Okaya City is located in the Minami-Shinshu region, almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture. Long ago, it flourished as a center of the silk industry, but today, the city is known as the Switzerland of the East, thanks to its thriving precision machinery industry, including clocks and cameras. It was also once the top miso producer in Japan, and even today boasts numerous miso factories. The city's high schools have produced many Olympic athletes in skating and rowing, and it also boasts renowned schools for volleyball and rugby. Major tourist attractions include Shokoji Temple, Kannon-in Temple, and the former Hayashi Residence, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Festivals include the Tsurumine Park Azalea Festival and the Okaya Theater Festival, as well as historical sites like the Mekiri Ruins.