Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Tsurugashima (鶴ヶ島市, Tsurugashima-shi) is a city in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. On January 1, 2021, the city had an estimated population of 69,937 in 31,890 households and a population density of 4,000 per square kilometre (10,000/sq mi). The total area of the city is 17.65 square kilometres (6.81 sq mi).
Within Saitama Prefecture (Kanto region), Tsurugashima (鶴ヶ島市) serves as a city in saitama prefecture. Travelers exploring Saitama often combine a stop in Tsurugashima with regional highlights such as Kawagoe 'Little Edo' clay-walled warehouse district, Chichibu mountain shrines & Nagatoro river gorge, the Railway Museum in Omiya, and Omiya Bonsai Village.
| Fact | Details for Tsurugashima (鶴ヶ島市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 鶴ヶ島市 (Tsurugashima) |
| Administrative Status | City in Saitama Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Saitama Prefecture (Capital: Saitama) |
| Region of Japan | Kanto |
| Population | 70,131 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 17.73 km² · 3,955 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1991-09-01 |
| Coordinates | 35.9345°N, 139.3931°E |
Getting to Tsurugashima & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Omiya Station (Shinkansen & JR hub)): 30m from central Tokyo via JR Saikyo/Takasaki/Utsunomiya lines to Omiya, or 30–45m from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe (Tobu/Seibu) and Chichibu.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Saitama Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Saitama with Tsurugashima. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Saitama have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Tsurugashima en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Tsurugashima are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Saitama can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Tsurugashima & Saitama
Tsurugashima shares the culinary traditions of Saitama Prefecture and the wider Kanto region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Kawagoe sweet potato snacks & unagi (eel) — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
- Chichibu waraji katsu-don (pork cutlet) &くるみ (walnut) soba — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
- Soka senbei rice crackers — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
- Fukaya negi dishes — a signature specialty across Saitama Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Tsurugashima.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
October (3rd weekend) for Kawagoe Festival; late April–early May for Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park pink moss phlox (shibazakura); December 2–3 for Chichibu Night Festival.
Regional highlights across Saitama Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Tsurugashima include: Kawagoe 'Little Edo' clay-walled warehouse district, Chichibu mountain shrines & Nagatoro river gorge, the Railway Museum in Omiya, and Omiya Bonsai Village.
Practical Travel Tips for Tsurugashima
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Tsurugashima (or at Omiya Station (Shinkansen & JR hub)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Tsurugashima accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tsurugashima (鶴ヶ島市) located in Japan?
Tsurugashima (鶴ヶ島市) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture in the Kanto region of Japan (coordinates: 35.9345°N, 139.3931°E). It has a population of approximately 70,131 across an area of 17.73 km².
How do I get to Tsurugashima by train?
Most visitors reach Tsurugashima via the main prefectural gateway of Omiya Station (Shinkansen & JR hub). 30m from central Tokyo via JR Saikyo/Takasaki/Utsunomiya lines to Omiya, or 30–45m from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe (Tobu/Seibu) and Chichibu. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Tsurugashima. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Tsurugashima and Saitama known for?
In Tsurugashima and across Saitama Prefecture, top local dishes include Kawagoe sweet potato snacks & unagi (eel), Chichibu waraji katsu-don (pork cutlet) &くるみ (walnut) soba, Soka senbei rice crackers, as well as Fukaya negi dishes. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Tsurugashima?
October (3rd weekend) for Kawagoe Festival; late April–early May for Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park pink moss phlox (shibazakura); December 2–3 for Chichibu Night Festival. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: