Saitama Prefecture hosts Sayama tea promotion and local business updates

Various local developments are occurring across Saitama Prefecture, ranging from new business openings to regional promotional events and industry closures.

To promote Sayama tea, one of Japan’s three major tea brands, Saitama Prefecture is hosting the ‘My Tea Activity Sayama Tea Stamp Rally & Recipe Contest 2026’. The initiative includes a digital stamp rally at over 40 participating tea specialty stores and restaurants, alongside a recipe contest for original tea-based dishes. Participants can win prizes such as tea-picking experiences and glamping vouchers.

In the food and beverage sector, new establishments have opened, including ‘Sumibi Yakitori Yagachan’ in Fujimino City and ‘Izakaya Watanuki’ in Fujimi City, which specializes in handmade dumplings. Additionally, the Japanese-style cafe ‘Sayama Tea Sabo Waraku’ in Tsurugashima City offers views of tea plantations.

Conversely, several pachinko parlors have recently closed their operations in Kawagoe, Tsurugashima, Shiki, and Tokorozawa cities, marking the end of long-standing local businesses.