Tochigi Prefecture is a hidden gem in Japan that offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors.
Located in the Kanto region, Tochigi is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and delicious cuisine.
Whether you are interested in exploring shrines and temples, soaking in hot springs, or indulging in local delicacies, Tochigi has something for everyone.
One of the main draws of Tochigi is its historic sites.
The most famous of these is Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Other notable historic sites include the Edo Wonderland theme park, which offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, and the Ashikaga School, which dates back to the 15th century.
In addition to its historic sites, Tochigi is also home to breathtaking natural beauty.
The prefecture is home to numerous mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, including the famous Kegon Falls.
Visitors can also explore the flora and fauna of Tochigi at the Ashikaga Flower Park or the Nasu Animal Kingdom.
Whether you are a nature lover or simply looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Tochigi’s natural beauty is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways
- Tochigi Prefecture is a must-visit destination in Japan, offering a variety of activities and attractions.
- Visitors can explore the rich history of Tochigi at its many historic sites, including the famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
- Tochigi’s natural beauty is also a major draw, with numerous mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to explore.
Historic Sites in Tochigi
Tochigi Prefecture is home to a number of historic sites that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Here are a few must-visit historic sites that you should include in your itinerary.
Nikko National Park
Nikko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tochigi Prefecture.
The park is home to a number of historic sites, including Nikko Toshogu, a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The shrine is famous for its intricate wood carvings and gold leaf decorations.
Another must-visit site in the park is Lake Chuzenji, a scenic lake surrounded by mountains.
Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is located in Nikko and is one of the most famous shrines in Japan.
The shrine, built in the 17th century, is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The shrine has many elaborate decorations, including the famous “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” monkeys.
Toshogu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
And is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and culture.
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a theme park that recreates life in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868).
The park is designed to look like a traditional Japanese village and features a number of attractions, including ninja shows, samurai sword fights, and traditional Japanese games.
Visitors can also dress up in traditional Japanese clothing and take part in various activities, such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies.
Oya History Museum
The Oya History Museum is located in Utsunomiya and is built inside an old stone quarry.
The museum features exhibits on the history of the quarry and the stone industry in Tochigi Prefecture.
Visitors can see examples of the stone that was quarried from the site, as well as tools and machinery used in the industry.
The museum also features a gallery of modern art that is carved into the stone walls of the quarry.
Tochigi Prefecture is home to a wealth of historic sites that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Whether you’re interested in shrines, temples, museums, or other historic sites, you’re sure to find something that interests you in Tochigi.
Natural Beauty of Tochigi
Tochigi Prefecture is a natural paradise with stunning landscapes, mountains, and waterfalls.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of Tochigi.
Here are some of the must-see natural attractions in Tochigi.
Mount Nasu
Mount Nasu is a beautiful mountain range located in the northern part of Tochigi.
It is a popular destination for hikers and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The mountain range has several peaks, including Mount Chausu, Mount Asahi, and Mount Sanbonyari.
You can take a cable car to the top of Mount Chausu and enjoy the stunning scenery.
In the spring, the mountain is covered in cherry blossoms, and in the fall, the leaves turn into beautiful shades of red and yellow.
Lake Chuzenji
Lake Chuzenji is a picturesque lake located in the mountains of Nikko National Park.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tochigi and offers stunning scenery all year round.
The lake is surrounded by forests and mountains and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
In the summer, you can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the cool breeze.
In the fall, the leaves around the lake turn into beautiful shades of red and orange.
Ryuzu Falls
Ryuzu Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Nikko National Park.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tochigi with stunning scenery.
The waterfall is surrounded by a dense forest, and the water flows into a crystal-clear pool at the bottom.
The best time to visit Ryuzu Falls is in the spring when the snow melts, and the waterfall is at its strongest.
Tochigi Prefecture is a paradise for nature lovers, with stunning mountains, waterfalls, and forests.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous hiking trip, Tochigi has something for everyone.
Food and Drink in Tochigi
Tochigi is a foodie’s paradise, and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the variety of food and drink options available.
Here are some must-try dishes and drinks to add to your list.
Utsunomiya Gyoza
Utsunomiya is known as the “Gyoza Capital” of Japan, and for a good reason.
The city is famous for its delicious gyoza dumplings, which are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
You can find gyoza restaurants all over the city, but some of the most popular ones include Daiki, Ajisaikan, and Honten.
Sano Ramen
Ramen is a staple dish in Japan, and Tochigi has its own unique take on it.
Sano Ramen is a local specialty.
It has thick, chewy noodles and rich, flavorful broth.
Kakigori
Kakigori is a shaved ice dessert that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day.
Tochigi is home to some of the best kakigori shops in Japan, and you won’t be disappointed with the variety of flavors available.
Some of the most popular places to try kakigori include Yukinoshita, Kakigoriya, and Shimizu Kakigori.
Whether you’re in the mood for gyoza dumplings, ramen, or shaved ice, Tochigi has something for everyone.
Don’t be afraid to explore the city and try new dishes – you never know what delicious surprises you might find!
Onsen Towns in Tochigi
If you are looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, then visiting one of the onsen towns in Tochigi should definitely be on your list of things to do.
Tochigi is home to several hot spring towns that offer a variety of experiences and facilities.
Nasu onsen
Kinugawa Onsen
Kinugawa Onsen is one of the most popular hot spring towns in Tochigi.
Located in Nikko, this town has a long history of providing visitors with a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
The hot springs in Kinugawa are known for their high mineral content, which is said to have healing properties.
In addition to the hot springs, Kinugawa Onsen also has a variety of other attractions.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic ride on the Kinugawa River, visit the Kinugawa Theme Park, or take a stroll through the Kinugawa Traditional Crafts Village.
Shiobara Onsen
Shiobara Onsen is another popular hot spring town in Tochigi.
Located in the mountains, this town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and relaxing atmosphere.
The hot springs in Shiobara are particularly effective at relieving stress and fatigue.
In addition to the hot springs, Shiobara Onsen also has a variety of other attractions.
Visitors can take a hike through the Shiobara Valley, visit the Shiobara Waterfall, or explore the Shiobara Onsen Museum.
No matter which onsen town you choose to visit, you are sure to have a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
So why not take some time to unwind and soak in the healing waters of Tochigi’s hot springs?
Shopping in Tochigi
Tochigi Prefecture is a great place for shopping.
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to indulge in some retail therapy, there are plenty of options to choose from.
In this section, we’ll highlight two of the most popular shopping destinations in Tochigi:
Sano Premium Outlet and Mashiko Pottery Town.
Sano Premium Outlet
If you’re looking for a bargain, Sano Premium Outlet is the place to be.
This outlet mall has over 180 stores, offering discounts on everything from clothing to electronics.
Some of the most popular brands at Sano Premium Outlet include Adidas, Coach, and Ralph Lauren.
In addition to shopping, the Sano Premium Outlet also has a variety of dining options.
Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine or something more international, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Mashiko Pottery Town
Mashiko Pottery Town is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ceramics.
This small town is home to over 300 pottery studios and shops, making it one of the largest pottery centers in Japan.
Visitors can watch potters at work, take a pottery class, or purchase unique handcrafted pottery pieces.
In addition to pottery, Mashiko Pottery Town also has a variety of shops selling other traditional Japanese handicrafts, such as textiles and lacquerware.
The town also has several cafes and restaurants, serving up local specialties like soba noodles and grilled river fish.
Whether you’re looking for a great deal on designer goods or want to explore the world of Japanese ceramics, Tochigi has something for everyone.
Flora and Fauna in Tochigi
Tochigi Prefecture is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
From beautiful flowers to unique wildlife, there is so much to see and explore in Tochigi.
Ashikaga Flower Park
One of the most popular destinations for flower lovers in Tochigi is the Ashikaga Flower Park.
This park is famous for its stunning wisteria displays, which bloom in the spring and attract visitors from all over the world.
The park features over 350 wisteria trees, some of which are over 150 years old, and visitors can walk through tunnels of delicate hanging flowers.
The park also has a beautiful pond and a variety of other flowers, including roses and tulips.
Hydrangeas of Nikko
Another popular flower destination in Tochigi is Nikko, which is home to beautiful hydrangeas.
The Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park is a great place to see these flowers, with over 100 varieties on display.
Hydrangeas bloom from June to July, and visitors can see them in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, and white.
The park also has a beautiful traditional Japanese garden and a tea house, where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea and take in the scenery.
Tochigi is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and birds.
The Nasu Animal Kingdom is a great place to see these animals up close, with over 500 animals from 70 different species.
Visitors can see animals such as lions, tigers, and giraffes, as well as more unique animals like capybaras and red pandas.
Whether you’re a flower lover or an animal lover, Tochigi has something for everyone.
With so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder that Tochigi is such a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Staying in Tochigi
Tochigi offers a variety of accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious getaway or a budget-friendly stay, you can find something that suits your needs.
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, consider staying at one of the many hot spring resorts in Tochigi.
The Nasushiobara area has some great hot springs, and you can find many resorts that offer private baths and other amenities.
Some popular hot spring resorts in Nasushiobara include the Getaway Hot Springs Resort and the Hotel Epinard Nasu.
If you’re on a budget, there are also many affordable accommodation options in Tochigi.
You can find budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses in many areas, including Nasushiobara.
A popular budget-friendly option includes the Nasu Yumoto Onsen Sanraku.
No matter where you stay in Tochigi, you’ll have access to many attractions and activities.
From exploring the natural beauty of the area to visiting historic temples and shrines, there’s something for everyone in Tochigi.
Before You Go
Tochigi prefecture is a perfect day trip from Tokyo.
If you aren’t in a hurry then try taking the local lines over the Shinkansen.
To do that, take the Utsunomiya Line from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station.
When I last went to Tochigi, I visited Nikko.
We traveled up from Nagoya to Tokyo and went directly to Nikko from Asakusa station.
You can, however, get the JR Nikko line from Utsunomiya.
