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[Tochigi, Utsunomiya] Recharge your energy at the remains of the Oya stone quarry and experience the cafe culture of Nasushiobara on a two- Tomari, one-night trip. Mystical spaces and encounters with people give you the opportunity to face yourself.
The first place we visited was the Oya Museum in Utsunomiya City . This is a huge underground space where Oya stone was once mined, boasting an area of approximately 20,000 square meters and a depth of 30 meters.
Natural light shines through the rock face, creating a fantastical atmosphere like a scene from a movie. The sight of the illuminated Oya stone walls sparkling is a source of surprise and healing to all who visit.
📍Spot information
Otani Museum | 909 Otani Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture Prefecture
At the cafe and shop "ROCKSIDE MARKET" next to the museum, you can purchase miscellaneous goods and interior items made from local Oya stone. We recommend a quiet cafe time with the Oya stone as a backdrop. You can also purchase a coaster as a memento of your trip.
📍Spot information
ROCKSIDE MARKET|909 Tochigi Prefecture -cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture
Kuroiso Street in Nasushiobara City is a popular area lined with stylish cafes and general stores. Here, you can experience the daily lives of local people who are full of love for their hometown and their passion for town development.
"1988 CAFÉ SHOZO" in the center of the street is a symbol of the town's cafe culture. Established by owner Shozo Kikuchi 30 years ago, it has now become a famous spot in the town. In a space surrounded by vintage furniture, you can enjoy a quiet moment of reflection while sipping on carefully selected coffee and cake.
📍Spot information
1988 CAFÉ SHOZO | 6-6 Takasago , Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture Prefecture
For lodging, we'll head to the Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya, which is about a 15-minute drive from the Otani Museum. At the adjacent Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station) Romantic Village, you can enjoy fresh local vegetables, local specialties, and foot baths.
📍Hotel Information Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya
・Good access to the Oyaishi area and famous Utsunomiya gyoza restaurants
・The building is also equipped with a microwave, toaster, and drink corner.
Time Content
10:00 Arrive in Utsunomiya City
11:00 Recharge at the Otani Museum
12:30 Lunch and souvenir selection at ROCKSIDE MARKET
14:00 Move to Kuroiso Street (about 1 hour)
15:00 Coffee break at 1988 CAFÉ SHOZO
17:00 Check in at Fairfield Utsunomiya
Next day at Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station)
11:00 Departure and return journey
The Utsunomiya area of Tochigi is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and reset yourself. Surrounded by the silence of a mysterious underground space, you can experience the warmth and conversation of local people. Such an experience will give you the energy to take a positive step forward.
This is a place I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a trip just for themselves that will make them want to come back again.
The Fairfield by Marriott Michi no Eki Project is a regional revitalization project by Sekisui House and Marriott International, which develops hotels close to roadside stations "Michi no Eki" nationwide from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The hotel does not have any dining facilities, but instead has guests use "Michi no Eki" and local restaurants, interacting with local people and enjoying food, and creating a system where guests can fully experience the charm of the area. Hotel staff who are familiar with the area will recommend seasonal information and spots unique to the area. The guest rooms are simple and calm, with comfortable Simmons beds and rain shower-type bathrooms without bathtubs. The hotel's lobby lounge is equipped with a large table, microwave, toaster oven, coffee machine, Japanese tea, and miso soup. Relax in your room and enjoy your purchases from roadside stations, local supermarkets, wineries, sake breweries, etc. in the lobby lounge. After enjoying the area to your heart's content, spend your time relaxing at the hotel as if you were back home. Free high-speed Wi-Fi and tables with power outlets make it ideal for workation. Enjoy a new style of travel, traversing Japan freely while experiencing the charms of each region.
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