Saitama Prefecture · Kanto Region · 本庄市

Honjō (本庄市) Travel Guide & City Profile

SaitamaのHonjō(本庄市・人口約81,805人)の完全旅行ガイド。基本データ、鉄道・新幹線でのアクセス、名物グルメ、ベストシーズン、近隣都市を詳しく紹介します。

最終確認日 · 掲載されている料金(円 / ¥)は目安です。 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Honjō (本庄市, Honjō-shi) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 January 2021, the city had an estimated population of 77,900 in 35,026 households and a population density of 870 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 89.69 square kilometres (34.63 sq mi).

Within Saitama Prefecture (Kanto region), Honjō (本庄市) serves as a city in saitama prefecture. Travelers exploring Saitama often combine a stop in Honjō with regional highlights such as Kawagoe 'Little Edo' clay-walled warehouse district, Chichibu mountain shrines & Nagatoro river gorge, the Railway Museum in Omiya, and Omiya Bonsai Village.

都道府県Saitama (埼玉県)
地方Kanto
人口81,805
Area & density89.71 km² (912/km²)
項目基本データ:Honjō (本庄市)
日本語表記本庄市 (Honjō)
行政区分City in Saitama Prefecture
Prefecture & CapitalSaitama Prefecture (Capital: Saitama)
地方区分Kanto
人口81,805 residents
総面積・人口密度89.71 km² · 912 people per km²
市制施行・設立2006-01-10
緯度・経度36.2436°N, 139.1904°E

Getting to Honjō & Getting Around

Via the regional hub (Omiya Station (Shinkansen & JR hub)): 30m from central Tokyo via JR Saikyo/Takasaki/Utsunomiya lines to Omiya, or 30–45m from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe (Tobu/Seibu) and Chichibu.

  • Local rail & IC cards: Once in Saitama Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Saitama with Honjō. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
  • Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Saitama have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Honjō en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
  • Driving & car rental: While city centers around Honjō are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Saitama can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

Honjō & Saitamaの名物グルメ・郷土料理

Honjōでは、SaitamaおよびKanto地方ならではの豊かな食文化を楽しめます。訪問時にぜひ味わいたい名物料理はこちらです:

  • Kawagoe sweet potato snacks & unagi (eel) — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
  • Chichibu waraji katsu-don (pork cutlet) &くるみ (walnut) soba — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
  • Soka senbei rice crackers — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
  • Fukaya negi dishes — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.

For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Honjō.

Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights

October (3rd weekend) for Kawagoe Festival; late April–early May for Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park pink moss phlox (shibazakura); December 2–3 for Chichibu Night Festival.

Regional highlights across Saitama Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Honjō include: Kawagoe 'Little Edo' clay-walled warehouse district, Chichibu mountain shrines & Nagatoro river gorge, the Railway Museum in Omiya, and Omiya Bonsai Village.

Honjō旅行の実用アドバイス・注意点

  • Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter at the regional hub (Omiya Station (Shinkansen & JR hub)) or major stations in Saitama Prefecture for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
  • Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Honjō accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
  • Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.

よくある質問(FAQ)

Where is Honjō (本庄市) located in Japan?

Honjō (本庄市) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan (coordinates: 36.2436°N, 139.1904°E). It has a population of approximately 81,805 across an area of 89.71 km².

How do I get to Honjō by train?

Most visitors reach Honjō via the main prefectural gateway of Omiya Station (Shinkansen & JR hub). 30m from central Tokyo via JR Saikyo/Takasaki/Utsunomiya lines to Omiya, or 30–45m from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe (Tobu/Seibu) and Chichibu. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Honjō. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.

What local food is Honjō and Saitama known for?

In Honjō and across Saitama Prefecture, top local dishes include Kawagoe sweet potato snacks & unagi (eel), Chichibu waraji katsu-don (pork cutlet) &くるみ (walnut) soba, Soka senbei rice crackers, as well as Fukaya negi dishes. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.

When is the best time of year to visit Honjō?

October (3rd weekend) for Kawagoe Festival; late April–early May for Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park pink moss phlox (shibazakura); December 2–3 for Chichibu Night Festival. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.

Official sources & further reading

Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: