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Area
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Interest
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Travel Tips
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Booking
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Area
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Interest
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Travel Tips
Tochigi Prefecture is part of the greater Tokyo area. Many major sightseeing spots are 1 to 2 hours away from Tokyo, making Tochigi a convenient travel destination.
In addition to Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the other World Heritage Sites of Nikko, there are many hidden scenic spots all around this prefecture. The local food is also renowned for its delicious taste, making Tochigi a destination that will satisfy everyone! It's a great place to visit with family or friends, as it offers many fun activities to enjoy, too!
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Tochigi is flanked by mountains in the north and plains in the south, offering a wide variety of natural landscapes. In fact, it is an area with many scenic sites! Thousands of colorful flowers bloom all around in spring. In the summer, the northern areas of Tochigi Prefecture are sought for their cool temperatures. The fall colors can be enjoyed for two months in Tochigi because of the differences in altitude. Last but not least, the many picturesque hot spring resorts covered in snow are the highlight of winter.
Tochigi's splendid nature stands at the origin of the delicious local food. First of all, the area is famous in Japan for its excellent strawberries. Tochigi ranks second after Hokkaido when it comes to milk production. The fresh dairy products made here are loved countrywide. Moreover, it is the home of popular dishes such as gyoza (dumplings), which can be found in Utsunomiya City, and Sano ramen, the favorite of many ramen lovers.
The shrines and temples of Nikko were registered as a World Heritage Site by the
23rd
World Heritage
Committee session held in Marrakesh, Morocco on December 2, 1999.
These sacred sites in Nikko include a group of 103 structures (9 National Treasures
and
94 Important
Cultural Properties) that makeup Futarasan Shrine, Toshogu Shrine, and Rinno-ji
Temple
on the mountains
of Nikko. The cultural landscapes that surround these structures are also included.
In
2019, the
structures welcomed its 20th anniversary since being registered as a World Heritage
Site.
This was once the family temple of the Ozeki Family, feudal lords of the Kurobane
Domain
who governed
the Otawara area. It presently stands as a Soto Zen temple with over 600 years of
history. All seven
temple buildings have thatched roofs; the main hall, Zen meditation hall, temple
kitchen, and corridors
are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. A variety of flowers and
sights
can be enjoyed
throughout the year. They include moutan peonies, fringed irises, hydrangeas, and
autumn
leaves.
Anyone, regardless of nationality or religion, can participate in Zen meditation or
sutra copying at
Daio-ji Temple. The rules of etiquette will be fully explained to visitors, so you
can
easily
participate in these activities even if you're a beginner.
In the main hall is a hanging scroll called the Makuragaeshi Ghost. This scroll
depicts
a legless
elderly woman who appears to be glaring at viewers from all angles. This is an
unusual
piece that has
been handed down in the temple since the Edo Period (1603 - 1868). A bizarre rumor
alleges that if you
sleep in front of this hanging scroll, your pillow will be flipped, and you'll be
facing
the opposite
direction the next morning.
Visitors at Shiobara Onsen-kyo can enjoy dipping into various types of hot springs.
You
can soak in six
of the ten types of hot springs that exist in Japan, ranging from simple springs to
sulfur waters, and
can experience seven different colors of hot springs from milky white to dark
brown.
Shiobara has been visited by famous literary figures such as Koyo Ozaki and Natsume
Soseki since the
Meiji Period (1868 - 1912). By soaking in these hot springs, outstanding novels and
poetry were created
in this nature-rich environment that heals the mind and body. The same atmosphere
that
these literary
figures experienced during their stay in Shiobara still remains today.
A diverse selection of gourmet food can be enjoyed in Shiobara Onsen-kyo. Try the
addictively-delicious
yakisoba noodles with soup, which consists of fresh, stir-fried sauce yakisoba in a
soy-sauce-based
broth.
Another must-try is toteyaki, a sweet snack from Nasushiobara City. This delectable
dessert is made with
various ingredients, wrapped in a fluffy batter of milk and eggs. The ingredients
for
each shop vary,
with some offering strawberries and whipped cream, to meat and soba noodles.
This is a guided cycling tour for participants wishing to experience nature, food,
and
life in Nasu.
Feel a sense of unity with nature and immerse yourself in the local life while
enjoying
landscapes in
Nasu unique to bicycle riders. These spectacular views cannot be seen while riding a
car
or on foot! A
qualified guide with knowledge of the town will accompany you the entire tour.
During the Nasu Satoyama Farm Ride, participants will stop by hidden yet noteworthy
spots—such as
historical shrines, bamboo groves, and post towns—while traveling through quiet
lanes
and rice field
pathways on pristine land. The highlight of the tour is a simple agricultural
workshop
at a farmer's
home over homemade lunch with delightful company. This one-day tour allows
partipants to
experience
rural Japan while enjoying an invigorating bicycle ride.
The Forest Gravel Ride is an adventurous route on gravel roads along mountain
streams
and forest roads
covered in dry leaves and branches. Fat tire bikes and mountain bikes are used
during
this tour. Coffee
can also be enjoyed brewed by the clear riverside.
*The Nasu Satoyama Farm Ride and Forest Gravel Ride have different meeting points.
The museum possesses several great works of art. This includes hand-painted works by
Utagawa Hiroshige,
an ukiyo-e artist from the late Edo Period (1603 - 1868) famous for "The Fifty-Three
Stations of the
Tokaido," and ukiyo-e prints by the Utagawa school. These artworks were donated by
the
family of Mr.
Tosaku Aoki, a businessman from Sakura City, following his death—thus nicknamed the
Aoki
Collection.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, elaborate temporary and special exhibitions
are
also held
throughout the year. Visitors won't grow tired of the museum no matter how many
times
they visit.
The museum building is the work of Kengo Kuma, a world-famous architect who designed
the
New National
Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Generously constructed with local Yamizo cedar,
it
wonderfully
harmonizes with the surrounding woodland and is a work of art that can be hailed to
the
world.
A cafe that operates as a local miso brewery is also located inside the museum.
Visitors
can relax here
while basking in the memories of the artwork.
Bamboo has been cultivated at the Wakayama Farm for 100 years and over three
generations
while
continuing to be organic and pesticide-free. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal
flavors
here, such as
bamboo shoots in the spring and chestnuts in autumn. Numerous people visit the farm
each
year in search
of high-quality produce.
The farm is 24-hectares in size and covered in beautiful, well-maintained bamboo
thickets. Additionally,
Wakayama Farm been used as a filming location in various movies and commercials,
including the
live-action version of "Rurouni Kenshin."
On weekends and national holidays, the bamboo thicket and hand-carved bamboo lights
(takeakari) are lit
up once the sun sets. Visitors can enjoy the different charm that day and night
bring.
This more than 1300-year-old shrine sits on a sacred mountain that monks once used
as
their training
ground. It has been nicknamed Tengu Grove since ancient times due to the belief that
the
tengu (mythical
messengers of the gods) drove out misfortune that fell upon worshippers.
Visitors can experience life among the gods by staying overnight at the shrine.
During
their stay, they
will watch dances dedicated to deities, experience a purification ritual to cleanse
the
mind and body,
and eat Japanese food offerings presented to the gods.
Furumine Garden is a circular Japanese garden that utilizes the clear waters running
from the Oashi
River and its natural topography. Visitors can enjoy walks through nature all year
round
in the garden.
Hina Matsuri, or Girl's Day Festival, is an annual celebration in Japan. People
decorate
their homes
with "hina" dolls to wish for the healthy growth and happiness of their daughters
during
the
festivities. In Japan, various types of dolls have been made and displayed
throughout
generations.
Sakura City once flourished as a post town called Ujiie-juku along the Oshu Kaido
Road.
Many of the
"hina" dolls that have been passed down for generations still remain. The "tsurushi
hina"— suspended
dolls from silk kimono cloth that require over a year to make—are on display in 70
locations within the
JR Ujiie Station area as part of the Ujiie Hina Meguri (Ujiie Doll Festival) from
the
start of February
to early March.
"Hina" doll outfits can be worn for free on the weekends and holidays. Red banners
are
also erected
where the Ujiie Hina Meguri is exhibited.
Ryumon Falls, approximately 20 meters high and 65 meters wide, cascades into the
Egawa
River. Legend has
it that this waterfall was inhabited by a large serpent, thus resulting in the
origin of
its name. The
seasonal sights are absolutely breathtaking, and visitors will want to visit
multiple
times. Fresh
greenery can be enjoyed during the early summer. Autumn brings colorful foliage and
the
sight of salmon
swimming upstream.
Ryumon Falls also flows into the sandbank near the basin, making it possible to
bathe in
the negative
ions from the waterfall's spray. You can even see the railway traveling above the
waterfall—a rare sight
in Japan.
The Omocha-no-Machi Bandai Museum exhibits all types of toys and inventions. Out of
a
collection of
35,000 products, the top merchandise is displayed in four themed museums: Japanese
Toys,
Antique Toys
from Western Europe, Edison's Inventions, and Hobby (Gundam).
There are other areas in addition to the themed museums. Including a full-sized
5.6-meter statue of
Gundam's bust, all of the robots from the anime series are on display in one area.
There's also a play
area for toys and a spacious lawn where visitors can have picnics.
You can also learn cultural history by exploring several valuable exhibits here. At
the
same time, you
can experience the wonder of inventions, ingenuity, and the joy of craftsmanship.
Ashikaga Flower Park is always abloom with a variety of seasonal flowers.
The massive wisteria trellises hit peak bloom come spring and are magnificent. The
night-time
illuminations create a magical atmosphere that is well worth seeing. Don't miss the
interweaving
80-meter tunnel of white wisterias.
The Bejeweled Flower Garden, one of three top illumination events in Japan, is held
from
late October to
early February, attracting crowds of families and couples. Moreover, the Miraculous
Great Wisteria—over
150-years-old—is said to resemble the Tree of Souls from the James Cameron directed
film, "Avatar." The
park was also selected among CNN's "Top 10 Dream Destinations" in 2014. This media
attention has
resulted in the park's increasing popularity in recent years.
Yamamoto Sohonten is a long-standing wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery)
shop
established in
1892.
During the wagashi-making workshop, participants will learn how to make two types of
wagashi that
represent the shifting of the seasons from expert confectioners.
Wagashi is made from carefully selected and additive-free ingredients. It's
characterized by a subtle
taste that brings out the natural flavor of the ingredients.
Reservations are required to participate in the workshop. They can be made for two
or
more people and
cost 1,500 yen per person to make two Japanese confections. The shop is closed every
Monday and Tuesday.
Isoyama Benzaiten is a Buddhist temple built next to Izuruhara Benten Pond—one of
Japan's 100 clearest
water sources. Legend has it that Fujiwara no Hidesato established the temple in 948
in
dedication to
Benzaiten. Benzaiten, the guardian deity of the arts and knowledge, is one of Sano
City's Seven Lucky
Gods.
The current main shrine, reconstructed during the Kamakura Period (around 1185 -
1333),
is an
architectural masterpiece built using traditional construction methods that don't
require any nails—a
rarity in today's society. The three-storied building was constructed in the
Butai-zukuri style. This
style best utilizes cliffs and other steep slopes during construction. From here,
visitors will be
greeted with a panoramic view of Sano City.
This location is the castle ruins of the Oyama clan, who were once prosperous in
Oyama
City during the
Middle Ages. Although the ruins have since become a park, you can still experience
how
the Oyama clan
once prospered through these remnant earthen walls and dry moat. The hill in the
park
also overlooks the
Omoi River, which runs through central Oyama. Playground equipment and sports can be
enjoyed by visitors
here.
Two varieties of cherry blossoms called the Yoshino cherry and Omoigawa cherry bloom
in
the spring. In
particular, the Omoigawa cherry first originated in Oyama, making this is the only
place
where these
blossoms can be seen. In autumn, the park's large gingko trees change to a golden
yellow
hue alongside
fiery cherry red maple leaves. These leaves add a touch of color to the
vermillion-lacquered Gion
Bridge. The park is accessible in eight minutes on foot from JR Oyama Station and is
visited by many
people year-round.
This park is located next to Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji Temple, the Kokubuni-ji Temple
Ruins,
and the
Kabutozuka Burial Mound. In the park, you'll find 500 cherry trees, which have
descended
from the Neo
Usuzumi Zakura, Miharu Takizakura, and Yamataka Jindai Zakura—three of the best
cherry
blossom trees—and
yaezakura (multi-layered cherry blossom). The Tempyo Flower Festival is held from
late
March to early
May bustles with people. The sight of the 350 yaezakura cherry trees in full bloom
is
spectacular.
There are also other seasonal events held in the park. The Shimotsuke Summer Candle
Light Festival is
where 4,000 cup-shaped lanterns are illuminated. In November, the Tempyo Imoni
Festival
features the
making of 3,000 bowls of simmered potato soup. Among the ingredients are Shimotsuke
specialties such as
kanpyo (dried gourd strips).
There's also an old Japanese cafe that was renovated from a farmhouse in the park.
Enjoy
relaxing in the
cafe all year round.
This tourist facility was renovated from a historic structure that dates between the
Meiji (1868 - 1912)
and Taisho (1912 - 1926) periods. It houses the Kubo Memorial Center, formerly used
as a
bank during the
Meiji Period, Tourist Product Shop for souvenirs from Moka City, an Italian
restaurant,
and more.
The first level of the Kubo Memorial Center functions as a tourist information
center on
Moka and has a
collection of pamphlets on each facility in the city. This is is the first spot you
should visit when in
Moka.
The Tourist Product Shop has a huge assortment of Moka cotton, a local specialty,
alongside other
well-known products.
Trattoria COCORO, an Italian restaurant, is where you can savor seasonal cuisine in
a
soothing
atmosphere.
The Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art opened in June 1993 in the remains of an old
castle in
central
Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture.
The museum permanently exhibits works by distinguished Mashiko potters such as Shoji
Hamada and Tatsuzo
Shimaoka. Different types of special exhibitions are also held at the museum. This
opportunity allows
for numerous visitors to be introduced to the charms of pottery spanning all periods
and
civilizations
while familiarizing them with the art.
Shoji Hamada's former residence was relocated to the Ceramic Art Messe Mashiko. The
facility houses the
Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art, a salon, and other facilities. A reconstructed
version of
the climbing
kiln he favored while alive can also be found at the museum.
