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Kawamura Castle Historical Park

Kawamura Castle Historical Park

Kawamura castle was in the limelight starting from the Chusei period through the Sengoku period as the residence of the Kawamura family. Starting in 1989, Kawamura castle ruins were subjected to research and development as a historical park for 6 years, and in May 1994 the "Kawamura Castle Ruins Historical Park" was born. In 1996 it became a the first mountain-castle in the prefecture to be designated as a historic site by the prefecture.

Nature & Views 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 Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Cave Brewery (Shimazaki Brewery)

Cave Brewery (Shimazaki Brewery)

History of "Shimazaki Brewery" The Shimazaki Brewery's history began in Kaei 2 (1849), and have continued to brew sake for more than 170 years. Using of the highest-grade raw rice, natural spring water from the Nasu Mountains, which have made Shimazaki Sake one of Tochigi Prefecture's best-known sake brewing brands.   History of Cave Brewery The Cave Brewery was originally a cave dug for the establishment of an underground chariot factory at the end of World War II, but the war ended before production could begin. After decades of inactivity, the cave became a natural cellar for Shimazaki Brewery to mature sake.   Features of Cave Brewery As the cave is completely protected from the sun, the temperature inside is maintained at around 50°F all year round, so it is advisable to bring a thin jacket to keep warm even in summer.   Inside the cave, you can see a whole row of matured sake that extends deep into the cave. Those are purchased by the consumer, stored by the brewery, and then handed back to the consumer after 5~20 years to commemorate important moments such as the coming-of-age ceremony, the birthday of family, or housewarming, and it is very popular. Sake that has been matured for half a year is also sold as a New Year's gift.     ◇Opening Days: Weekend, Holiday, Japanese Golden Week, the Bon Festival  

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Soba Making Experience at Nikko no sho

Soba Making Experience at Nikko no sho

In Nikko city, there are lots of handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) shops. (there are over 100 soba shops) It is said that the number of shops rate per the population is No.1 in Japan. Also the production of buckwheat is No.1 in Tochigi prefecture. Additionally Nikko city is rich in fresh ground water for soba which originates from the mountain of Nikko. Of course, soba masters have special skills to make it. That’s why the city of Nikko is called “the city of soba”. We look forward to meet you. [Notes] *Reservation required (by Phone, Fax) *Japanese language only. If you need English assistance, please come with an interpreter.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Rest Stops) Nasu Kogen Yuai no Mori

Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Rest Stops) Nasu Kogen Yuai no Mori

Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Rest Stops) Nasu Kogen Yuai no Mori is located at the foot of Nasu Onsen-kyo. It features a wide variety of facilities including a tourist information centre called “Kanko Koryu Centre”,“Nasutoran”a restaurant,retail shop, and handicrafts gallery among other facilities. . Visitors can purchase fresh local vegetables at the shop called “Freainosato Chokubaijo” and local products at the Furusato Bussan Centre. The roadside station also offers hands-on classes,demonstrations and sales of local arts and crafts. The information centre is located at the foot of Mount Nasu and there are many attractions in the neighbourhood including leisure facilities and museums.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
The Hibuse Festival at Ryogaku-in on Mount Akihasan

The Hibuse Festival at Ryogaku-in on Mount Akihasan

On December 6th the Yamabushi (ascetic monks) in their traditional clothing pray for peace and tranquility across the country. They carry out Yamabushi-Mondou, a Buddhist ceremony in which questions in relation to Buddhism are both asked and answered.After this, they participate in the Hiwatari (fire-crossing) Ceremony, which involves the monks walking over glowing embers and praying for sound health. Firefighters, workers of the thermal power generation industry, and people of other fire-related professions come to this shrine both to worship and buy ofuda (amulets).

Culture & Arts Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Yakumo Shrine

Yakumo Shrine

Founded in 1192, Yakumo Shrine is affectionately called “Yakumo-sama” by local residents, reflecting its deep ties with the community. The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and visitors pray here for physical health, recovery from illness, safe travels, and protection from misfortune. Worshippers even come from afar to pay their respects. In addition to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the shrine also enshrines Daikoreishin (Hosokawa Okimoto, the founder of the Mogi branch of the Hosokawa clan) as an associated deity. Within the shrine office and the Shushuden Hall (a resting place for parishioners), visitors can see displays of historical materials, including the armor helmet once bestowed upon the Hosokawa clan by Oda Nobunaga. Yakumo Shrine is also known as the guardian shrine of traffic safety and is closely associated with “TWIN RING MOTEGI.” During major motor races, both staff and drivers come to pray here for victory and safety.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
LAKEHOUSE (THE RITZ-CARLTON, NIKKO)

LAKEHOUSE (THE RITZ-CARLTON, NIKKO)

The Lakehouse the restaurant offers you a garden gastronomy experience with seasonal local vegetables. Starring unique vegetables grown in the great nature of Tochigi Prefecture, dishes are prepared with carefully selected cooking methods using many herbs and spices. Here, you can enjoy multi-course meals for you to savor the flavor of the ingredients. Décor in the dining hall including sketches and pressed flowers of animals and plants found at Lake Chuzenji as well as lighting and artworks inspired by fishing will enhance your lakeside dining experience. The restaurant also has the takeout menu “Grab & Go,” including sandwiches with a lot of seasonal local vegetables, smoothies, cookies, coffee and other drinks. Please drop by and grab some for a picnic or a walk around the area.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Café & Garden Shirasagi-Tei

Café & Garden Shirasagi-Tei

Shirasagi-Tei is a restaurant operated by Cheese Garden, a Western confectionery brand that sells products using cheese. In the open and spacious glass-walled restaurant, you can feel the nature of Nasu as you look through the windows at the garden featuring local flowers and seasonal plants. There, you can also enjoy the changing of the season. Shirasagi-Tei’s recommended dish is Light and Crispy Loin Cutlet. With domestically produced pork, the dish is high in volume but light. Our signature Shirasagi-Tei Special Black Curry over Rice is also a wonderful dish prepared with a lot of time and effort. You will taste the flavor of beef, simmered and soft, concentrated in the curry roux with a hint of spiciness. Next to the restaurant is the main shop of Cheese Garden where you can purchase specialty confectionery.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
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
Roadside Station Mashiko

Roadside Station Mashiko

Roadside Station Mashiko(Michi-no-Eki Mashiko)  is a roadside station offering fresh local produce and local products and crafts at the “Mashiko-no-Marche” as well as reasonably-priced lunches with freshly picked vegetables at the “Mashiko-no-Gohan” restaurant. The information centre “Concierge” provides information on tourism, special exhibitions and workshops, along with advice on moving to the town and booking rental space. Please find more information on their website.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI