Omiya Things to Do

For long term Saitama residents there is nothing better than a visit to the grounds of the Omiya Jinja (temple). A local temple with a long stand of trees, parkland and ponds. The trees are the last remnant of a grove that stretched all the way to Tokyo, part of a road unifying the great centres. Another great journey (within this most populated niche of Japan) is to the mountains of Chichibu. unlike other mountain pleasure spots in Japan this place is almost completely devoid of souvenir stores and loud tours. Instead you can sit almost completely alone on the stone riverbanks or spend an afternoon in a bamboo shaded teahouse. There is a reason for it not to future too prominently on tourist paths, it doesn't have the majesty of other mountainous areas however it does have a gentle pace and plenty of greenery within a short journey from Tokyo. Ideal for homesick Aussies.