Explore Omiya, the Railway Town Pivotal to Modern Japanese Land Transportation!

Omiya Station, founded in 1885 as Japan’s first junction station, will mark its 140th anniversary in 2025.

Back when railways were the primary means of land transportation, the station’s opening sparked a dramatic boom in commerce and industry. The silk industry, which produced Japan’s leading export at the time, raw silk, established a presence in the area.

Subsequently, numerous railway-related facilities were established in the area, including factories for manufacturing and repairing train cars, as well as marshaling yards. Omiya earned its reputation as a railway town not just for its convenient transportation links, but also because the railway industry became a cornerstone of the local economy.

Today, Omiya Station has grown into the largest terminal in Saitama Prefecture and one of the largest in Eastern Japan. As a hub for numerous rail lines, including the shinkansen, it continues to develop as a key transportation nexus, serving approximately 650,000 passengers daily.

JR Omiya Station
Nishiki-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

When visiting the Omiya area, the Railway Museum is a must-see destination. This facility opened in 2007 as a project commemorating the 20th anniversary of JR East.

Inside, the museum is divided into five “”stations””: Rolling Stock, History, Job, Science, and Future. This diverse approach allows visitors to explore and enjoy the story of people and railways from various perspectives.

The museum boasts numerous attractions, including a spacious exhibition hall showcasing 36 train cars, a gallery for special exhibitions, driving simulators for hands-on experiences, intricate dioramas, and a 3D theater that brings the power of trains to life.

There’s plenty to delight children too, with areas where they can play with toy trains and even drive miniature vehicles.

The Railway Museum
3-47, Onari-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

Beyond the museum, the Omiya area offers numerous attractions for railway enthusiasts.

・Daiei Bridge
Located north of Omiya Station, Daiei Bridge spans multiple railway tracks. This popular spot allows visitors to watch a variety of trains passing beneath. From the bridge, you can see Omiya Station to the south and the railway maintenance facility to the north, occasionally catching glimpses of trains entering and exiting for servicing. To the west, you can even spot shinkansen trains speeding by.

Daiei Bridge
Nishiki-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

・Omiya Hokosugi Bridge
Another recommended train-viewing spot is located near Saitama-Shintoshin Station, just one stop from Omiya Station on the JR Line. The Omiya Hokosugi Bridge is a picturesque white pedestrian bridge situated north of the station. As JR lines run beneath the bridge, it offers an excellent vantage point to watch numerous trains pass by.

Omiya Hokosugi Bridge
Kishiki-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

The 2-kilometer walkway connecting Omiya Station to the Railway Museum is dotted with attractions that will delight train enthusiasts. One such highlight is the RAILWAY GARDEN PROMENADE. This unique feature spans approximately 500 meters, with a wall adorned with panels showcasing railway-related photographs and other exhibits. Visitors can enjoy these displays as they stroll along the path.

Behind this wall lies the JR East Omiya General Rolling Stock Center (formerly Omiya Factory), a facility boasting a 130-year history. Here, trains are maintained, new ones are built, and steam locomotives are repaired. While the general public typically isn’t allowed inside, parts of the roadside wall are transparent. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the ongoing work through these panels.

A highlight along the way is the exhibit of a D51 steam locomotive, affectionately known as “”Degoichi.”” Created in 1938, all of its structural components were manufactured at this rolling stock center.

Of the 31 locomotives built, the very first one is proudly on display here. Don’t miss the other exhibits of preserved rolling stock, including historic electric locomotives, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich railway heritage.

RAILWAY GARDEN PROMENADE
1017, Nishiki-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama

Lastly, check out the “Omiya Railway Town: Railway Interaction Fair,” an annual event held around November in the Omiya area. This popular event, jointly organized by JR East and Saitama City, features various activities at venues including the aforementioned Omiya Station and the Omiya General Rolling Stock Center.

The 2023 event offered a range of attractions, including test rides on the rolling stock center’s test track, sales of railway merchandise, mini steam locomotive and mini shinkansen ride experiences, and tours of maintenance vehicles. This fair also provides a rare opportunity to access the rolling stock center, an area typically off-limits to the public. Be sure to check back for updated information about upcoming events.
*Photographs are of past events.

Omiya Railway Town: Railway Interaction Fair
Held at multiple venues including:
1017, Nishiki-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama (Omiya General Rolling Stock Center)

The Omiya area offers much more than just railway-related attractions. It’s also home to many charming sites, including historic shrines. If you’re traveling in Japan, be sure to include a visit to this area!