Omiya Park, Saitama Prefecture

The oldest prefectural park in Saitama Prefecture, located next to Hikawa Shrine. Inside the park, you can enjoy seasonal scenery, including red pines over 100 years old and cherry blossoms selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots. In spring, Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and azaleas are at their best, while crape myrtles and summer snowflakes bloom in summer, and red spider lilies and autumn leaves color the park in fall.

Scattered throughout the park are a boating pond with rental boats (fee required), a small zoo home to around 300 animals from about 50 species, a Japanese garden, and a children's amusement area with a retro flying tower. There are also sports facilities such as a baseball field, soccer field, and cycling track, and the excitement on game days is part of the park’s atmosphere.

The parking lot gets crowded during cherry blossom season and on game days, so using public transportation is recommended. The park is open 24 hours, but facilities such as the rental boats, zoo, and Japanese garden each have their own closed days and hours, so be sure to check before visiting.