Omiya

City in Saitama prefecture, Japan, 20 km/12 mi to the north of Tokyo; population (1998 est) 439,200. The city, which is situated in the centre of the Kanto plain, is a satellite of Tokyo and is on the main rail route to the north. Omiya is the largest producer of bonsai trees in Japan. Tourism is an important industry.

Omiya developed round the Hikawa Shrine, sacred to Susano-wo, the brother of the Sun Goddess. It grew as a market town from the 17th century and its status as a commercial centre was boosted in the late 19th century by the opening of the Tohuku railway. Modern Omiya has also developed as a centre of tourism around the shrine, Omiya Park, and Bonsai Village.