The Tenpyo-no-Oka Park located in Shimotsuke City, is the one of the most popular cherry blossoms viewing spot in Tochigi. In fact, here was an important site for the “Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple” since more than 1,300 years ago. Inspired by Shimotsuke Kokubunji’s “Kekae” festival for the peace of the nation, the “Shimotsuke To-ou-e” illumination held every summer, which over 6,000 cup lanterns are placed on the lawn of the park. *Please check the homepage of the Shimotsuke City's website before your trip!   ■Schedule July 20（Sat）：１７：００～１７：３０ Shimotsuke Tououe Illumination Open Ceremony   July 21（Sun）：１７：００～１７：３０ Fasion Runway Event  

The Usuzumi Zakura of Neo, the Jindaizakura of Yamataka, and the Miharu Takizakura are known as Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees. These, along with the Ishiwari Zakura of Morioka, the Kosonju tree, and others, are all gathered at Tenpyo-no-Oka Park. From late March, when the Usuzumi Zakura begins to bloom, until late April, when the double cherry blossoms reach their peak, visitors can enjoy breathtaking cherry blossoms blooming throughout the park for an entire month. In addition to stalls run by local vendors, the festival features stage performances such as enka singing shows, appearances by manga characters, and rides on the “Shōnen Ressha” road train, making it a perfect spot for a family outing. The park also has a charming café called “10 Picnic Tables,” converted from an old farmhouse, offering a retro yet artsy atmosphere that contrasts with the main stage area. Visitors can enjoy delicious food while relaxing in a scenic, laid-back setting. Be sure to visit Tenpyo-no-Oka Park and experience the magic of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

This museum displays artefacts excavated from the adjoining sites such as the National Historic Site-designated Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji Temple Remains and Amadera Ruins， and the Tochigi Prefecture Historic Site-designated Maruzuka Kofun and Atagozuka Kofun. The artefacts on display range from the Kofun period to the Nara period. Many ancient burial mounds， temple and provincial office ruins， and other sites connected to the prefecture's history and culture can be found in the area around the museum. The museum presents the history of Shimotsuke City from a variety of viewpoints， including government administration and the lives of everyday people in the distant past， the relationship between the region and more central areas of Japan， and the development of civil engineering and construction technologies."

The Yasaka Festival, or more commonly as the Tenno Festival, is a festival held at Okoto Shrine where people go to pray for good health and to prevent the spread of illnesses during the summer.   Participants in the festival carry and parade a portable shrine called the “Great Tenno-sama,” which weighs approximately 1 ton.   Highlights of the festival include over ten stunning floats and mikoshi parading through the town, streets lined with stalls selling delicious food and unique crafts, and a grand gathering on the second night of the festival after 8PM. Here, all the mikoshi and floats come together for a spectacular display of traditional music and energetic performances.

"Shinonome Flower Festival" is held at Shinonome Park from late March to early April. The sight of approximately 250 cherry trees lined up along both banks of the Kurokawa River all blooming at once is spectacular.   From the Shinonome Sakura Bridge, which is located in the park and connects the east and west banks of the Kurokawa River, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Nantai and blooming cherry trees. the Shinonome Sakuradai on both banks of the Kurokawa River is one of the 100 most scenic spots in Tochigi.   The nearby roadside rest stops, the Mibu Exchange Center "Miraikan", the Mibu Toy Museum, and the Toy Town Bandai Museum, also hold a variety of events in conjunction with the Shinonome Flower Festival.