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Kanuma Satsuki Azalea Festival

Kanuma Satsuki Azalea Festival

One of the biggest Satsuki Bonsai Festivals in Japan is held from the end of May to the beginning of June. Kanuma is Japan's ultimate source of Kanuma soil, and Bonsai made with Kanuma soil are famous. Among many kinds of Bonsai, be sure to see the Satsuki Azaleas. They are a single tree whose blossoms are mysterious and beautiful and whose flowers have various colors and shapes. During the festival is being held, there are numerous events, such as Satsuki workshop and present of Satsuki saplings, a music concert, and a folk entertainment.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Kanuma Kumiko making Experience

Kanuma Kumiko making Experience

Experience the traditional wood-making craft of Kumiko in Kanuma. Kanuma Kumiko, designs made with strips of wood, is found in a traditional Japanese room. Because no nails are used in assembling the 1-5mm strips of wood which make up various designs, it requires traditional and very delicate skills. Visitors can try their hand at making coasters while learning about the techniques and designs of Kanuma Kumiko used mainly for Shoji (traditional Japanese screens and sliding doors) and interior furnitures.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Miya Cycle Station in Utsunomiya

Miya Cycle Station in Utsunomiya

The Miya Cycle Station is a cycling terminal under the management of the city of Utsunomiya. The terminal offers rental cycles including hybrid bikes, road bikes and Mini Velo (small wheeled) bikes as well as information for tourists. The facilities include free toilets in the rest area and shower rooms and lockers (subject to reasonable charges). The terminal also holds a variety of events for cyclists such as seminars on sports cycling.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Gandenji Temple

Gandenji Temple

Legend has it that this old temple was founded by two Buddhist priests, Tokudo and Gyoki. It's also the 2nd temple of "The Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage". When you pass the temple gate, there is a stone tablet inscribed with the writings of Izumi Kyoka; on the left side of the main hall, the principal image of the eleven-faced Kannon is enshrined. If you climb the 130 stone steps from there, you'll find the old Kannon hall on a hill, from which you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire area.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Sagami Puppet Show Federation

Sagami Puppet Show Federation

Sagami puppet show, a form of Japanese puppet show with shamisen accompaniment that was conveyed to Sagami Province in the Edo Period, is a traditional art that was originally nurtured in Kagawa Prefecture. It is characterized by san-nin zukai, referring to the operation of puppets by a trio of puppeteers, and teppozashi, which refers to the appearance similar to aiming a rifle when operating the puppet’s head. Performances can be arranged at the MICE venue.  (Reservations: 8650@city.atsugi.kanagawa.jp)

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Yokohama Tram Museum

Yokohama Tram Museum

The Yokohama Tram Museum opened on the site of the Takigashira rolling stock factory in 1973, one year after the tram was abolished. In 1983, it was then rebuilt on the first floor of the current municipal housing building. In the hall, stop signs, paving stones and seven tram cars are all preserved as they were at that time, and reproduce the atmosphere of the time when the tram was running.Yokohama was not only the site of the very first rail station in Japan, but also home to a great trolley system. Walk through the many restored cars where you can sit and imagine being transported around the city.

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Ninotou

Ninotou

A 1,122 meter high mountain nestled within the Tanzawa Omote Ridge. One possible explanation for its name is a legend handed down through Karako Shrine, found at the foot of the mountain in the village of Yokono. It claims that long ago, a god flew from the Tang Dynasty of ancient China to hand over a statue of the god, as well as light three divine lanterns on a ridge that climbs from Yokono Village, with the first located at Karako Shrine and the second on a peak. It is said that the peak above it became the third light, and that "light" was transformed into a "pagoda".Please use the "Tanzawa Omote Ridge Traverse Course" as a reference and plan your hike accordingly.Early morning trekking allows you to enjoy a special experience with fewer people and clear air.

Nature & Views Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Tokaido GLASS

Tokaido GLASS

Just a short walk from Keikyu Kawasaki Station, you can try your hand at making "Kiriko", a traditional glass craft, at a workshop located along the old Tokaido road at the ruins of a Kawasaki post. Visitors can choose from a variety of glasses and plates and consult with the studio to find their favorite design, so even beginners can try their hand at faceting. Take your creations home as souvenirs!The classroom nestled within an aesthetic building that was renovated from an old liquor wholesaler. You will use two types of grinders to sharpen the glass, but even beginners can feel at ease as each class is held in small groups, with careful and detailed instruction. 

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Nikko Natural Science Museum

Nikko Natural Science Museum

The Tochigi Prefectural Nikko Natural History Museum, adjacent to the Oku-Nikko Information Center, provides up-to-date nature information, tourist information for Oku-Nikko, and various other guidance. The museum offers multilingual support in English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai. A highlight is the "Nature Exhibition Room," where visitors can feel immersed themselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of Oku-Nikko through state-of-the-art digital displays. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Oku Nikko's natural landscape on our large screens, featuring flowing waters and wetlands, and the creatures that inhabit them. In the forest diorama, you can experience a virtual nature observation using AR content on tablets, exploring various animal field signs and their ecology. Our humanities exhibit introduces the spiritual significance of Oku-Nikko and its history as a popular international summer resort since the early Showa period. Additionally, we offer a range of nature experience activities such as bicycle rentals and guided nature tours.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
UWASAWA’S BREAKFAST

UWASAWA’S BREAKFAST

Simple yet exquisite deliciousness. At this veteran Nikko store specializing in miso and tamarizuke pickles (vegetables soaked in a miso by-product), you can discover the flavor of a traditional Japanese breakfast. Inkyo Uwasawa is a restaurant serving traditional Japanese breakfast made with tamarizuke pickles provided by the proprietress of Uwasawa Metaro Store. In a traditional house built over 150 years ago, diners are served a simple breakfast of rice with a plate of tamarizuke pickles and a bowl of miso soup, simple accompaniments which really bring out the delicious flavor of the rice. Enjoy a moment of relaxation as you savor the food, which is rich without being lavish. Uwasawa Umetaro Store was established roughly 400 years ago as a warehouse management firm for nengu (literally "annual tribute," a tax on the annual harvest originally paid in rice) for the Nikko Shinryo region. It later became a miso store, and then a pickles store. Savor the flavor passed on through the generations. *For cancelations, except in circumstances deemed unavoidable by our company, such as closure due to typhoon, heavy rain, heavy snow, or earthquake, or when public transportation to the store is unavailable due to suspension of services, a cancelation fee of 100% shall apply from one week before the date. We appreciate your understanding.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Daioji

Daioji

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.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Shonan Wagasa Ei Yuu

Shonan Wagasa Ei Yuu

Shonan Wakasa Ei Yuu is the only studio in Kanagawa still making their wagasa (traditional Japanese umbrellas) entirely by hand. Wagasa were widely used during the Edo period (1603-1868), but quickly fell out of use during the Meiji period (1868-1912) with the popularization of Western umbrellas.The charms of wagasa are now being rediscovered, along with the traditional rituals and performances that they have long been used in. While the number of wagasa craftsmen is declining nationwide, a fascination with wagasa is growing both in Japan and overseas.

Experience & Activities Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA
Japan Heritage Certification (Oyama Shrine Visit)

Japan Heritage Certification (Oyama Shrine Visit)

Mount Oyama has long been firmly believed to be a mountain of spirits. During the most prosperous period of Edo, 200,000 people were recorded to visit this mountain every year. Back then, shrine visiting, beginning with the pilgrimages to Ise Shrine, was extremely popular among the people. Among the many travel destinations, Oyama was loved by many for being only two or three days away from the cities of Edo. A popular route was to have fun at Enoshima after visiting Oyama. This sight was portrayed in the classic rakugo, Oyama Mairi. In April 2016, Oyama Mairi qualified as a Japanese heritage.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA