Kumagaya (熊谷) is a city in northern Saitama.

Understand

Kumagaya was one of the post-towns on Nakasendo route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, and is still an important traffic hub.

Tourist information site

The local tourist association has a Japanese-only guide site with some English information (click on the boxes at the middle).

Get in

1 Kumagaya Station (熊谷駅). (updated May 2024) is conveniently served by Saikyo Line from western Tokyo and Tobu Isesaki Line from eastern Tokyo, as well as Joetsu/Hokuriku Shinkansen.

See

• Panasonic Wild Knights, rugby top-league team. The street from Kumagaya Station to its home stadium is named the "Rugby Road". Kumagaya was one of the host towns for the World Cup 2019.

Buy

• Gokabo (五家宝) - Finger-sized traditional sweets. Good companion to green tea.

Stay Safe

Kumagaya is the record holder for the highest temperature in Japan - 41.1°C on 23 July 2018. Avoid mid-summer if you can.