Deep Saitama Guide: The Legendary “Ginger Ramen” & Private Onsen Escape (50 Mins from Tokyo) 

I am not recommending these places based on Google Reviews. I have personally visited both Hyakukannon Onsen and Uta no Yu more than 30 times. I know every corner of these baths. Trust me, the quality of the water and the atmosphere beats the overpriced tourist traps in Hakone every time.

Most guidebooks scream “Go to Hakone!” or “Visit Atami!” They aren’t wrong—those places are beautiful. But let’s be real: they are crowded, expensive, and stressful.

If you want to experience Japan like a local resident (and save enough money for a Wagyu dinner later), look North to Saitama. Specifically, the Kazo and Washinomiya area.

Why this route?

Cost: Total spend under ¥8,000 (approx. $45), including transport and massive amounts of food.

Time: Only 50-60 mins from Tokyo (vs. 2 hours to Hakone).

Food: A Ramen shop so legendary, people line up for hours. It’s not in the guidebooks yet.

Wellness: Access to Japan’s top-ranked water quality or #1 comfort spa.

👁️ Kajino’s Eye: “Living” vs. “Sightseeing”

Let me be honest. Hakone is focused on “sightseeing.” You spend half your day on trains, buses, and ropeways, surrounded by thousands of other tourists.

This Saitama route is focused on “living.” It’s about eating where the locals eat and soaking in high-quality water without the crowds. You get better food for half the price, and you return to Tokyo relaxed, not exhausted.

The local train ride itself is an experience. You will see the real Japanese suburbs—the bedrock of this country’s economy. No filters, just real life.

🍜 Morning: The “Ginger Ramen” Battle at Kashikame

Originally, I planned to introduce an Udon shop famous for an Emperor’s visit. But I found something better. Something deeper. “Kashikame” (かし亀) in Kazo City.

This isn’t just ramen. It is a festival of meat and ginger.

The “Ginger” Shock

In Japan, most ramen is Soy Sauce, Miso, or Tonkotsu. Ginger Ramen is extremely rare. When you drink the soup here, it hits you. Bam! The ginger warms your body instantly. You can choose Soy Sauce, Miso, or Salt base—all infused with this ginger magic.

The “Char-siu Tower”

I ordered the Ginger Soy Sauce Ramen and Half Fried Rice Set (¥1,350). Then, I made a “mistake” (a happy one). I added Extra Char-siu (6 slices for ¥400).

The result? A total of 10 slices of meat. It wasn’t a bowl of noodles; it was a mountain of meat. I couldn’t even see the noodles. And the “Half” Fried Rice? It was a full-sized portion by normal standards. Total: ¥1,750. Compare this to a famous chain, where a basic bowl and a refill cost nearly ¥1,500. Kashikame is on a different level of satisfaction.

⚠️ The System (Crucial!)

This shop is a battlefield. Here is how to survive:

1. Arrival: I arrived at 1:30 PM. There were 10 people waiting.
2. The List: Write your name on the list at the entrance.
3. The Tag: Take a number tag. (See photo).
4. Wait: You don’t need to stand in line. Just wait nearby until your number is called.
5. Result: I entered at 2:35 PM and finished eating at 3:10 PM. It is a slow process because they make every bowl with care. Be patient.

Photo Rules: You can only take photos of your own food. No photos of the kitchen or staff. 2-3 shots max. Be quick, then eat.

💡 Pro Tip: How to Beat the Queue

This shop is incredibly popular. If you arrive at peak time, you will wait. The Smart Strategy: Arrive by 10:50 AM (10 minutes before opening). If you are in line by this time, there is a high chance you will get in with the first round of customers (First Lot). Do not be late!