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Higeta Indigo Dyeing Workshop

Higeta Indigo Dyeing Workshop

Higeta Indigo Dyeing Workshop, established during the Kansei era (1789–1801), is a fabric-dyeing and weaving workshop. It is a rare workshop in Tochigi that inherited traditional indigo dyeing. It still uses the dyeing area created at the time of its establishment to dye the fabric in the traditional manner. Inside the 200-year-old building with a thatched roof, 72 earthenware indigo vats are neatly arranged. The building and the vat area are Tochigi Prefecture’s tangible cultural assets, and visitors can freely visit and see them. Indigo is a plant dye that has long colored ethnic costumes. Long ago in Japan, 80% of commoners’ cloths were dyed with indigo. The indigo color produced by the traditional Japanese indigo dyeing and plant dyeing methods is called Japan Blue and, together with the dyeing methods, is highly recognized around the world. The workshop engages not only in dyeing but also cotton cultivation, yarn-making, yarn dyeing, and handweaving in order to preserve the cotton tradition essential to the indigo dyeing culture. The workshop sells indigo-dyed cotton fabric, coasters, and tablecloths. Please come and see the traditional techniques and the beauty of indigo.

Oshu kaido Nikko kaido TOCHIGI
Ashio Copper Mine

Ashio Copper Mine

With a 400-year history, Ashio Copper Mine is a tourist attraction built out of the industrial remains of what used to be the largest copper mine in Japan. A trolley train transports visitors 700 metres underground to displays of the mine’s chronology and history and demonstrations of the harsh working conditions through life-like wax figures. You can learn more about this industrial property at the three on-site museums including the copper museum with displays of traditional copper processing methods. Then relax at the traditional cafe or enjoy a leisurely walk along the nearby Watarase River. Between 1610 and 1868, the copper mined here was an important resource for the prosperity of the nation. It was used to produce tiles for castles and shrines and was exported to China and the Netherlands. Among the coins of the years 1600 to 1867, coins produced in Ashio were known as “Ashiji-sen” with the Chinese character of “Ashi (foot)” on the back. Today the coin-shaped local Japanese sweet “Ashiji-sen Monaka” is a popular souvenir.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tounodake

Tounodake

“Tonodake”, the most popular climbing spot in the Tanzawasan area, is known as the roof of Kanagawa Prefecture and boasts an elevation of 1,491 meters. Many climbers visit the mountain from early in the morning. There are a variety of routes that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced climbers. Once you reach the summit, a 360-degree panoramic view will refresh both your mind and body.Early morning trekking allows you to enjoy a special experience with fewer people and clear air.

Nature & Views Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Sagamihara City Museum

Sagamihara City Museum

Since its opening in 1995, the Sagamihara City Museum has been a beloved community institution serving as a comprehensive museum dedicated to the history and nature of Sagamihara City. By 2024, its total number of visitors topped 3.5 million. Through its collaboration with the adjacent JAXA Sagamihara Campus, the museum has hosted a number of world-first exhibitions, including the return capsule of asteroid probe "Hayabusa" in July 2010 and "Hayabusa 2" in March 2021. Futhermore, the July 2025 reopening unveiled the renovated planetarium, offering the world's first experience of viewing one billion stars simultaneously, in 8K video.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Ashigari-go Seto Residence

Ashigari-go Seto Residence

Located in Kanaijima, in the northern part of Kaisei Town, this old private house has a history spanning over 300 years. It was built by the Seto family, a family who served as the head of Kanaijima for generations during the Edo period. You can experience using a kamado (a traditional Japanese stove) and hearth here. We also have a fermentation-themed cafe, a shop selling local vegetables, and a shop selling ice cream made with local specialties.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Temple Hotel Kannon-in

Temple Hotel Kannon-in

Stay in simple and comfortable lodgings at Kannon-in Temple, with a history dating back more than 350 years. Start your day early, chanting sutras at 6 am before a relaxed day of contemplation, meditation and Buddhist immersion. This serene experience provides you the opportunity to learn calligraphy under a skilled teacher’s instruction and learn about etiquette in a tranquil temple. Please note that meditation and Buddhist immersion activities are suitable only for those who understand Japanese. Rooms are modern, with western-style toilets and beds. A kitchen for self catering, and dining room are shared with other guests for a sociable, stress-free stay.

Onsen & Stay Nakasendo Mikuni kaido GUNMA
Tsujimura Botanical Park

Tsujimura Botanical Park

Tsujimura Botanical Park is an expansive botanical garden that is around 4.7 hectares in size. The park has an area for trees and shrubs from abroad, giving it an exotic feel. The plum grove takes up the majority of the space in the park. In spring, approximately 350 trees that make up the plum grove come into full bloom and many sightseers come to visit. You can also have picnics on the hills in the higher areas of the park and enjoy fantastic views. The adjacent Wanpaku Land offers playground equipment that you can enjoy with your children.

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Shomyoji Temple

Shomyoji Temple

Thirty mins by car from the center of Kamakura City. Hojo Kanezawa’s family constructed in the Kamakura Period by Sanetoki Hojo. The Jodoshiki Teien Garden centred around the Ajiike Pond in front of the main building is a sight to behold. The garden, with its crimson arched and flat bridges, is beautiful.Visitors can enjoy seasonal scenery such as cherry blossom in spring, yellow irises at the beginning of summer and the changing colours of the leaves in autumn. In addition, there is the adjoining Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum which exhibits national treasures such as Shomyoji Temple sacred teachings and Kanazawa-Bunko documents.Noh theatre is performed at night by a fire each year at the beginning of May.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA