Explore the hidden gem of Japan: Saitama. The city is not as famous as Tokyo, Kyoto, or Kanagawa, but it has its charms and allows you to beat the mainstream tourist crowd. You can visit only this city or include it in your larger itinerary with your tour of Tokyo.

Experience authentic Japan and witness the local lifestyle. This bit of Japan is famous for its delicious sake and beautiful landscapes which will leave you awestruck. Enjoy the local history, outdoor activities and the traditional Japanese culture.

This guide outlines all the necessary information for your safety, and recommends places you can put on your itinerary. It will also give you important information about purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

Saitama Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Before you go on your trip, purchase a travel medical insurance plan to cover the medical expenses of accidents or illnesses that can occur on your trip. Your domestic health insurance may not be valid abroad, or may provide only limited coverage. Hence, you need a plan to cover medical complications that can happen while traveling.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Saitama? 

No, you do not need travel medical insurance to visit Saitama unless you are part of a tour group that specifies it.

Regardless of requirements, we still recommend that you get a travel medical insurance plan, because visiting Japan can leave you vulnerable to many ailments. 

Why buy travel medical insurance for Saitama? 

Medical professionals in Saitama may ask for payment in full at the time of treatment, or concrete proof of ability to pay before they agree to treat you. Without travel medical insurance, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for all medical services. If you’re unable to pay, you risk both your health and significant debt. Hence, travel medical insurance is a must. 

There is a wide range of plans available. You can pick one that suits your needs and provides sufficient coverage. 

Buy travel medical insurance so that a travel mishap doesn’t cost you your life savings. 

Saitama Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

Trip cancellation insurance will secure the money you have already spent on travel arrangements. Travel fares such as flight, cruise, or train tickets are generally nonrefundable and cost a lot. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for such expenses if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason.  

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Saitama? 

Many factors can contribute to you needing to cancel a trip. You could get extremely sick, suffer a death in the family, or your destination could be affected by a natural disaster. Whatever the case, your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses could all go to waste without proper trip insurance coverage. 

What can be covered under trip cancellation insurance for Saitama? 

• Trip cancellation
• Flight delay
• Trip interruption
• Loss of baggage
• The option to cancel for any reason, with certain plans. 

Things To Do for Travelers in Saitama

During your stay in Saitama, these activities should definitely top your itinerary. 

Travel back in time in Kawagoe

Known as “Little Edo'', this picturesque town is as close as you can get to traditional Japan. The old castle town is preserved to represent the Edo period of Japan (19th century). Spend a day viewing the historical buildings, visiting shrines, and having authentic Japanese meals. Before you leave, go by the souvenir shop to purchase some memorabilia.

Go on a Japanese Sake tour

Your visit to Saitama is incomplete without its sake, the local favorite. The city houses 35 local breweries. Take a tour in any of these local breweries, and watch the process firsthand. The freshly fermented batch after your tour is definitely worth the effort. 

Cherry blossom viewing

Imagine coming to Japan and not taking a picture with the cherry blossoms backdrop. Almost seems illegal, doesn’t it? If you’re in the city in spring (mid-April through early May), visit Chichibu to get the perfect picture. Plan a picnic with your friends or family. It is also a great place to befriend other tourists and locals.

View the icicles of Misotsuchi

If you’re in the city in winter, you must see the Icicles of Misotsuchi. These naturally formed icicles are over 30m wide and 10m high. 

From mid-January to mid-February, there is also a special light-up event. You can enjoy these spectacular icicles with colorful lights illuminating the whole landscape. 

Click pictures at Kinchakuda Higanbana Fields

Here’s where you’ll find the infamous red spider lily. If you’re in the city in autumn, you can visit Kinchakuda and view the fields filled with this fiery red flower. 

You can set up a camp during the “Kinchakuda Manjushage Festival” (mid to late September). The fields are covered by 500 million beautiful Higanbana flowers at the time. 

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Saitama

Do not walk on escalators

You’re supposed to stand still on escalators and not walk up or down. Even if you’re late for your train, walking is not advisable. This etiquette was established to crack down on falls and injuries. 

However, you cannot be penalized for breaking this rule. Hence, if anyone tries to fine you for it, ask for their ID. We recommend that you follow this etiquette for your own safety.

Toilet and bathing etiquette

Toilets and bathrooms in Japan are very hygienic; however, you might feel awkward because of the differences. Japan uses both floor toilets and seat toilets. So, be prepared to encounter either of them.

If you’re staying in shared accommodation, you may have to share slippers with others. These slippers will be in your bathroom. Do not wear these slippers outside the bathroom.

Avoid bug bites

While spending time outside, be wary of bugs, as they can spread diseases. Try wearing full sleeves and covering your body. Wear insect repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours. 

Drugs and medication

Some medications that might be routinely prescribed to you could be strictly prohibited in Japan. Before carrying any medication to Japan, ensure that it is legal in the country. Otherwise, you could find yourself in legal trouble.  

Road conditions and safety

Driving in Japan can be complicated. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Highway tolls can be very high. 

Drinking and driving is a very serious offense. It can immediately land you in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. You can be fined up to $10,000 USD and face five years in prison.

Before You Travel to Saitama - Do This

Take our advice to make your vacation hassle-free

• Check the vaccinations you need here. 
• Check if your medication is legal here. 
• Buy travel medical insurance or travel insurance.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.