In the Honjō area, Nakasendō history, religious architecture, and festivals with distinct seasonal themes come together. The area around Honjō Station reflects the history of a once-prosperous post town on the Nakasendō. Historic sites there include the 旧本庄商業銀行煉瓦倉庫, the Tamura Honjin Gate, and the former Honjō Police Station building. For a culturally focused trip, there are several themes to explore: trade history, historic architecture, and religious traditions.
Nakasendō History and Historic Buildings
An exhibition area in the 旧本庄商業銀行煉瓦倉庫 explores the history of 本庄宿 as a prosperous Nakasendō post town and of 本庄町 as a modern center of the silk cocoon trade. Original materials, photographs, and explanatory panels introduce both topics. This offers a way to connect the former trading town’s importance with the later development of the silk cocoon trade. If you plan to visit the exhibition area, check the latest visitor information in advance.
The Tamura Honjin Gate belonged to the northern honjin inn of 本庄宿, is designated a municipal cultural property, and was relocated in front of the former Honjō Police Station building. Another historic building is the former post office, 旧本庄仲町郵便局. Built in 1934, it is a two-story wooden building with a tiled exterior and decorations in the Art Deco style, which was popular around the world at the time. The building is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. Its wooden construction, tiled exterior, and Art Deco details each reveal a different aspect of its architectural history.
Temples, Shrines, and a Pilgrimage Route
The religious sites also offer a range of distinct features. 金鑚神社 (Kanasana Shrine) has a Gongen-style shrine building finished in multiple colors and designated a prefectural cultural property. The honden contains ceiling paintings by local artists from 本庄宿. 安養院 (An'yō-in), also known as 若泉山安養院無量寺, was founded in 1475 by 本庄信明 of the Kodama clan. Its Sōmon, Sanmon, and main hall are municipal cultural properties. The temple is part of the Honjō Shichifukujin pilgrimage route and enshrines Bishamonten.
The 本庄の七福神めぐり route runs for about four kilometers and visits ten temples and shrines in Honjō-juku on the Nakasendō. It includes an ongoing stamp rally. Stamp cards are available at Honjō City Hall and at the Honjō Information Center at the south exit of Honjō Station. The route thus combines an approximate distance and a specific number of religious sites with its own stamp-collecting activity.
Spring Arts and an Autumn Festival
Two recurring events offer a seasonal contrast. Every April, the Wakaizumi Park Cherry Blossom Festival and the Honjō Craft Art Fair are held at 若泉公園. Handcrafted items in wood, ceramics, dyeing and weaving, glass, metal, textiles, and paper are offered for sale. Numerous local food businesses also serve food. In autumn, the annual Honjō Matsuri centers on a procession of festival floats through the area around Honjō Station.
The Honjō Matsuri features ten festival floats, eight of which are municipal cultural properties. All were built between 1872 and 1924. The two event seasons therefore differ clearly: April features cherry blossoms, crafts, and food, while autumn focuses on the floats and their history. Travelers choosing when to visit based on cultural experiences can weigh a spring festival with craft offerings against an autumn festival tradition.
Discover more destinations: Minano, Saitama, Hanyū, Ageo, Koshigaya, Toda, Iruma, Chichibu District.
For the broader travel overview: Saitama Prefecture.
