Shōsetsu-en

A museum of modern art featuring works by famous painters, such as Monet, Picasso, and Chagall.

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.

Exhibits artifacts from around Saitama Prefecture with information about its history and culture.

A must of rail buffs and great for kids, the museum features 36 engines on display (including Japan's first steam locomotive), train cab simulators, Japan's largest HO-gauge miniature railway and more. You can even eat your lunch in a restored dining car. English language signage is sparse.

A temple famous for its garden of hundreds of peonies which bloom from the end of April through the beginning of May.

Tōgyoku dolls are a famous local product and symbol. According to legend, a priest named Esho became sick while passing through the area. Although he recovered from the illness, it weakened him to the point that he couldn't leave the town. He began to pass the time by making dolls out of the local wood. His dolls slowly grew in popularity and the tradition of doll-making has been a part of the Iwatsuki area ever since. They were given the name 'Tōgyoku' by a local lord when he was given one of the dolls as a present. The museum has many examples of these dolls, as well as exhibits of other types of dolls. They also have workshops where you can make your own dolls for a fee.