Saitama Omiya Hikawa Shrine and Railway Museum Course

Omiya, at the heart of Saitama City, has excellent transport links and gathers a historic shrine and a popular museum close together. This one day course combines a shrine visit with hands on fun and is great for families too.

Course Route

9:30 Start at Omiya Station Walk from the station toward the approach to Hikawa Shrine. It is a calm, green lined path.

9:50 Walk the approach to Hikawa Shrine The tree lined approach, running north to south for about two kilometers, leaves a strong impression. Move slowly under the dappled sunlight. Simply walking it is free and refreshing.

10:15 Visit Omiya Hikawa Shrine Known as the first shrine of Musashi Province, it is one of the leading old shrines of the Kanto region. Take an unhurried visit in the wide grounds. The visit is free.

11:30 Stroll Omiya Park Enjoy seasonal greenery and flowers in the park next to the shrine. Entry is free.

13:00 After lunch, head to the Railway Museum From Omiya Station, transfer to the New Shuttle and get off at Railway Museum (Onari) Station. The ride is about fifteen minutes, and the museum is a one minute walk from the station.

13:30 Tour the Railway Museum A popular facility lined with real train cars and simulators. Admission is one thousand six hundred yen for adults, six hundred yen for elementary through high school students, and three hundred yen for young children aged three and up, and it is open from ten to five, with last entry at four thirty. It is closed on Tuesdays, so mind the day of your visit. Enjoy it thoroughly to end the day.

Highlights

Omiya Hikawa Shrine has a long history, and simply walking its approach of about two kilometers from north to south leaves you feeling refreshed. The Railway Museum has a rich display of real train cars and plenty of hands on exhibits such as driving simulators. It is a place that captivates both adults and children.

Access and Tips

JR Omiya Station is the starting point. The shrine is on foot and the Railway Museum is a few stops away on the New Shuttle, so you can cover everything by public transport alone. The museum is very popular and closed on Tuesdays, so to avoid crowds, a weekday or a visit right after opening is recommended. Booking online in advance or buying a ticket at a convenience store ahead of time makes entry smoother.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: A day built around the approach walk and shrine visit in the morning and the Railway Museum in the afternoon. The museum has many exhibits and can fill half a day easily.
• Getting there: JR Omiya Station is the base. The shrine is about a twenty minute walk, and the Railway Museum is about fifteen minutes from Omiya on the New Shuttle, then a one minute walk.
• Cost guide: The shrine visit and the Omiya Park stroll are free. The Railway Museum is one thousand six hundred yen for adults, six hundred yen for elementary through high school students, and three hundred yen for young children aged three and up.
• Avoiding crowds and booking: The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Weekends and holidays get busy, so arriving right after opening is more comfortable. Online booking or a convenience store advance ticket makes entry smoother.

A Quick Tip

You walk a lot between the approach and the museum, so comfortable shoes help. The museum can hold your interest all day, so plan with plenty of time to spare.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Reception at Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine: The shrine office is open from 9:00 to 16:00. Prayers and enquiries are best made within these hours
• Parking at Hikawa Shrine: The second lot holds about 20 cars (8:00-17:00; unavailable from late November to mid-January while the temporary collection point for old amulets is set up), and the west lot about 120 cars (7:00-18:00). The lots close entirely on December 10 for the Tokaichi market of the Oyumatsuri festival and over the New Year period (January 1 to 3)
• Parking at Omiya Park: Both the east and west lots are paid and open 24 hours. The charge is 200 yen for up to one hour and then 100 yen per 30 minutes (with no daily maximum). Parking is free of charge on presentation of a disability certificate
• Parking at the Railway Museum: The museum's own lot costs 1,000 yen per day for an ordinary car and 2,040 yen per day for a bus. Spaces are limited, so visitors are encouraged to come by public transport
• Inquiries: 048-641-0137 (Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine / reception 9:00-16:00), 048-641-6391 (Saitama Prefecture Omiya Park Office), 048-651-0088 (the Railway Museum)
• Official information: Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine official website, Saitama Prefecture Omiya Park official website, the Railway Museum official website

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Times and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.