A beloved summer tradition in Oyama City, the “Omoigawa River Nagashi-bina” is held on the first Sunday of July each year. Dressed in yukata, adults and children gather along the banks of the Omoigawa River, holding paper dolls onto which they place their wishes before sending them to float downstream. These paper dolls, known as Shimotsuke Dolls, range from 10 cm to 40 cm in height and are crafted using the artistry and tradition of Shimotsuke shibori dyeing. The paper is twisted to create beautiful patterns, with each doll featuring a unique hairstyle and kimono design. A tanzaku (narrow paper strip) is attached so participants can write their wishes. The “Omoigawa River Nagashi-bina” is open to everyone. The first 50 participants wearing yukata will receive a “Nagashi-bina” doll as a gift.

In late March, Japan's most famous variety of cherry blossom, Someiyoshino, will begin to bloom, coloring the city with its delicate pink flowers. But in Oyama City, the special local variety, Omoigawa-zakura, makes Oyama different. Omigawa-zakura were found in a garden at a local monastery about 70 years ago. Beacause the Omigawa bloom about a week after the Somei Yoshino, meaning visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for almost a month. Get ready to experience the beauty of Oyama City this spring. Many events and light up held on every cherry bloom spots in Oyama during the cherry blooming. ◆Night cherry blooming spots ①Shiroyama Park（1-1 Shiroyama-cho, Oyama City） ②Mamada Hachiman Park（2330 Mamada, Oyama City） ③Sakura Avenue nearby Toyohogawa River（nearby Kami-ishitsuka, Oyama City） ④Omoigawa Onsen（1475 Kizawa, Oyama City）

You can not only see the famous cherry trees "Someiyoshino", but also a special cherry variety "Omoigawa" trees at Oyama City. Omoigawa blooms about one week after Someiyoshino. It means we can enjoy cherry blooming for about a month at Oyama.   Many events and light up held on every cherry bloom spots in Oyama during the cherry blooming. ◆Night cherry blooming spots ①Shiroyama Park（1-1 Shiroyama-cho, Oyama City） ②Mamada Hachiman Park（2330 Mamada, Oyama City） ③Sakura Avenue nearby Toyohogawa River（nearby Kami-ishitsuka, Oyama City） ④Omoigawa Onsen（1475 Kizawa, Oyama City）

What is Yuki Tsumugi?Yuki Tsumugi is a traditional silk fabric originating from Oyama City in Tochigi Prefecture and Yuki City in Ibaraki Prefecture, with a history dating back to the Nara period. Once valued for its durability, it is now prized as a top-class handwoven silk for its light yet strong texture. Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft MuseumHonba Yuki Tsumugi is entirely handcrafted and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum is dedicated to promoting this traditional art and offers the following experiences: Craftsman Demonstrations: Watch up close as artisans spin silk threads and weave on looms. Hands-on Weaving Experience: Try your hand at weaving under staff guidance (advance reservation recommended). Kimono Experience: Select your favorite Yuki Tsumugi kimono pattern and stroll through the streets of Oyama (some accessories require an additional fee). Closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays. Some activities require ID and advance booking.

The Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum offers visitors the experience of wearing an elegant kimono made from the fine silk textile “Yuki Tsumugi”. The process of refining the traditional Yuki Tsumugi silk is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In order to allow people to fully appreciate the comfort of their garments the museum provides all-day kimono rental including kimono and obi with dressing assistance included free. Come and experience the light and warm texture of genuine Yuki Tsumugi!