Immerse yourself in Japanese history and nature in Saitama and Tochigi - Nakasendo and Nikko Kaido GREEN Journey

This content was produced by JTB Corporation under contract with the Kanto Regional Transport Bureau.

There are many different ways to travel in Japan, but this time we will introduce you to the Utsunomiya, Nikko, and Omiya route, a fascinating journey that combines history, culture, and nature.
This route allows you to experience the historical atmosphere of the Edo period while also enjoying the magnificent nature of the Kanto region. It is perfect for travelers who love Japanese culture, enjoy outdoor experiences, and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Table of Contents
• Old roads from the Edo period: Nikko Kaido and Nakasendo
• Recommended itinerary for visiting Omiya, Utsunomiya and Nikko
• A special experience in Omiya, Utsunomiya and Nikko
• A deep journey to enjoy history and nature
• GREEN × EXPO 2027
• Summary: A slow-life trip to Omiya, Utsunomiya, and Nikko

Old roads from the Edo period: Nikko Kaido and Nakasendo

The five main roads, which began in Edo's Nihonbashi, played a major role in shaping Japan's culture and landscape as a place for the exchange of people, goods, and information. The Nikko Kaido and Nakasendo roads we will introduce this time are among the five main roads.

Nikko Kaido

The Nikko Kaido was a pilgrimage route connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Nikko Toshogu Shrine. It was once an important route for worshippers of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and was also a frequent route for samurai and merchants. Even today, vestiges of the cedar-lined streets and post towns remain, making it a recommended route for those who want to experience the feeling of being a traveller in the old days.

Nakasendo

Nakasendo is an inland road from Edo to Kyoto that passes through mountainous areas and played an important role as a resting place for merchants and travelers during the Edo period. Omiya was one of the post towns on the Nakasendo, and developed a unique culture, including bonsai. It is the perfect place to stroll and feel the history of the Edo period.

Recommended itinerary for visiting Omiya, Utsunomiya and Nikko

On this route you can experience traditional Japanese bonsai culture in Omiya, visit the famous bamboo forests of Utsunomiya, and finally tour the World Heritage Site of Nikko.

Omiya: Experience Japanese bonsai culture

Bonsai Seikoen

Special feature: A bonsai garden with over 100 years of history where you can appreciate and experience traditional Japanese bonsai art.

Utsunomiya: A magical sight in the bamboo forest

Wakatake Forest Wakayama Farm

Features: A famous spot in Utsunomiya with a vast bamboo forest. It is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere. You can experience making bamboo lanterns and light the lanterns you carved yourself in the bamboo forest.

Nikko: World Heritage Sites and History and Culture

Nikko Cedar Avenue

Special feature: The longest avenue in the world, stretching 37km in length. It is designated as a Japanese cultural property.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Special feature: A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the highlight is the gorgeous carvings.

Nikko Toshogu

2301 Sannai, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-1431

mekke Nikko Folklore Center

Special feature: You can experience traditional crafts such as Nikko washi paper making, wood carving, and bamboo work.

A special experience in Omiya, Utsunomiya and Nikko

Omiya: Experience Japanese bonsai culture

Bonsai Seikoen

Special feature : Founded at the end of the Edo period. A bonsai garden with over 170 years of history where you can appreciate traditional Japanese bonsai art. You can experience making bonsai and take lessons on how to look at and make bonsai.

Address : 268 Bonsaicho, Kita-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture

Access : 20 minutes by taxi from JR Omiya Station, 11 minutes on foot from JR Toro Station

HP : https://bonsai-seikouen.co.jp/

Utsunomiya: A magical sight in the bamboo forest

Wakatake Forest Wakayama Farm

A green spot in Utsunomiya with a vast bamboo forest. It is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
You can experience making a bamboo lantern and light the lantern you carved yourself in the bamboo forest.

Address : 2018 Takagihonmachi, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

Access : 20 minutes by taxi from Utsunomiya Station

Nikko: World Heritage Sites and Natural Beauty

Nikko Cedar Avenue

The day we visited for the interview was a snowy day in February, and the scenery was almost magical!

Features : A tree-lined road stretching for about 37 km. It is cool even in summer, making it a great place for a stroll. It has a long history of about 400 years since planting began in 1625.

Address : Suginami Park and other locations in Segawa, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Access : About 5 minutes by taxi from JR Nikko Line "Imaichi Station" or immediately after getting off at Tobu Nikko Line "Kamiimaichi Station" (to Suginamiki Park)

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

On this day, we were able to witness a beautiful snowy landscape that even the locals find rare.

Special feature : The mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the most magnificent shrines in Japan. Famous for its sculptures of the "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" three monkeys and the "sleeping cat."

Address : 591 Miyuki-cho, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Access : About 10 minutes by taxi from Tobu Nikko Station

mekke Nikko Folklore Center

Special feature : You can experience the local traditional craft of Nikko carving (wood carving) and deerskin craft using local materials. You can also deepen your learning through explanations about coexistence with deer.

Address : 591 Miyuki-cho, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Access : About 10 minutes by taxi from Nikko Toshogu Shrine

A deep journey to enjoy history and nature

This route is perfect for travelers who love nature and culture. Unlike the bustling tourist areas of Tokyo, you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere while immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture and nature.

GREEN × EXPO 2027

Also in the Kanto area, the International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027) will be held in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture in 2027. Please see below for details.

International Horticultural Exposition 2027 Official Website

Summary: A slow-life trip to Omiya, Utsunomiya, and Nikko

This route allows you to experience the history of the Edo period, traditional culture, and abundant nature. It is recommended for travelers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience Japan on a deeper level.

Recommended itinerary

Omiya: Experience bonsai at Bonsai Seikoen → Take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station (Omiya Station to Utsunomiya Station: Travel time approx. 30 minutes)

Utsunomiya: Take a taxi from Utsunomiya Station → Wakatake no Mori bamboo forest walk (travel time approx. 20 minutes)

Nikko: Take the JR Nikko Line to Imaichi Station (from Utsunomiya Station to Imaichi Station: travel time approx. 40 minutes) → Suginami Kaido → Take the Tobu Nikko Line to Tobu Nikko Station (from Kamiimaichi Station to Tobu Nikko Station: travel time approx. 10 minutes) → mekke traditional craft experience → visit Toshogu Shrine (travel by taxi within Nikko city)

If you want to take a special trip that combines historical culture, handmade experiences, and the beauty of nature, be sure to try the Omiya, Utsunomiya, and Nikko route.

This content was produced by JTB Corporation under contract with the Kanto Regional Transport Bureau.