Besshonuma Park

Summer or winter, there are pools to swim in and even ice rinks to take a spin on in this popular, family-friendly environment.

The cutting edge of Japanese art, as well as masters including Monet and Gauguin, are housed in a striking modernist building with an inventive chair collection.

On Sunday afternoons, Saitama’s families and their dogs flock to this park for picnics, barbecues and views of Mount Fuji.

Shopping, nightlife and a variety of festivals, as well as a famous Christmastime light display, are right next to Saitama Super Arena.

Just a short ride north of the city’s downtown, Tokyo’s premier entertainment and sports venue is one of the world’s largest indoor arenas.

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Urawa Art Museum in Saitama. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.