“Where does this road lead?” you might ask. Right here at the \u014cmiya Interchange, history and modernity converge.
\u014cmiya once a city in Saitama Prefecture now thrives as a vibrant part of Saitama City. It is divided into four wards. Think of \u014cmiya as a place where the past whispers to the present.
\u014cmiya’s story begins long before cars sped along highways. Its very name speaks of its heritage. The name \u014cmiya means “large or great shrine”. This name comes from the revered Hikawa Shrine.
Imagine Edo period travelers. They journeyed along the Nakasendo. This major road is now National Highway Route 17. \u014cmiya was a vital stop. The Takasaki Line also passed through. The town’s importance grew because of the famous shrine.
Fast forward to April 1 1899. \u014cmiya became a modern municipality. After the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 something special happened. Bonsai nurseries moved here from Tokyo. They created the renowned bonsai village.
In 1940 \u014cmiya was officially recognized as a city. It grew by merging with nearby villages. A major change occurred on May 1 2001. \u014cmiya joined with Urawa and Yono. Together they formed the new city of Saitama. Since April 1 2003 \u014cmiya’s area has been divided. It now consists of Kita-ku Minuma-ku Nishi-ku and \u014cmiya-ku wards within Saitama City.
Consider visiting the Hikawa Shrine. It has a history stretching back to 473 BC. This “Great Shrine” is impressive. It boasts 59 branches in Tokyo and 162 in Saitama Prefecture. Unlike some popular shrines this one is less crowded. Appreciate the beautiful trees leading to the main entrance. They offer welcome shade in summer.
Adjacent to the shrine is \u014cmiya Park. It opened in 1885. This 168-acre park is famous for cherry blossoms. It ranks among the top 100 spots for viewing them. The Apricot Festival takes place here in mid-February. Explore the trails around the large pond. Discover the Saitama Prefecture Museum of History and Folklore. A zoo is at the opposite end of the park.
A twenty-minute trip north leads to the \u014cmiya Bonsai Art Museum. Admire the intricate beauty of bonsai trees. The museum opened in 2010. It showcases bonsai history masterpieces and artifacts. Bonsai means plantings in trays or pots.
Capture photos from the second-floor balcony. The beautifully landscaped Bonsai Garden provides great shots. Visit multiple times. The bonsai exhibits change with the seasons. All displays have English explanations.
Just a block away find the \u014cmiya Bonsai Village. It features many bonsai nurseries. This neighborhood is very popular with foreigners.
\u014cmiya is more than just a stop on the road. It is a place where history nature and art intertwine. As you pass through the \u014cmiya Interchange remember the stories embedded in this land.