The station was established in 1898 as the terminus of the newly opened line from Echigawa to Yokaichi. Since then, the extension of the line to Hino and the opening of the section from Yokaichi to Shin-Yokaichi have resulted in it becoming the junction station it is today.
Gateway to the city of Higashiomi, the station occupies a building with a distinctive triangular roof and features in a list of the top 100 stations in the Kinki region. The building is provided with commercial units for rent and a bicycle park.
On the second floor, accessible only through the ticket barrier, is the Ohmi Railway Museum, where visitors can enjoy learning about the railway’s history and seeing, touching, and finding out about original operating equipment.