるのも魅力です。
Famous food products
Famous agricultural products raised through means of Saitama’s rich natural environment include the most delicious Fukaya negi (green onions), Fukaya beef, satoimo taro, komatsuna greens, broccoli, and edamame beans. Many traditional foods and innovative new processed foods are also made from this abundance of agricultural produce.
ブランド食材
深谷ねぎや深谷牛、里芋や小松菜、ブロッコリー、枝豆など恵まれた自然環境のもとで育てられた埼玉ブランド農産物は、どれも極上の味わい。豊かな農産物を原料にした伝統的な食品や新たな発想による魅力的な加工食品も数多くある
Soka Senbei (rice crackers)
Soka is known as a rice-producing area, but since ancient times, in order to save and preserve unused rice, local farmers shaped it into dumplings which were then dried. During the Edo period, Soka rice crackers were invented when soy sauce from Noda in neighbouring Chiba Prefecture was added to the rice. At some rice cracker stores in Soka, visitors can even try their hand at baking their own rice crackers.
草加せんべい
米どころと言われた草加では、昔から農家の人たちが余った米を保存するため、団子状にした米を乾かしたものを保存食として作っていた。これが江戸時代、隣の千葉県野田の醤油と出あい、全国的な名物「草加せんべい」が生まれた。草加市内に数あるせんべい店のなかには、せんべい焼を体験することができる店もある
Sayama Tea
Among the many Japanese tea-producing areas, Saitama Prefecture (where Sayama Tea is produced) is located more to the North than many others. This means a colder climate for tea cultivation, and as a consequence, the leaves mature slower and acquire a stronger flavour. Although tea leaves can be picked 3 or 4 times a year in most other temperate tea-producing areas of Japan, Sayama tea leaves can only be harvested once or twice a year, making it a
rare, prized tea. It is often said, “Shizuoka for colour, Uji for fragrance, but flavour stops at Sayama”, and surely enough, Sayama is known for tea with an emphasis on flavour. Surviving the cold winters deepens the flavour of Sayama Tea, while the traditional finishing technique (known as sayama-biire) gives it a robust aroma and rich flavor. The Sayama Company was established in 1875 by 30 tea producers. The Sayama Tea name and brand was established as the first company in Japan to export tea directly without using a foreign export house, andwon awards at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago and the 1900 Paris Expo. Although most tea production is standardized, Sayama Tea represents a different style of tea production (self-owned, self-manufactured, and self-sold) in which the farmers who produce the tea leaves also sell the tea themselves. Sayama Tea is currently aiming to become registered as a World Agricultural Heritage.
狭山茶
全国で数あるお茶の産地の中で、狭山茶を産する埼玉県は、茶生産地としては北に位置しており、茶の栽培にとって寒冷な気候であるため、茶葉がゆっくりとうまみを蓄えて生育します。国内の温暖な産地では年に３～４回の摘み取りを行なうことも可能なのに対し、狭山茶は年に１～２回の摘み取りしか行なわないため、生産量が少なく、希少なお茶となっています。“色は静岡、香りは宇治よ、味は狭山でとどめさす”と「狭山茶摘み歌 」にも歌われるように、味を重視した茶づくりで知られる狭山茶は、寒い冬を乗り越えることでいっそう味が深まり、狭山火入れ（さやまびいれ）といわれる伝統の仕上げ技術により、香り高く、濃厚な味わいを醸しだします。1875年には、製茶事業者30名によって「狭山会社」を設立。外国商館を通さず、日本人だけでお茶の直輸出を行なう日本初の会社として「狭山茶」の名称とブランドを確立し、1893年の世界コロンビア博覧会（シカゴ開催）や1900年のパリ万博で受賞しています。
製茶は分業化が一般的ですが、狭山茶は茶葉を生産する農家が自ら製茶し、販売までを行なう「一貫生産（自園・自製・自販）」という特徴的な形態をとっており、現在、世界農業遺産への登録を目指しています。
Prefecture information
Saitama Prefecture is located just north of Tokyo Prefecture, and has a highly developed transportation network, including railways and highways, allowing easy and convenient access from neighboring prefectures and international airports.
The prefecture is blessed with a variety of sightseeing destinations, best represented by “Little Edo” in Kawagoe, which retains its ancient appearance from the Edo Period, and the greenery of Chichibu and Nagatoro, as well as a wide range of food, anime, natural beauty, industries, history, traditional culture, sports, and a wealth of experiences to enjoy.
In addition, many upcoming international events are planned to be held all around the prefecture, including the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and the Tokyo Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2020, with soccer, basketball, golf, and shooting events to take place at various locations throughout the prefecture.
県情報
東京都の北隣に位置する埼玉県は、鉄道や高速道路などの交通網が整備されており、近隣の都道府県や国際空港からのアクセスが良好です。
江戸時代の景観を残した「小江戸」と呼ばれる川越や緑豊かな秩父・長瀞をはじめ、食べ物や飲み物、アニメ、自然、産業、歴史、伝統文化、スポーツ、数々の体験など、さまざまな観光資源に恵まれているのに加え、2019年のラグビーワールドカップ、2020年の東京オリンピック＆パラリンピック（サッカー、バスケットボール、ゴルフなどを含む）など、世界的なイベントの開催が予定されています。
EN l https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/eng/index.html
JP l https://chocotabi-saitama.jp/
繁体字：https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/ch-han/index.html
簡体字：https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/ch-kan/index.html
タイ語：https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/th/index.html
ハングル：https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/kr/index.html
