Saitama pitches tourism to U.S. media and travel pros in New York

Saitama Prefecture used a Manhattan event on Oct. 7 to showcase its culture, food and heritage to 31 U.S. media and travel industry guests. The push aimed to build awareness of the area just north of Tokyo and set up future familiarization trips and promotion in the U.S.

Why it matters: - Saitama Prefecture is trying to convert better-known neighbors in Tokyo into interest in its own tourism draw. - The event targeted U.S. media and travel professionals who can shape coverage, itineraries and bookings. - The pitch centered on traditional culture, food and craftsmanship that can differentiate Saitama from other Japan destinations.

What happened: - The Saitama Prefecture Products & Tourism Association hosted a tourism promotion event on Oct. 7, 2026, at THE GALLERY by Odo in Manhattan. - The event welcomed 31 guests, including 20 local media representatives and 11 travel industry professionals. - The program ran under the theme “SAITAMA – JUST NORTH OF TOKYO.” - The event highlighted Saitama’s history, craftsmanship and food culture.

The details: - THE GALLERY by Odo is a space that combines food, art and culture. - Chef Hiroki Odo founded the venue, and his restaurant Odo has two Michelin stars. - Guests heard a presentation on Saitama’s history and tourism attractions. - The event also served shojin ryori, or traditional Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, as breakfast. - Artisans and cultural representatives from Saitama led demonstrations and hands-on experiences after breakfast. - Featured traditions and products included Omiya bonsai, Japanese swords, Chichibu Meisen silk textiles, Sayama tea, soy sauce brewing in wooden vats and the Chichibu 34-temple pilgrimage. - The program also introduced Koshigaya armor craftsmanship. - A handout for the event was distributed in English: Event Handout

Between the lines: - The selection of bonsai, tea, swords and textiles points to a strategy built around heritage experiences rather than mass-market sightseeing. - The association is positioning Saitama as an easy add-on to Tokyo, which may appeal to first-time visitors and tour operators looking for short-distance day trips. - Emphasis on familiarization trips suggests the group wants earned media and trade partnerships, not just one-time event exposure.

What's next: - Kichigoro Fueki, vice chairman of the association, said the group hopes to build on the event with familiarization trips for overseas media and continued promotion in the U.S. - The Saitama Prefecture Products & Tourism Association plans to strengthen ties with U.S. media and travel industry professionals. - The broader goal is to raise awareness of Saitama and encourage more international visitors to the prefecture.

The bottom line: - Saitama is betting that its traditional culture and proximity to Tokyo can win over U.S. media and the travel trade.