8 Tourist Spots in Saitama City, Known for its Many Museums and Art Galleries in Omiya

Located in the southeastern part of Saitama Prefecture, Saitama City is one of the largest cities in the Tokyo metropolitan area, home to about 1.3 million people. With excellent access, being just about 20 km from the city center, it is also known as a popular bedroom community. In Saitama City, areas like Urawa, Omiya, and Iwatsuki have many major train stations, as well as shopping centers, restaurants, and amusement facilities. There are also numerous museums, art galleries, and parks, making it a great destination for families to enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Here are some of the city's most attractive tourist spots.

1. Railway Museum

For those who love trains, the Railway Museum is a must-visit. It opened in 2007 as part of a project celebrating the 20th anniversary of JR East. It’s just one stop from Omiya Station on the New Shuttle, and you can get off at the Railway Museum Station, where the museum is located right in front of you.
Inside, you’ll find over 30 actual trains that were once in operation on display. You can see a variety of valuable vehicles, including a steam locomotive from the Meiji era, an electric locomotive imported from the UK, sleeping carriages, diesel locomotives, and much more. There is also a mini train area where you can ride a small 3-person vehicle on a 300-meter track. With stations like Manseibashi, Shiodome, and Iidacho, featuring trains like the Superview Odoriko, Narita Express, and electric locomotives, there's plenty to enjoy. Tickets for the mini-train rides are given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't miss the chance to experience it.
In July 2018, a new building at the Railway Museum opened, featuring outdoor displays of Shinkansen, a history station, and a future station, expanding the exhibition areas. Be sure to visit.

2. Saitama Prefectural Omiya Park

Located about 1.5 km from JR Omiya Station, Saitama Prefectural Omiya Park is like an oasis within the city. It was selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and features approximately 1,000 cherry trees.
The park includes a Japanese garden, a boating pond, and wide open spaces, providing plenty of areas to relax. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes with plum blossoms, dogwoods, autumn leaves, and ginkgo trees. There's also a small children's amusement park with mini trains, a flying tower, and miniature cars like police cars and fire trucks, making it a great place for families with young children. Entrance is free, and the rides are reasonably priced.

3. Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

The Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum allows visitors to enjoy the traditional Japanese culture of bonsai. Opened in 2010, it is a facility where people of all generations can interact through bonsai. The museum features a bonsai garden with about 50 bonsai on display, including the largest bonsai in the museum, the Five-Needle Pine "Chiyo no Matsu," as well as vibrant seasonal bonsai that change throughout the year.
The Collection Gallery showcases bonsai that were displayed in the high-status Zashiki-shin room and tea rooms, giving visitors a deep appreciation for bonsai culture. The Special Exhibition Room provides further insight into the history of bonsai and exhibits by bonsai artists, offering an in-depth learning experience. The museum shop offers cute stationery items, such as masking tape, magnets, and clear files with bonsai illustrations, making for great souvenirs.

4. Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park

Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park was created by refurbishing the site of Iwatsuki Castle, which was built during the Sengoku period. It is a nature-filled park and a popular cherry blossom spot with around 600 cherry trees. The park offers various recreational facilities, such as a Iris Pond with bridges, a children's playground with plenty of play equipment, and a picnic area with a fountain.
Additionally, there is a plaza where the Romancecar Kinu-go is displayed, and visitors can enter it. The train, which ran on the Tobu Nikko Line from 1960 to 1991, was donated by Tobu Railway. Visitors can sit in the driver’s seat and on the seats.

5. Cocoon City

Located right in front of Saitama Shintoshin Station, Cocoon City is a large shopping center consisting of three sections: Cocoon 1, Cocoon 2, and Cocoon 3. In addition to restaurants and shops, the facility also includes a movie theater and Yodobashi Camera. It originally opened as "Cocoon Shintoshin" in 2004 and was renamed Cocoon City in 2014, transforming into the shopping mall it is today.
Cocoon 1 features a supermarket (Life), Kinokuniya bookstore, apparel shops, and a gourmet & food section. Cocoon 2 houses Ito Yokado, Cocoon Dining, while Cocoon 3 includes Yodobashi Camera, offering everything you might need. Be sure to stop by.

6. Saitama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art

Located within Kita Urawa Park, the Saitama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art showcases both domestic and international art. The museum, which opened in 1982, houses over 3,000 works of art. Various exhibitions are held throughout the year, including modern art and solo exhibitions by Japanese artists, so it’s always worth checking out.
The museum’s collection includes works by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Maurice Utrillo, making it a must-see destination. On the first floor, the museum shop offers postcards featuring pieces from the collection and original merchandise inspired by the artwork. If you need a break, the restaurant "Peperone" serves delicious Italian dishes like pasta, risotto, and desserts, making it a perfect place to relax.

7. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine

Known as one of Saitama City's major power spots, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is a popular tourist destination that attracts over 2 million visitors each year for New Year's prayers. It is the head shrine of around 200 Hikawa Shrines in the Tokyo metropolitan area and was founded during the reign of Japan's 5th emperor, Emperor Kōtoku, over 2,400 years ago.
The shrine is said to bring blessings for love, relationships, and success in work. It hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Setsubun Festival, Spring Equinox Festival, Autumn Equinox Festival, and the Great Hot Water Festival, making it a great place to participate in traditional celebrations.

8. Omiya Park Small Animal Zoo

Located within Omiya Park, this small zoo is free to enter. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Popular animals such as Japanese black bears, spotted hyenas, capybaras, and goats are among the residents.
Visitors can also enjoy events like watching feeding times for the capuchin monkeys and black bears, as well as interacting with guinea pigs. Be sure to check out these adorable animals on your visit.

Summary

With excellent access from the city center, Saitama City offers a wealth of attractive tourist spots. From nature-filled parks and historic shrines to museums and art galleries, there is much to see and experience. With shopping malls, accommodations, and other essential tourist attractions, Saitama City is definitely worth a visit.