Sights, tastes, shopping, and experiences! A sightseeing guide for Hanno, Saitama⁠, close enough to Tokyo for a day trip!

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Located in Saitama Prefecture, Hanno is a popular tourist spot conveniently located near Tokyo.
Enjoy various activities in the abundant nature, as well as stylish cafes, entertainment spots, hot springs, and more!
In this edition, we've compiled information on getting to and around Hanno, can't-miss sightseeing spots, local restaurants offering delicious cuisine, cafes and deserts perfect for Instagram, as well as accommodations, souvenirs, and useful tourist information!

Table of Contents

What's Hanno? Where is it located?

Hanno City is located in the southwestern part of Saitama Prefecture, about 50km from the center of Tokyo. It is a town of "water and greenery", blessed with rich nature and clear streams.
There are plenty of places to enjoy outdoor activities, such as lakes for canoeing, clear streams to have a barbecue next to, and forests and mountains for hiking and nature therapy. It is a perfect tourist spot for those who want to have a relaxing time and forget about tiring city life.

Geographical location of Hanno
Geographical location of Hanno

How do you get to Hanno from Tokyo?

Access to Hanno from Tokyo is very easy!
Those travelling by train can take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Express train bound for Hanno from Ikebukuro Station, which takes you directly to Hanno Station in about 48 minutes (12 stops), with no need to transfer. (One-way fare: 480 yen)
While there are fewer daily services than the express train, you can also reach Hanno Station by taking the limited Express Laview Red Arrow train from Ikebukuro Station for 980 yen each way. It makes the trip in approximately 39 minutes(4 stops).

Five Must-see Spots in Hanno

Since it's close to Tokyo, Hanno is the perfect place to take a day trip close to the city. Let's check out some can't-miss spots when visiting Hanno!

Moominvalley Park

Moominvalley Park is a theme park based on the story of Moomin, which is popular all over the world.
It is divided into four areas, and has lots of attractions that let you experience the house and world where the Moomin family lives. From kids to adults, everyone will enjoy being immersed in the story for an entire day.

Let's go see Moomin! / © Moomin Characters TM
Let's go see Moomin! / © Moomin Characters TM

Highlight: Moominhouse

Moominhouse, the home of the Moomins, is accurately recreated from the original work. The interior includes a number of hidden secrets that allow visitors to relive the story of the Moomins. Visitors to the Moominhouse will feel like they're living in Moominvalley!

Lots of fun secrets can be found at the Moominhouse!  / © Moomin Characters TM
Lots of fun secrets can be found at the Moominhouse! / © Moomin Characters TM

Highlight: Hemulen's Playground

The tree house playground from the story, built by a Hemulen after the amusement park he worked at closed. Enjoy admiring the scenery and taking a walk around this very Moominesque location.

Play to your heart's content at the tree house! / © Moomin Characters TM
Play to your heart's content at the tree house! / © Moomin Characters TM

Highlight: Metsä Village

Enjoy the shopping and cuisine of Metsä Village, home to a general store featuring Scandinavian brands, and a Scandinavian-style restaurant.

The many different shops makes it fun to just walk around!
The many different shops makes it fun to just walk around!

The shops, cafes, and restaurants in Moominvalley Park offer rare Moomin goods, as well as adorable menu items. Don't miss out!

Tree stump chocolate pancakes (1,760 yen)
Tree stump chocolate pancakes (1,760 yen)
Hot orange caffè latte (715 yen)
Hot orange caffè latte (715 yen)
Tin box with baked cookies (1,944 yen)
Tin box with baked cookies (1,944 yen)

For prices and access to Moominvalley Park

Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park

This is a space where everyone can relax in their own way among the refreshing breeze and sunlit trees. It was born from correspondence with Tove Jansson, the famous Scandinavian children's author. The area contains ponds and brooks, and visitors can enjoy playing while surrounded by forests and nature.
Inside the park, you'll find eye-catching buildings and an art cafe. Exploring the buildings is another part of the park's charm.

A wonderfully relaxing natural space surrounded by forests.
A wonderfully relaxing natural space surrounded by forests.

Highlight: Mushroom House

As the name suggests, this is a mushroom-shaped building. The first floor is the "Relaxation Room", which has a fireplace, while visitors can also navigate the curious maze-like interior that begins on the second floor.

Choose how you will navigate this maze of a room!
Choose how you will navigate this maze of a room!

Highlight: Children's Theater

A hall where concerts and various events are held. The dome roof is made of cypress logs from a Japanese cypress that was over 150 years old, while the windows and light fixtures have interesting shapes as well.

The children's theater, where events and concerts are held.
The children's theater, where events and concerts are held.

Highlight: Forest House

The first floor of the Forest House houses materials related to Tove Jansson, the original author of the Moomin story, while the second floor is a reading area.

Materials related to Tove Jansson are on display here.
Materials related to Tove Jansson are on display here.

When night falls, the park becomes illuminated. Experience the joy of the "rich darkness," as if you were actually in Scandinavia.
* Time: From sunset to 9pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Warm light illuminates the Mushroom House at night.
Warm light illuminates the Mushroom House at night.
Experience the Nordic concepts of "hygge", and "blue moment" inside the park 
* The Danish word hygge refers to a joyful lifestyle, mindset, and way of spending one's time.
Experience the Nordic concepts of "hygge", and "blue moment" inside the park
* The Danish word hygge refers to a joyful lifestyle, mindset, and way of spending one's time.

In addition, be sure to check out the park's Café Puisto art cafe, where you can try the smorrebrod, an open-faced Nordic sandwich made with local vegetables!
* Business hours: Weekdays10:00 am-5:00 pm(L.O.4:00pm) 
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 10:00 am-8:00 pm(L.O.7:30pm)

The Café Puisto exterior, its blue walls make it easy to find
The Café Puisto exterior, its blue walls make it easy to find
Inside Café Puisto, an interior where you are immersed in Scandinavian atmosphere
Inside Café Puisto, an interior where you are immersed in Scandinavian atmosphere
Teriyaki smorrebrod (900 yen), drip coffee (380 yen)
Teriyaki smorrebrod (900 yen), drip coffee (380 yen)

For prices and access to Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park

Shogaku-ji Temple

This temple is about an hour bus ride from Hanno Station. Here, you can experience zazen meditation surrounded by the rich nature of the temple grounds. Calm your body in a quiet atmosphere, and focus your mind unhindered by thoughts! Come and experience the charm of Japanese culture!

Shogaku-ji Temple exterior
Shogaku-ji Temple exterior
Zazen experience. Focus your mind without thinking!
Zazen experience. Focus your mind without thinking!

Shogaku-ji Temple Basic Information

Address
2326 Kaminaguri, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-979-0235
e-mail
shougakuji @shougakuji.jp
Access
About 55 minutes by bus from Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
One minute walk from the Nago stop on the Kokusai Kogyo Bus (bound for Nago/Yunosawa.)
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

Miyazawa Lake Kirari Villa Hot Spring

Built on a hill overlooking Miyazawa Lake in the Miyazawa area of Hanno City. The terrace here offers a sweeping view of the lake. This establishment provides healing, beauty, and tranquility, including a stone sauna, body care, and body scrub treatments. Enjoy the natural hot springs in either an open-air bath with a picturesque view, or an indoor bath. In addition, there are also buffets and rest spaces.

Exterior of Miyazawa Lake Kirari Villa Hot Spring
Exterior of Miyazawa Lake Kirari Villa Hot Spring
Enjoy a soothing time surrounded by nature.
Enjoy a soothing time surrounded by nature.
Take a relaxing soak in the hot spring
Take a relaxing soak in the hot spring

Miyazawa Lake Kirari Villa Hot Spring Basic Information

Address
27-49 Miyazawa, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-983-4126
Business Hours
9:00 am-12:00 am (Admission allowed until 11:00pm)
Closed
No holidays or regular off days (closed several times a year for maintenance)
Access
About 10 minutes by bus from Higashi Hanno Station, served by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and JR, or Seibu's Hanno station. Disembark at the Miyazawako Onsen or Metsä bus stops.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
* Intended for those at or above elementary school age. Children under elementary school age can only enter the building.

Naguri Canoe Factory

A factory that manufactures authentic canoes and other items.
Experience a canoe ride on Naguri Lake in Hanno. The wooden canoes are crafted by staff in the beautiful mountainous environment. Become one with nature and enjoy the feeling of gliding across the water!

Become one with nature, and enjoy a canoeing experience on Hanno's Naguri Lake!
Become one with nature, and enjoy a canoeing experience on Hanno's Naguri Lake!

Naguri Canoe Factory Basic Information

Address
1817-9 Shimonaguri, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-979-1117
Business Hours
9:00 am-4:30 pm
Closed
Wednesdays
Access
About 45 minutes via the Kokusai Kogyo Bus from Higashi Hanno Station, served by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and JR, or Seibu's Hanno Station.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

Five Delicious Hanno Restaurants

When it comes to Hanno cuisine, we especially recommend the noodle dishes, such as Bushu Hanno Udon, which gives a real sense of the flavor of the ingredients. Here are five of the tastiest gourmet restaurants in Hanno.

Kokuya

Kokuya is an 8 minute walk from Hanno Station, on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. The supple noodles are their trademark, and go perfectly with the rich soup. The leftover soup can be thinned down with some pasta water, and savored to the last drop.

Popular menu item: Meat broth udon (730 yen)
Popular menu item: Meat broth udon (730 yen)

Kokuya Basic Information

Address
6-9 Hachimancho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-972-3215
Business Hours
11:00 am-2:10 pm *Closes as soon as the noodles are sold out
Closed
Sundays
Access
About an 8 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station North Exit

Seitaro Handmade Soba Noodles

A long-established soba restaurant where you can enjoy the rich aroma of noodles made from Japanese buckwheat ground with a domestically manufactured stone mortar. In addition to ordinary soba, you can also dine on rare Tartary soba. Tempura and local sake can also be enjoyed.
* Tartary soba is a healthy food from the mountainous regions of China (Yunnan Province, Tibet, etc.)

Popular menu item: Shrimp with grated vegetables; topped with plenty of small shrimp (1,020 yen)
Popular menu item: Shrimp with grated vegetables; topped with plenty of small shrimp (1,020 yen)

Seitaro Handmade Soba Noodles Basic Information

Address
13-19 Hachimancho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-974-3358
Business Hours
[Lunch]
11:30 am-2:30 pm
[Dinner]
5:00 pm-8:00 pm
Closed
Wednesdays
Access
About a 6 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station North Exit

Asami Chaya

A retro restaurant in an old Japanese-style house in the mountains. Udon served in a bamboo bowl creates an elegant experience. The highlight of these noodles is the pleasant feeling as they travel down your throat.

Popular menu item: Straight-from-the-pot udon noodles with meat broth (850 yen)
Popular menu item: Straight-from-the-pot udon noodles with meat broth (850 yen)

Asami Chaya Basic Information

Address
1050 Sakaishi, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-978-0789
Business Hours
11:00 am-4:00 pm
Closed
Wednesdays / fourth Thursday of the month
Access
Disembark at Agano Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line, restaurant is about 3.2km (2 miles) away.

Toda Shokudo

A popular ramen shop, which often has a line of customers visiting from far and wide. They go out of their way to make their noodles daily, with each menu item having a different type of noodle.

Popular menu item: Niboshi soba (white); made from whole grain flour (820 yen)
Popular menu item: Niboshi soba (white); made from whole grain flour (820 yen)

Toda Shokudo Basic Information

Address
173-3 Shimokaji, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-974-0422
Business Hours
11:00 am-2:00 pm
* Sundays and public holidays 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Closed
Tuesdays / third Monday of the month
Access
About a 20 minute walk from Higashi Hanno Station, which is served by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and JR.

CARVAAN

A restaurant where you can enjoy world cuisine, including Mediterranean and Arabian, along with Hanno's local beer. The window view of the Hanno-kawara riverbed scenery is also beautiful.

Popular menu item: Craft beer freshly brewed in the restaurant's brewery (750 yen)
Popular menu item: Craft beer freshly brewed in the restaurant's brewery (750 yen)

CARVAAN Basic Information

Address
32-1 Okawara, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-973-7000
Business Hours
[Lunch]
11:30 am-3:30 pm (L.O.2:30 pm)
[Dinner]
Sunday to Thursday 5:30 pm-10:00 pm (L.O.9:00 pm)
Friday, Saturday, The day before the holiday 5:30 pm-11:00 pm (L.O.10:00 pm)
Closed
Typically open everyday (some unscheduled days off)
Access
About a 12 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station North Exit

Five cafes and dessert shops practically made for Instagram

The area around Hanno Station has a number of stylish cafes that have been renovated from warehouses, as well as local desserts that have been loved for many years. You won't be able to resist the urge to take photos!
Here, we will introduce to you five carefully selected tasty restaurants that are sure to look great on your Instagram! Take a walk around the streets as you enjoy them.

Warehouse Cafe Sofuan

Boasts a menu full of fresh fruits. You can enjoy their specialty coffee served in a coffee cup from over a century ago.

Recommended menu items: Fruit tart (500 yen)/blend (400 yen)
Recommended menu items: Fruit tart (500 yen)/blend (400 yen)

Warehouse Cafe Sofuan Basic Information

Address
4-1 Yamatecho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
070-3230-2385
Business Hours
12:30 pm-6:00 pm
Closed
Mondays, Thursdays
Access
About a 10 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station

Café de Kobo Toki

Chill out in this impressive and spacious renovated warehouse. The main item on the menu are the doughy galettes, which the cafe owner learned how to make in France, where the cake originated.

Recommended menu item: Prosciutto galette (1,200 yen)
Recommended menu item: Prosciutto galette (1,200 yen)

Café de Kobo Toki Basic Information

Address
6-11 Hachimancho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
090-9951-7573
Business Hours
Wednesday to Friday 11:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Closed
Mondays, Tuesdays
Access
About a 10 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station

Gingado

Western music plays inside this cafe, whose retro interior is characterized by its slightly dim lighting. The wide selection of items from snacks to cakes provides a fulfilling experience.

Recommended menu items: Sea urchin roe on toast (380 yen)/iced coffee (400 yen)
Recommended menu items: Sea urchin roe on toast (380 yen)/iced coffee (400 yen)

Gingado Basic Information

Address
1-4 Honcho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-972-0492
Business Hours
12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Closed
Mondays, Tuesdays, New Year holidays
Access
About a 7 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station North Exit

Shinshimadaya

Their specialty is manju (steamed buns) with miso, which is made by baking the manju with bean paste filling, and adding special miso. The combination of mildly sweet bean paste and salty-sweet miso tastes exceptional, and they're filling as well.

Recommended menu item: Miso paste manju (220 yen each)
Recommended menu item: Miso paste manju (220 yen each)

Shinshimadaya Basic Information

Address
7-7 Hachimancho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-972-2098
Business Hours
9:30 am-7:00 pm
Closed
Mondays
Access
About a 6 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station North Exit

Yoneya Amataroyaki

Red bean paste crammed inside a doughy crust! In addition to the typical red bean paste, a sweet white bean paste shows up on the menu outside of the summer months. It's perfect for a snack to eat while walking around the Hanno Station area.

Recommended menu item: Amataroyaki (100 yen each)
Recommended menu item: Amataroyaki (100 yen each)

Yoneya Basic Information

Address
9-3 Nakacho, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-972-4223
Business Hours
9:40 am-5:30 pm
Closed
Wednesdays
Access
About a 2 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station

Recommended lodging, souvenirs, and other useful Hanno tourism information

Finally, we'll provide information that will come in useful for your trip to Hanno, such as accommodation information, local specialties that we recommend as souvenirs, and tourist information centers.

Recommended Accommodations in Hanno

Kyukamura Oku-Musashi

A resort hotel surrounded by flourishing forests and clear streams. Enjoy yourself on the river, surrounded by forests and clear streams where fireflies flutter about. They also offer a number of experiences, including activities such as making antler keychains.

Enjoy a relaxing time at the large public bath, Mori to Sora no Yu.
Enjoy a relaxing time at the large public bath, Mori to Sora no Yu.

Kyukamura Oku-Musashi Basic Information

Address
72 Agano, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-978-2888
Access
5 minutes by shuttle bus from Agano Station, which is on the Seibu Chichibu Line
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)

Naguri Hot Spring Taishokaku

A inn with hot spring facilities where you can feel the warmth of the trees. It boasts open-air baths looking out over the mountains, as well as traditional seasonal Japanese course dinners.

An inn with 19 rooms and hot spring facilities
An inn with 19 rooms and hot spring facilities

Naguri Hot Spring Taishokaku Basic Information

Address
917-1 Shimonaguri, Hanno, Saitama
Telephone
042-979-0505
Access
30 minutes by shuttle bus from Hanno Station, which is on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Official Website
Official Website (English)

Recommended Hanno specialties and souvenirs

Shirimochi

Hanno's signature Shirimochi is an astonishingly soft rice cake, filled with red bean paste made from Hokkaido red beans.
Vendor: Osatoya Flagship Store

Shirimochi (130 yen each)
Shirimochi (130 yen each)

Osatoya Flagship Store Basic Information

Address
453 Nagata, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-972-3600
Business Hours
8:30 am-5:00 pm
Closed
Mondays *Open on National Holidays
Access
About a 15 minute ride on the Kokusai Kogyo Bus from Higashi Hanno Station, served by the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and JR, or Seibu's Hanno Station. Disembark at Nagata Osugi stop.

Refined Sake / Tenranzan

Enjoy the natural flavor of this Japanese sake, which utilizes Oku-Chichibu's underground water and clean air.
Vendor: Igarashi Brewery

Left: Tenranzan Junmai Ginjo Sake <720ml> (1,485 yen)
Right: Tenranzan Junmai Extra Dry Raw Unprocessed Sake <720ml> (1,430 yen)
Left: Tenranzan Junmai Ginjo Sake <720ml> (1,485 yen)
Right: Tenranzan Junmai Extra Dry Raw Unprocessed Sake <720ml> (1,430 yen)

Igarashi Brewery Basic Information

Address
667-1 Kawadera, Hanno City, Saitama
Telephone
042-973-7703
Business Hours
Weekdays 9:00 am-6:00 pm
Weekend and public holidays 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Closed
Open every day of the year (except from January 1-3)
Access
About a 20 minute walk from the Seibu Ikebukuro Line Hanno Station South Exit
Official Website
Official Website (English)

Hanno Tourist Information Center

Puratto Hanno

Located immediately to the right after exiting the Hanno Station ticket gate. Has information on tourist attractions and various guide resources.

Hanno City Tourism Website

Conveniently located about an hour from Tokyo, and guaranteed to be an enjoyable time. We hope you'll consider making a trip to Hanno.