Espaces de vie en Saitama

It's not hard to believe that a city that is 30 minutes from Tokyo has so much rich history, natural beauty, and delicious food. Many are choosing Saitama as a coliving destination because it is close enough to Tokyo to commute.

Once four different cities, Saitama was formed from Urawa, Omiya, Yuno, and Iwatsuti. That explains why there is truly so much to see and do here. Famous for its bonsai tree, Saitama is home to a bonsai village with the most stunning trees. Hitsujiyama Park is also magic when the moss phlox bloom - imagine a huge field completely engulfed in millions of pink flowers. It is magnificent.

An absolute must-visit is Johnson town. You will feel like you were teleported to the USA, but it's a vintage American themed privately own neighborhood. With eccentric stores, comfy cafes, and delicious restaurants, this should be a stop on everyone's list.

If you have recently lucked out of love, perhaps a visit to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine could change that. It is said that those who visit the shrine and walk in the shape of the number eight around the two famous trees are destined for great love. If you're happy alone and just looking for some regular luck, Tsuki Shrine is guarded by holy rabbits and is said to possess such powers.

Ofuro Café Utatane is where one goes for the ultimate relation and pampering. It has a hot indoor bath, an outdoor bath rich with minerals from the Hakuju Hot springs, and all the facials and massages you could wish for. Saitama Museum of modern art allows you to be in the presence of greatness featuring art from Monet and Picasso. The museum also exhibits local art and often holds an entertaining concert.

The Caves of Yoshimi was rumored to be home to a village of little people. The reality, much less glamorous, is that it’s an ancient burial site. Although much less glamorous, the truth doesn't make it any less interesting. With 219 caves in the side of a hill, the sight is pretty remarkable.

If food and treats are a favorite, there are many spots you would want to visit. Restaurant Saiboku has famous meat dishes like tonkatsu, pork, and spare ribs that will blow your taste buds away. The city also has a whole street called candy alley, or Kashiya Yokocho to the locals, which is filled with all kinds of local and western candies, ice creams, and treats.

As with most cities in Japan, the train and subway are genuinely the most accessible and affordable way to get around. Locals, tourists, and nomads alike find it extremely reliable and easy to use. With all this to see and do, it is no wonder why more and more digital nomads are trying a coliving experience in Saitama.

Here are some fun facts about Saitama:

- The Beatles, John Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono, was born and raised in Saitama
- Toki No Kane Bell Tower was recognized as "100 Best Sound Sceneries in Japan," in 1996
- Tobu Zoo and Amusement Park consist of 150 acres of pure fun and adventure
- Gyoda's Kodaihasu-no-sato has over 42 varieties of lotus, including a species considered to have been extinct for more than 1,400 years