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Photo: Saigen Jiro, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
One of the most important Shinto shrines in the Kanto area, claiming the history of more than 2000 years. Take the train to JR Omiya station, exit to the east, and keep walking until you come to the tree-lined street. This is the 2-km-long entrance path to the shrine. Turn left and walk straight north until you reach Hikawa Shrine itself. On New Year's Day, people young and old come to visit and celebrate the new year. Next to the shrine is a park, Omiya Koen.
Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ōmiya-ku, Saitama, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the two shrines claiming the title of ichinomiya of former Musashi Province. The main festival of the shrine is held annually on August 1. The district of Omiya, literally "Great Shrine", derives from the special favor shown by Emperor Meiji, who raised Hikawa above all other shrines in the Kantō region. It is the head of a network of approximately 280 Hikawa shrines mostly around the Kantō region.
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大宮公園小動物園
A small children's zoo, home to a variety of birds, monkeys, squirrels, reptiles, and other small animals.
大宮公園
The first prefectural park in Saitama, later expanded twice to become a very big park. There is a small zoo, swimming pool, amusement park, soccer field, museum and archery ground in the park, making it enjoyable for all ages. In the spring, many people enjoy cherry-blossom viewing there.
埼玉県立歴史と民俗の博物館
Exhibits artifacts from around Saitama Prefecture with information about its history and culture.