Attractions

Hikawa Jinja (Hikawa Shrine)

Hikawa Shrine is located in the section of Saitama City that was once known as Omiya City. The main shrine of more than 280 other Hikawa Shrines that exist across Japan, its history stretches back approximately 2400 years. Local inhabitants affectionately know the shrine, whose own name gave rise to that of Omiya's, as Hikawa-sama ("Lord Hikawa").

A 2km wooded pathway, marked by three torii - towering archways to Shinto shrines that are usually colored bright red - leads to the main building of Hikawa Shrine. The first of the three torii is located close to Saitama Shintoshin Station. The second lies in front of the municipal library, while the third is located close to the main building of the shrine. Although there are numerous tree-lined avenues throughout Saitama Prefecture, the one located at Hikawa Shrine is particularly well known, with more than 300 majestic Japanese elms (keyaki) soaring above approaching visitors.

Visitors can easily reach Hikawa Shrine by getting off at Omiya-koen Station (Tobu-Nado Line) or Omiya Station (JR Line).

Omiya Park

Continuing on past Hikawa Shrine, visitors will find themselves in the sprawling greenery of Omiya Park. Established in 1884, it was Saitama Prefecture's first prefectural park. Inside Omiya Park, there are numerous picturesque areas where people come annually to revel in traditional flower viewing festivities. More than 1200 cherry blossom trees can also be found, in addition to ancient red pine trees that are over one hundred years old.

Omiya Park also boasts many facilities, including a soccer field that is home to the Omiya Ardijas. Other possibilities available to visitors include the Saitama Prefectural Museum, a cycling race course, a baseball field, a pond, a small zoo, a swimming pool and much more. Omiya Park remains active and popular year-round, thanks to the plethora of activities that it offers.

East of Omiya Park are No. 2 and No. 3 Omiya Parks. Smaller in scale, the two auxiliary parks possess additional attractions, including a tennis court and a wide variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year.

Omiya Bonsai Village

Established in 1925, Omiya Bonsai Village is known not only as Japan's center of bonsai culture and cultivation, but is also highly regarded throughout the international bonsai community. After the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake struck Tokyo in 1923, the historic Houses of bonsai growers authorized a move from the capital city to Omiya.

At its peak, Bonsai Village encompassed more than 30 distinguished Houses. Today, more than 10 Houses can be found in the area, consistently producing some of the world's most envied and beautiful bonsai. Both domestic and overseas visitors come throughout the year to enjoy and learn about the unique miniature trees. In addition, the Great Bonsai Festival draws great crowds and is held each year from May 3rd to May 5th.

Visitors are welcome to stroll around Bonsai Village at their leisure. For those who have tired from a day's worth of sightseeing, the Japanese-style "House of Four Seasons" provides a relaxing complementary rest area.

Saitama Super Arena

The symbol of Saitama Shintoshin ('Saitama New Urban Center'), Saitama Super Arena was opened in 2000. The arena frequently hosts a variety of different events, including concerts, sporting matches, exhibitions and trade fairs, among others.

One of the interesting features that sets the Super Arena apart from other large convention facilities is its unique system of moveable seating stands. The seats on one side of the arena rest on a gigantic mobile block that can be moved to adjust the layout of the arena, tailoring it to suit the needs of each individual event.

The grounds of the facility are also home to the John Lennon Museum, established by his wife, Yoko Ono. An introduction to the life of the famous musician, the museum has approximately 130 exhibits detailing such areas as John Lennon's music, on-stage clothes, lyric manuscripts and artwork. Before their display at the museum, most of the items had never been seen by the public.