Omiya

**Omiya** [重妙 おみや] is the capital city of Mikei Prefecture, and the largest city in the prefecture with a population of roughly 1.09 million. Generally regarded in the modern day as the capital of the Honzura region, Omiya is a centre of commerce, culture, and innovation.

The city was founded in 1390 by the great *konbūshin* of ancient Sanzama Province, Omiya no Amatoshi. It is nicknamed the Forest City [*soyu no seki*] due to the large population of cedar, beech, birch, oak, cherry, and plum trees lining many of the main thoroughfares and high streets such as Kikuno Street and Chōfu Street. In the late summer, the city's famous Harvest Festival, which is the largest in the Honzura region, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

## History

Although the area of Omiya was inhabited as early as 15,000 years ago, the history of Omiya as a city begins from 1390 when the *konbūshin* Omiya no Amatoshi decided to relocate. Amatoshi was not satisfied with his previous stronghold, Masaki, which was situated on the Sanzama border and was too vulnerable. Omiya was an ideal location, settled in the Hokuyama Valley in a central plain which was geographically protected and easy to access from most directions, being in close proximity to the Sansha Pass.

At this point, the *manza* Mizake no Daishō gave Amatoshi permission to build a new castle in the city. This became Omiya Castle, one of the most famous and well-preserved castles in the Honzura region.

For much of its history, Omiya was considered to be one of Kanton's greenest cities, mostly because of its great botanical population. Even beginning in feudal times, residents of the area were encouraged to plant trees in their gardens and around their farmlands. As a result, many ancient residences, temples and shrines in central Omiya (the original ancient area of the city) have special forests known as *furuzori* which are said to have existed for over 700 years and therefore are given particular spiritual significance.

## Geography

Omiya is located in the Hokuyama Valley, west of the Taiyū Alps (and historically at the opening to the Sansha Pass, an important travel route). The Daiyama River, which is the longest river in the prefecture, flows through the centre of the city, as does its tributary the Dainoko and the smaller Torigo River. Omiya Castle was constructed in the fork of the Daiyama and Dainoko as the two rivers formed a natural moat.

## Economy

Omiya's economy is largely supported by retail, tourism, and services. It has a strong agricultural base, and is also known for providing hydro and wind power. There are relatively few major companies headquartered in the city; various authorities have tried to alleviate this problem, primarily by encouraging high-tech ventures from young entrepeneurs. The prefectural government also offers incentives for startups.

## Education

### Universities

Omiya is known across Honzura as the 'Scholar's City' due to its large amount of universities; these include Honzura University, Omiya Honba Institute of Technology, Mikei University and Omiya University. In particular, Honzura University is considered the most prestigious in northern Kanton.

## Local attractions

Omiya is known for its Harvest Festival, which attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually and is the second-largest *shūzai* in Kanton. It is relatively subdued compared to other traditional Kantonese festivals, involving less dance and performance and more consumption of traditional foods. Other festivals include the Aodomachi Musifest, the Omiya Dance Festival, and the Omiya Lantern Festival.

Sites of interest within the city include:

* Omiya Castle
* Omiyanogano Temple
* Omiya City Museum
* Aodo Museum of Art
* Omiyahiroshi Tomb - in which members of the Omiya clan are buried
* Niraka Hot Spring
* Aodomachi Temple
* Kan'omiya Park