Saitama Apartment Guide: Overview and Rental Prices in Omiya
Omiya is located in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, to the north of Tokyo. With an easy 30-minute access to Tokyo, Omiya is recognized as a convenient and comfortable area to live. Especially, Omiya Station serves as a major transportation hub, connecting multiple train lines, including the Shinkansen, making travel across Japan incredibly convenient. This makes Omiya a great location not only for commuting to work or school but also for traveling and business trips.
The area around Omiya Station is a mix of nostalgic spots, such as shopping streets and historic shrines, and modern commercial districts. This combination offers not just convenience but also a touch of Japanese culture, making it an attractive area for foreign residents.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the characteristics of Omiya, its convenience in terms of transportation and daily life, and its rent prices. If you are considering living in Omiya, this guide will be helpful.
What Kind of Area Is Omiya?
Since the opening of Omiya Station in 1885, the area has grown alongside the development of railroads, becoming a major city with a strong base in local industries like silk production and tea manufacturing. Today, it is known as a "city of railways," rivaling Tokyo Station in terms of train connections.
Omiya strikes a balance between urban convenience and natural beauty. While the station area is bustling with people, stepping away from it reveals serene spots like tree-lined pathways and parks, providing relief from the urban hustle.
Omiya is symbolized by its cherry blossoms, and it boasts many famous spots. Among them, Omiya Park, selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," offers breathtaking views with about 1,000 cherry trees blooming in spring.
The area around Omiya Station is divided into distinct characteristics on the east and west sides. Let’s explore them in detail.
The East Side of Omiya Station
The east side of Omiya Station features major establishments like the long-standing department store "Omiya Takashimaya" and the trendy shopping mall "Lumine Omiya," offering shopping options for all generations.
Meanwhile, traditional shopping streets also remain, preserving strong community ties. These areas provide a sense of nostalgia and warmth, serving as gathering spots for locals. You may also find great bargains in these markets, which is one of their unique charms.
There’s also "Omiya South Ginza," the largest entertainment district in Saitama, known affectionately as "Nangin" by locals. It transforms into a lively nightlife area in the evenings, offering an array of entertainment options.
Another must-visit spot is the Hikawa Shrine, from which the name "Omiya" originates. Heading further east from the station, you’ll find a 2-kilometer-long tree-lined approach to the shrine. This serene path, with its abundant greenery, contrasts sharply with the bustling station area.
Along the path, there are charming shops selling traditional sweets, Japanese restaurants, and stylish cafes. This area is not only popular with tourists but also a favorite for locals to enjoy a relaxing stroll.
The West Side of Omiya Station
The west side of Omiya Station has a more subdued atmosphere, characterized by commercial facilities and office buildings.
Key commercial facilities on the west side include:
- Lumine 2
- Sogo Omiya Store
- Bic Camera
- DOM Shopping Center
- Arche Omiya
With such a variety of stores, you’ll never have trouble finding what you need. Its convenient location near everything you need and its quieter atmosphere compared to the east side make it particularly popular with families.
Located just a 3-minute walk from Omiya Station, the "Sonic City" complex includes a concert hall, exhibition space, meeting rooms, and a city hotel, supporting various regional activities such as concerts and events.
The west side also features areas undergoing redevelopment, with new apartments and buildings adding a modern touch to the landscape.
Convenience of Transportation in Omiya
Omiya Station is served by 13 lines from three operators: JR East, Tobu Railway, and Saitama New Urban Transit (New Shuttle), making it the second most connected station after Tokyo Station.
It serves as the gateway to Eastern Japan, with all Shinkansen lines heading to Hokuriku, Joetsu, Tohoku, and Hokkaido passing through. This allows for direct access to these regions without transfers, making day trips for business or leisure highly feasible. In some cases, it is even more convenient than Tokyo.
It also provides direct access to central Tokyo, making it a great location for commuters. Travel times to major Tokyo stations are as follows:
Omiya Station also has excellent bus services, including express buses to Haneda and Narita airports, ensuring convenient access for domestic and international travel. Buses also provide direct routes to Kansai and other regions, making Omiya a great choice for frequent travelers or those who enjoy exploring.
4 Key Reasons Why Omiya Is a Great Place to Live
While Omiya Station’s transportation and shopping options are impressive, the area offers additional benefits for comfortable living. Let’s look at what makes Omiya appealing, even for foreign residents.
1. Many Supermarkets Open Late at Night
In addition to numerous convenience stores, Omiya Station has many supermarkets open late at night, making it easy to shop after work.
On the east side of Omiya Station, "Maruetsu Omiya Store" is open 24 hours, and "Don Quijote Omiya East Store" operates until 2 a.m. Don Quijote is especially convenient as it offers not just groceries but also daily necessities at reasonable prices.
On the west side, "Maruetsu Omiya Sakura Square Store" is open until midnight, while "Daiei Omiya Store" operates until 10 p.m. These stores also offer reasonably priced ready-made meals and bento boxes, making them a practical alternative to convenience stores.
Additionally, while not open late, the east side features "Gen no Aji Omiya East Store," which specializes in Chinese products that are hard to find elsewhere in Japan.
For those who value healthy food, the west side’s Sogo Omiya Department Store basement houses "Kodawariya," a natural food store. It offers organic and minimally processed foods, including both Japanese and international products.
2. Parks and Leisure Facilities for All Ages
Omiya is home to various leisure facilities, ensuring plenty of options for enjoyable weekends.
Omiya Park, known for its cherry blossoms, is the most visited park in Saitama Prefecture. It features a boating pond, a small zoo, a children's playground, and a Japanese garden, offering something new with every visit. The zoo and garden are free, making them budget-friendly attractions. Additionally, the park houses the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore, where visitors can explore history, culture, and art.
"Cocoon City," a large shopping and entertainment complex near the station, is another highlight. Comprising three buildings—Cocoon 1, 2, and 3—it offers shopping, dining, and Saitama’s largest cinema with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. Family-friendly events are frequently held, making it ideal for outings.
The "Saitama Municipal Space Theater" is another notable spot, featuring a planetarium that offers shows for both children and adults. Its variety of programs ensures visitors can always find something new to enjoy.
3. Rich in History and Culture
Omiya boasts several museums and cultural facilities, including:
- The Railway Museum
- Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum
- Mint Museum Saitama
The Railway Museum, established to celebrate JR East’s 20th anniversary, is one of Omiya’s top attractions. It features 42 train cars, Japan's largest railway diorama, and hands-on exhibits like train simulations. Even those without a particular interest in trains can enjoy the experience.
Bonsai, a traditional art form in Saitama City, is celebrated at the Saitama City Omiya Bonsai Art Museum—the world’s first museum dedicated to bonsai. It attracts visitors from around the globe. Currently under renovation, it is set to reopen in March 2025 with enhanced facilities.
The Mint Museum Saitama is a museum about the history of currency. It is free to enter and doesn’t require reservations, making it an easy and educational visit. The adjacent mint factory can also be toured on weekdays.
4. Strong Support Systems for Foreign Residents
The Omiya Ward Office, about a 15-minute walk from the station’s east exit, offers multilingual consultation services in languages like English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. It also hosts free Japanese language classes run by volunteers.
Additionally, the Omiya branch of Hello Work, about a 20-minute walk from the station, has a dedicated foreign employment service desk. Here, interpreters assist with job consultations. There is also a bus service from the station to the office, making it easily accessible.
With these support systems in place, the foreign resident population in Omiya has steadily increased: from 2,888 in 2022 to 3,389 in 2024.
Omiya is also home to various bars and pubs popular among foreigners. One standout is the British-style pub "HUB Omiya East Exit," just a 3-minute walk from the station. It offers international cuisine, a wide selection of beers, and a lively atmosphere, making it a great place to meet new people.
Rent Prices for Apartments in Omiya
The rent prices in the Omiya area are more affordable compared to central Tokyo, making it an attractive option for foreigners new to Japan or those considering a move.
Below is an overview of rent prices for apartments near Omiya Station and Saitama Shintoshin Station, which is about a 20-minute walk from Omiya Station.
Saitama Shintoshin Station, served by three train lines including the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, offers excellent transportation access. Right in front of the station, you’ll find the shopping complex "Cocoon City" and the "Saitama Super Arena," the largest event venue in the Kanto region. While the area can get crowded during weekends and events, it has a quieter atmosphere compared to Omiya Station, making it a popular residential choice with slightly higher rent prices.
On the other hand, Omiya Station has even more train lines and unparalleled accessibility to various destinations. With an abundance of commercial facilities and relatively lower rent prices, it is an attractive option for those prioritizing cost-efficiency.
Keep in mind that rent prices are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the age of the apartment, its amenities, and its distance from the station.
Why Omiya Is a Recommended Residential Area with Great Potential
As of 2024, large-scale redevelopment projects are underway on the west side of Omiya Station. A high-rise complex featuring commercial facilities and residential units has already been completed near Sonic City. By 2025, the adjacent area will include high-rise apartments, a town square called "Machinaka Place," and a pedestrian walkway with diverse shops known as "Machinaka Galleria."
Omiya is gaining attention as a hub for business and study, thanks to its high level of transportation convenience and continually improving residential environment. Combining accessibility with livability, Omiya offers an ideal setting for starting a new life. Why not consider making Omiya your next home?
Nov 23, 2024