Gyōda: Kofun, Oshi Castle and Lotus Gardens

Within Gyōda City, archaeological remains, a distinctive castle legacy, and seasonal garden and rice-field scenes come together. The sights in Gyōda City offer different starting points for planning your trip: burial mounds and history sit alongside lotus flowers, rice-field art, and local cuisine. When choosing a vacation rental, consider which of these discoveries you want to shape your stay.

From Ueno or Ikebukuro stations, Gyōda Station is about 60 minutes away; only local trains stop there. Check current connections before setting out. In Gyōda City, the tourist information center at the Oshi Castle Bus Terminal offers sightseeing and local food brochures, visitor assistance, and bicycle rentals. Check in advance whether bicycles are currently available if you plan to rent one.

Burial Mounds, Oshi Castle, and Local History

Sakitama Kofun Park in Gyōda City contains nine large burial mounds. They were built from the late 5th century to around the beginning of the 7th century and stand close together on a raised plateau. The Saitama Kofun Group is among the largest of its kind nationwide; in March 2020, it was designated the first Special Historic Site of its kind in Saitama Prefecture. The close grouping of the mounds and the long period over which they were built offer a tangible introduction to the region’s archaeological history.

Oshi Castle’s history forms part of Gyōda City’s historical context: according to tradition, it was built during the Muromachi period, and it is considered one of the seven famous castles of the Kantō region. During Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign to pacify the region, it withstood Ishida Mitsunari’s water attack. The nickname “Floating Castle” comes from this battle. Gyōda City’s Local History Museum stands on the site of the former main bailey of Oshi Castle; its reconstructed five-story tower is part of the museum.

Gyōda City’s historic townscape includes many preserved buildings, among them earthen storehouses built with earth, stone, and mortar and used for storing tabi socks. In Gyōda City, Mizuki Park was created on the remains of moats and ponds belonging to Oshi Castle. In Gyōda City’s historical context, the burial mounds, traces of the castle, and preserved buildings represent different chapters of local history.

Lotus Flowers, Rice-Field Art, and Seasonal Events

The Ancient Lotus Garden in Gyōda City has about 100,000 Gyōda lotus plants, a variety that bloomed 1,400 to 3,000 years ago. There are also around 20,000 lotus plants representing 41 varieties from around the world. The 50-meter-high observation tower at Ancient Lotus Hall offers a different view of the landscape in Gyōda City: from there, you can see the rice-field art, which is on display from mid-July to mid-October. The lotus garden and rice-field scenes bring different seasonal highlights to Gyōda City.

Hanachozu Week in Gyōda City takes place from the 1st to the 14th of each month; in November and January, it runs from the 15th to the end of the month. Some displays may not always be present, so it is worth checking the latest details before your visit. Every year on May 4, Sakitama Kofun Park in Gyōda City hosts a fire festival that reenacts a scene from Japanese mythology recorded in the Kojiki. Check the dates if you want to plan your trip around the event.

Hands-On Experiences, Getting Around, and Local Cuisine

At Gyōda Haniwa Hall, you can make haniwa clay figures. At Oshi Castle, the Oshi Castle SAMURAI Experience lets you wear samurai armor; seasonal exclusions apply, so check availability in advance. The Oshi Castle NINJA Experience offers three options: one with shuriken throwing, one with a ninja costume, and a more comprehensive option that includes photography around the site. Check current availability for these activities too. Each format offers a different experience, from making a figure to trying on historical costumes and taking part in activities.

Three tourist information centers offer volunteer tours of Oshi Castle and the Saitama Kofun Group by prior reservation. Gyōda City’s bus service operates six routes: the East, West, Northeast, and Northwest Loop Lines, the Minami-Ōdōri Line, and the Sightseeing Base Loop Line. The network covers a large part of Gyōda City. Tourist bicycles can be rented at four locations and returned to a different one; you can combine a cycling trip with public transportation. Rental conditions may change, so it is best to confirm them with the provider.

In Gyōda City, furai is a flour-based dish cooked with green onions, meat, and egg. Zeri-furai is another local dish: it is deep-fried and similar to a croquette, with vegetables such as potatoes and carrots added. Furai and zeri-furai complement Gyōda City’s archaeological and seasonal attractions with two distinctive local dishes.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Chichibu District, Misato, Kawagoe, Ranzan, Sayama, Wakō, Yashio, Koshigaya.

For the main travel guide: Saitama Prefecture.