
Major Highways & Driving Tips in Saitama, Japan
1. Kanetsu Expressway
Connects Saitama to Niigata and Toyama, essential for long-distance travel from Saitama towards the Sea of Japan.
- Mountainous Terrain: Requires caution when driving through mountain passes.
- Toll Road: Expect toll fees at certain sections of the highway.
- Length: Covers significant distance, plan your journey accordingly.
2. Joban Expressway
Connects Saitama to Tokyo and Ibaraki, offering a fast route for commuters.
- Urban Environment: Expect heavy traffic during peak hours in urban areas.
- Toll Road: Toll fees apply at certain sections of the highway.
- Multiple Lanes: Provides several lanes for efficient travel during busy times.
3. Saitama Expressway
Connects Saitama City with Omiya and Chiba, offering a convenient route for local travel.
- Local Traffic: Be aware of local traffic patterns, especially during rush hours.
- Toll Road: Some sections of the highway have toll fees.
- Urban and Rural Areas: Travel through both urban and rural environments, each with unique driving conditions.
4. Oku-Shintoku Toll Road
Direct access to the Oku-Shintoku Outlet Mall and scenic spots like Lake Kawaguchi.
- Scenic Attractions: Offers easy access to picturesque destinations.
- Toll Road: Expect toll fees at certain sections of the highway.
- Seasonal Attractions: Check for seasonal events or festivals at nearby destinations.
5. Saitama-Kawagoe Road
Connects Saitama City and Kawagoe, offering a direct route to the historical city center.
- Historical City Center: Allows easy access to Kawagoe's well-preserved old town.
- Local Traffic: Be prepared for local traffic patterns during peak hours.
- Urban Environment: Drive through a mix of modern and traditional cityscapes.
6. Kawagoe Bypass
Avoids traffic congestion in Kawagoe by offering a direct route towards Omiya.
- Time-Saving: Reduces travel time during peak hours.
- Toll Road: Expect toll fees at certain sections of the highway.
- Local Attractions: Provides easy access to local attractions like Omiya Ardija Stadium and Omiya Bonsai Village.
7. Kita-Kanto Expressway
Connects Saitama to Gunma and Tochigi, offering a route towards Nikko and other northern destinations.
- Mountainous Terrain: Requires caution when driving through mountain passes.
- Toll Road: Toll fees apply at certain sections of the highway.
- Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travel towards the north.
8. Tohoku Expressway
Connects Saitama to Aomori and Akita, providing a route for travel towards Tohoku region.
- Mountainous Terrain: Requires caution when driving through mountain passes.
- Toll Road: Toll fees apply at certain sections of the highway.
- Seasonal Attractions: Check for seasonal events or festivals at nearby destinations.
9. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 13
Connects Saitama City with Kumagaya and Kawagoe, offering a scenic route along the Tone River.
- Scenic Attractions: Offers beautiful views of the Tone River and surrounding countryside.
- Local Traffic: Be prepared for local traffic patterns during peak hours.
- Urban and Rural Areas: Travel through both urban and rural environments, each with unique driving conditions.
10. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 15
Connects Saitama City with Iruma and Okegawa, offering a route towards the western part of Saitama.
- Local Traffic: Be prepared for local traffic patterns during peak hours.
- Urban and Rural Areas: Travel through both urban and rural environments, each with unique driving conditions.
- Nearby Attractions: Provides easy access to nearby attractions like the Iruma Zoo and Okegawa Shrine.
11. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 35
Connects Saitama City with Kawagoe and Omiya, offering a direct route to the east.
- Urban Environment: Drive through a mix of modern and traditional cityscapes.
- Local Traffic: Be prepared for local traffic patterns during peak hours.
- Historical City Center: Allows easy access to Kawagoe's well-preserved old town.
12. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 43
Connects Saitama City with the west, offering a route towards the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.
- Mountainous Terrain: Requires caution when driving through mountain passes.
- Scenic Attractions: Provides beautiful views of the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park.
- Seasonal Attractions: Check for seasonal events or festivals at nearby destinations.
13. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 46
Connects Saitama City with the north, offering a route towards Omiya and Kiryu.
- Urban Environment: Drive through a mix of modern and traditional cityscapes.
- Local Traffic: Be prepared for local traffic patterns during peak hours.
- Nearby Attractions: Provides easy access to nearby attractions like Omiya Ardija Stadium and Kiryu's historical district.
14. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 60
Connects Saitama City with the east, offering a route towards Chiba and Tokyo.
- Urban Environment: Drive through a mix of modern and traditional cityscapes.
- Toll Road: Some sections of the highway have toll fees.
- Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travel towards Chiba and Tokyo.
15. Saitama Prefectural Road No. 68
Connects Saitama City with the south, offering a route towards Tokyo and Yokohama.
- Urban Environment: Drive through a mix of modern and traditional cityscapes.
- Toll Road: Some sections of the highway have toll fees.
- Long-Distance Travel: Ideal for long-distance travel towards Tokyo and Yokohama.