Explore Charming Omiya and Its Surroundings – Where History and Culture Come Alive

Omiya Station opened in 1885, and its transport capacity later expanded with the operation of the Omiya General Rolling Stock Center and the introduction of double tracks. These led to the establishment of textile mills and a thriving tea trade, fueling rapid urbanization driven by both railways and industry. Today, it stands as Saitama Prefecture's largest terminal station, serving multiple regular train lines as well as the Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen. The station and surrounding area offer excellent shopping and dining options in facilities such as Lumine Omiya, Ecute Omiya, and Omiya Arche.

With over 2,000 years of history, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine serves as the head shrine of approximately 280 Hikawa shrines nationwide and stands as one of the Kanto region's top power spots. It offers blessings for various purposes, including protection from misfortune, good luck, family harmony, and business prosperity. Its approach holds the record as Japan's longest shrine road, creating a 2-kilometer green tunnel of zelkova trees that has become an iconic symbol of Omiya. Natural features like the Pond of the Snake and Sacred Pond, fed by spring water, demonstrate the shrine's harmony with nature and provide a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Omiya Bonsai Village refers to the area north of Omiya-koen Station, and 2025 marks its 100th anniversary. The area is home to six bonsai gardens which each showcase distinctive bonsai collections that reveal seasonal beauty throughout the year. Bonsai is a unique art form that expresses Japanese aesthetics and harmony with nature. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum features a particularly impressive collection, with weekly rotating bonsai displays and a bonsai garden where you can admire approximately 60 bonsai year-round. Begin your visit at Fuyo-en Garden near the station and explore the various gardens throughout Omiya Bonsai Village to discover your favorite bonsai masterpieces.

The Saitama City Iwatsuki Ningyo Museum is a public museum dedicated to traditional Japanese dolls that opened in February 2020 in Iwatsuki, Saitama City - one of Japan's premier doll-making regions. The museum showcases the history and culture of traditional Japanese dolls along with the doll-making techniques that have been passed down in Iwatsuki. Beyond exhibitions, it actively collects, preserves, and conducts research on materials related to dolls and doll culture. Through exhibitions and educational programs, the museum strives to preserve traditional Japanese doll culture for future generations and promote it both within Japan and internationally.