SaitamaLeisure

Gohan to. Asaka (ごはんと。朝霞店)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Scout the park, fuel up on food stalls, and claim a good viewing spot

About 90 min here

Next stop: Roughly 9,000 fireworks color the sky — Asaka's grand summer climax

About this spot

A short walk from the south exit of Asaka Station, this set-meal restaurant puts rice front and center. Its signature is freshly milled Uonuma Koshihikari rice from Tokamachi, washed in Uonuma water and cooked in a traditional iron pot — the popular 'Today's Recommended Set' changes daily. On the day of Saikasai, choosing festival food from the stalls in and around the park after claiming your spot is part of the fun too. Finishing dinner early lets you settle in and watch the fireworks at ease once the sky darkens and the show begins.

Tips

The area around the food stalls gets extremely crowded from evening onward. It's easier to buy your drinks together in the afternoon. Bag up your own trash and be sure to use the designated collection points or take it home with you. Watch your footing at night in the dimly lit lawn areas.