A famous temple built in Muromachi period Daioji Temple belongs to Soto Zen and has over 600 years history. Buildings in the temple are almost thatching that remain the Muromachi architectural style, 7 of these are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. This temple is nearby the Kurobane Castle Park, and was protected by Ozeki clan who ruled Kurobane domain during Edo period.   16 Arhat Statues that have different expressions Walking on Daioji Temple’s stone steps, visitors can find 16 Arhat Statues stand around the step. Each of them has different expression, such as laughing, looking angry or shouting.These statues was built in 1995 for celebrating the 600 anniversaries of Daioji Temple.   Have a Zazen experience in Zen monastery Visitors can try a Zazen experience without any cost at Daioji Temple. If you are interested in Japanese traditional culture, no matter where you from, which religion you belong, everyone is welcomed to experience. All experiences in Daioji Temple need reservation. Make sure you take reservation at least 1 week before your visiting.

A visit to Daioji Temple and Hitsuji Coffee in the beautiful prefecture of Tochigi will satiate your appetite for spiritual and culinary sustenance

Kurobane Castle Ruins Park is known and loved for its flowers; the Kurobane Hydrangea Flower Festival is held here when the roughly 6,000 hydrangeas in the area come into bloom.   From inside the park, visitors can admire the flowers that line the old moat from the bridge. During the festival, various events including a haiku contest and photography contest are held, and stalls are set up. In the evening (from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm), the hydrangeas are lit up so that visitors can admire them even at night-time.

Experience a refreshing breeze and white sea spray while catching Ayu sweetfish with a traditional fishing weir called a yana. And afterward, enjoy the enticing aroma and crunchy skin of salted, charcoal-grilled Ayu and “Ayu kamameshi,” a traditional Japanese rice dish.

A traditional Japanese house built over 170 years ago has been relocated to the Kurobane Furusato Bussan Center. This building with a thatched roof houses Kurashi no Yakata and a restaurant. At the restaurant, ‘Oroshi Soba ― Yamizo Asagiri hand-picked soba ―’ is one of the popular menu items made with locally produced buckwheat flour. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Bussan Center. There, you can buy delicious vegetables produced by local farmers and steamed buns made with love. They also sell additive-free homemade miso called Ginjo Ichinen Miso. It is popular because miso soup made with this miso in the morning stays tasty until night.