Shinmeigu Shrine is said to have been built in Kanda-shuku (Present day Kandacho) within Tochigi Castle in 1403. It was relocated to its current location in 1589 by Minagawa Hiroteru and became the guardian of Tochigi town. The name "Tochigi" is said to come from the name of the straw (chigi) used in the roof of the Shinmeigu Shrine."

Originally flourished as a post station in the 17th century， Tochigi city later developed into a merchant city on the banks of the Uzuma River. The river was an important trade route to and from Edo (Tokyo). The black merchant houses and white-walled storehouses can still be seen along the Uzuma River and on Kura-no-Machi Oh-dori (the main street). Go for a stroll and feel the classical atmosphere!

A tourist information center in Tochigi City. It now sells Tochigi specialties including pickled goods， miso， soba flour， and rice crackers and there's a restaurant that serves soba noodles on the first floor. You can also buy goods featuring Tochigi's mascot character， Tochisuke."

Housed in “Kitagura,” a building constructed in the mid-Meiji period and registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, Kitagura Cafe Higano is located along Tochigi City’s famous Kuranomachi Street, a popular sightseeing area. The café is operated by Higano Shoten, a traditional confectionery shop founded in 1922. In addition to freshly brewed hand-drip coffee and homemade sweets, visitors can purchase the shop’s signature rice crackers, Okaki, as souvenirs. For coffee lovers, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a quiet, charming atmosphere in the heart of historic Tochigi.

Tochigi city is famous for its many Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shops， and Yamamoto Sohonten is the perfect place to try your hand at making your own Wagashi. The friendly Wagashi master gives you detailed instructions on making various pieces of Wagashi to celebrate the coming seasons. Enjoy these traditional seasonal delights!