Omiya Park

Japan is well-known for having tightly packed city centers and station districts, but one benefit to compact living spaces is the preservation of beautiful public space and vegetation nearby. Situated right next to Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa-jinja Shrine, a stroll through this expansive park is a great continuation of your walking adventure in Saitama. It’s sure to satisfy your outdoor spirit, without having to commit to a full day’s journey.

Omiya Park is a popular spot that has a little bit of everything you could want to “get away from it all”. If you want to be active and bring sporting equipment, the grass fields give you plenty of room to play. Likewise, if you would rather picnic under the canopy of trees, the spring, summer, and fall foliage is some of the most famous in the entire Kanto region, with the cherry blossoms being particularly revered.

But Omiya Park goes beyond just being a large recreational space. The activities and seasonal events keep people coming back regularly. During festival seasons, vendors set up shop for food and souvenirs, making it a bustling event space. The ponds, gardens, and landscaping are all immaculately maintained, giving you plenty to see and explore. Of course popular with tourists, it’s also frequented by locals who need a free, wholesome weekend activity with family. Playgrounds and coin-operated rides keep both kids and adults entertained, and the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore within the park is an interesting stop and also has a cafe to unwind at.

Another big attraction at the park is the free zoo, with a collection of remarkably rare animals, including many unique Japanese varieties. All in all, Omiya park has plenty to see and do and is a great option on a budget. Spend a few hours here in the early afternoon, and before you know it, be back to Omiya station for some dinner in the evening.