Saitama Prefecture is located in the Kanto region of Japan and is an inland prefecture adjacent to the northern side of Tokyo. The prefectural capital is Saitama City, and its population is approximately 7.34 million (according to the 2020 national census), ranking fifth nationwide. It has the largest population among Japan’s inland prefectures and is an important part of the Greater Tokyo Area. Historically, it was part of the Musashi Province.
Geography and Topography
Most of Saitama Prefecture lies within the Kanto Plain, with vast flatlands stretching across the region. The southeastern part borders Tokyo’s 23 special wards, where the development of transportation networks has led to the formation of commuter towns and satellite cities. In contrast, the northern and western areas feature agricultural lands and mountainous regions, offering diverse landscapes.
Major Topographical Features and Regional Characteristics
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Eastern and Central Areas: Lowlands through which the Tone River, Arakawa River, and Nakagawa River flow. These areas have plateaus and floodplains scattered throughout, with abundant farmland supporting thriving local agriculture.
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Northern Area: Home to the Honjo Plateau and the North Musashino Plateau, well-known as agricultural zones.
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Western Area: Dominated by the Chichibu Mountains and the Chichibu Basin, characterized by high elevations and rich natural landscapes.
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Central to Southern Areas: Urbanized regions with the Omiya Plateau and Musashino Plateau. Major cities such as Saitama City and Kawaguchi City, with large populations, are concentrated here.
Rivers occupy about 3.9% of the prefecture’s total area—the highest ratio in Japan—earning Saitama the nickname "The Water Prefecture."
Industry and Transportation
Located in the Greater Tokyo Area, Saitama boasts highly developed transportation infrastructure. Omiya Station serves as one of Japan’s major railway hubs, with Shinkansen (bullet trains) and conventional rail lines converging there. A large number of residents commute to Tokyo for work or study, resulting in a daytime population ratio of 87.6%, the lowest in the country.
In agriculture, Saitama ranks among the top producers of green onions, spinach, taro, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and turnips. The northern agricultural zones are especially active in suburban farming.
Climate Characteristics
Saitama Prefecture generally has a Pacific coastal climate but is strongly influenced by inland climatic conditions, leading to significant temperature differences across regions.
Summer Characteristics
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The entire prefecture becomes hot and humid. Particularly, Kumagaya and Koshigaya are known as some of Japan's hottest areas, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 40°C.
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Kumagaya City holds the record for Japan's highest-ever temperature at 41.1°C, making it nationally famous as a "hot city."
Winter Characteristics
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Due to the inland climate, winters are harsh, especially in the Chichibu region and western areas, where temperatures can drop close to -10°C.
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Conversely, northwestern plains sometimes experience higher minimum temperatures than the southern and eastern areas due to seasonal winds.
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Although snowfall is generally light, the western mountainous regions may experience significant snowfall.
Representative Regional Climate Features
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Chichibu Region: Typical inland climate with winter temperatures dropping below -8°C. Snowfall is heavy, making it one of the coldest areas in the Kanto region.
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Kumagaya and Northwestern Areas: Known for extreme summer heat, making it one of Japan's hottest regions. Winter minimum temperatures are relatively higher for an inland area.
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Saitama City and Southern Areas: Extremely hot summers and severe cold in winter due to radiative cooling. Urbanization causes significant temperature fluctuations.
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Northeastern Area: Summer temperatures can reach close to 38°C, while winter temperatures can fall to around -8°C.
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Western Area: Strong inland climate with scorching summers and bitterly cold winters. In Hatoyama Town, temperatures can drop below -10°C.
Summary
Saitama Prefecture is a well-balanced region offering both the convenience of being adjacent to Tokyo and the rich nature and agricultural areas of its northern and western parts. It is characterized by scorching hot summers, freezing cold winters, and significant climate variations across regions. With excellent access to Tokyo, it serves as a major commuter town while also offering diverse attractions such as agriculture, nature, and history.