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.

The Lake Chuzenji Boat House comprises buildings restored precisely from the time they were built as the waterfront resort around 1950 by the Chuzenji lakeside known for its prosperous history as an international summer resort. It is a recess facility to enjoy the rich nature and water of the lakeside as well as enjoying the relaxing moment in the beautiful landscape of Lake Chuzenji.

Located at the foot of Mt. Chausu at an altitude of 1,300 meters, Omaru Onsen Ryokan has been preserved by generations of innkeepers for over 200 years. Rich in metasilicic acid, the spring water is known for its moisturizing properties and is often called “Bijin-yu” (Beauty Hot Spring). The historic Kawa-no-Yu bath draws its water directly from the river source, where hot spring water gushes from the mountainside to form an open-air bath along the river. Here, guests can soak while listening to the gentle murmur of the stream, enjoying the secluded charm of this hidden onsen. Omaru Onsen’s water, abundant in metasilicic acid, has long been treasured for its skin-beautifying effects. The ryokan features mixed open-air baths such as Shirakaba-no-Yu, Ajisai-no-Yu, and Azami-no-Yu, making it a great choice for families. The on-site restaurant serves local Nasu vegetables, Tochigi Wagyu beef shabu-shabu, and “Nasuhikari” rice produced in Tochigi. Sake enthusiasts can also try shochu diluted with hot spring water. During the Meiji period, General Nogi Maresuke visited Omaru Onsen every year for convalescence. The ryokan’s lobby still displays valuable artifacts, including his clothing, diaries, and letters.

This is the site of Motegi Castle during the Kamakura Period, and today it is a park that is the symbol of Motegi Town. From the small hill overlooking the center of town, you can see Sakasa River and the steam locomotives running behind the smoke. In spring, various types of cherry blossoms bloom one after another, allowing you to enjoy flower viewing for about a month. In autumn (mid-September to early October), the entire southern slope of Shiroyama Park is dyed bright red with approximately 550,000 red spider lilies, a delight to visitors. It is rare to see a cluster of red spider lilies growing on a slope, and many photographers gather here as they can take photos from a different angle than on the flat land.

Since its establishment in 1986, Yoshimura Nouen has been devoting itself to producing strawberries that make everyone fall in love, enjoy, and smile. It is also producing a unique blend of soil, which is indispensable for growing tasty strawberries. In its 30 greenhouses, strawberries that fit the preference of the times are produced with innovative efforts, and visitors can enjoy picking a wide variety of strawberries there. You can taste the difference of not only rare breeds but also breeds that represent Tochigi, including Tochiotome, Skyberry, and Tochi-Aika. To make strawberry picking enjoyable to more people, the farm has created a walkway wide enough for strollers and wheelchairs. In 2023, the farm also created a café space.

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.

At Nikko Senhime Monogatari, you can enjoy the view of Nikko’s nature from the guest rooms. The view is spectacular: mountains turn light green in spring, cool breezes sweep across the river in summer, an explosion of yellow and red creates a beautiful mountain view in fall, and the view of the mountains and river as if covered by a snow-white wedding dress brings you peace of mind in winter. Guest rooms are designed with a taste of traditional Japanese beauty. There are Japanese-style twin rooms with a bath that is half open-air and half indoor, from which you can enjoy a view that changes with the season. (Baths in guest rooms are not hot spring baths). The communal baths use Nikko hot spring water from this area. Nikko hot spring water is clear, alkaline, and gentle on the skin, alleviates stiff shoulders and nerve pain, and beautifies skin. It is the perfect hot spring to heal the body after a day of enjoying walking around Nikko. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: clear Spring water type: simple alkaline spring water Efficacy: alleviates stiff shoulders, nerve pain, sprains, sore muscles, sleeplessness, etc.

Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture is the hometown of world famous jazz musicians such as Sadao Watanabe and Haruhiko Takauchi. To make Utsunomiya a Jazz Town, various musical events are taking place throughout the year. New jazz-related groups are being created owing to the efforts of jazz lovers as well as owners of clubs and music houses that have a connection to jazz music. One such group is the Utsunomiya Jazz Association, and its member clubs are hosting live jazz performances where you can feel the vibes of Jazz Town Utsunomiya. If you are a first-timer, no problem! You will be warmly welcomed by regulars and staff members in a bright atmosphere. Enjoy a wonderful night in Jazz Town Utsunomiya.

Okashitsukasa Beniya Miyake, a traditional Japanese confectionery store, is popular for its cute and beautiful sweets. Their jouyo nerikiri (a type of Japanese confectionery), made with carefully selected ingredients and crafted by skilled artisans, is incredibly popular for its elegant flavor and charming appearance.As it often sells out quickly, we recommend visiting the store early. Please try these confections that the artisans have put their heart and soul into creating.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, the luxury hotel in Nikko National Park, is the first Ritz-Carlton where guests can enjoy a hot spring. Baths source hot spring water from the historic Nikko Yumoto Onsen. Its soft, milky warm water makes you feel the blessing of the nature of Okunikko. Each suite features a private balcony from which you can enjoy the view of scenic Lake Chuzenji and majestic Mount Nantai, both of which are the symbols of Nikko National Park. You will be sure to lose track of time in these spacious guest rooms, which come with a traditional engawa porch and the décor that blends minimalist and traditional Japanese styles together. For dinner, you can have a traditional multi-course kaiseki meal prepared with fresh ingredients produced in Tochigi Prefecture for you to explore the intricate world of Japanese cuisine. The hotel, being amid the grand nature of Nikko, also offers activity programs including hiking and skiing. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: milky white Spring water type: hydrogen sulfide-type simple sulfur spring water Efficacy: alleviates nerve pain, joint pain, and fatigue, and boosts skin metabolism by removing substances causing atopy Note: people wearing a fashion tattoo are permitted

The Shibazakura Festival is held every year at Ichikai Town Shibazakura Park in April and May.   About 280,000 plants in magenta, pink, purple and white are planted over 18,000 square meters in Shibazakura park. The flower carpet is patterned after the Kokaigawa river, which starts near the town.   During the festival, a soba restaurant(Hana) in the park, you can enjoy authentic hand-made soba. Additionally, also sells agricultural products and shibazakura seedlings.

Learn about Sakura city's tours, events, and travel info.

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."

Lake Chuzenji is located in the area leading into Okunikko. It has a circumference of 25 km and the water reaches a depth of 163 m. It is said that lava from the eruption of Mount Nantai 20,000 years ago blocked the valley to create the initial form of the lake. Because of the spectacular view in each season, the lakeside area used to be a popular summer retreat for foreigners. That areas still features the Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park and British Embassy Villa Memorial Park. The pleasure boat of the Tobu Chuzenjiko Cruise sails through the beautiful scenery and near these tourist destinations. In fall, you can see mountains covered in explosions of red, orange, and yellow from the lake. It is truly a picturesque view. The tour takes about 55 minutes in total, but there are tickets available for visitors to get on/off along the course.

This ranch is located in Toyoharaotsu， Nasu Town. Their cow’s milk comes from jersey cows， rare in Japan， and the milk is pasteurized after being squeezed and processed in a way that keeps the fat globules from shrinking and preserves the natural non-homogenized taste. They sell milk， ice cream， “squeezable yogurt” in a tube， and other processed goods， and the cafe offers drinks and sweets made with the milk they produce and lunch sets that use locally grown vegetables and other options."

Hangetsusan is a mountain at the southeastern corner of Lake Chuzenji. Hiking trails lead up to the top of the mountain. Near the summit there is an observation deck with great views of the Okunikko region including Lake Chuzenji and Mount Nantai. From about mid October to early November each year， autumn colors add to the scenery viewed from here， making this a popular autumn leaf viewing spot. From there it takes approximately 30 minutes to ascend to the observation deck near the summit along a steep nature trail."

This park is located in Mikamoyama which is mentioned in the famous Manyoshu collection of poetry. The park has fun facilities for all ages including the Adventure Forest and Wanpaku Playground for children as well as an herb garden. You can also board the Flower Train for a trip through the park around Mikamoyama. And with a variety of nature trails and hiking courses the park is popular with those looking to hike or just explore the outdoors."

For one weekend in November， Nikko’s World Heritage shrines and temples are beautifully illuminated to create a magical atmosphere. Please enjoy the fantastic night atmosphere which is different from the daytime due to the lighting and scenery surrounded by autumn leaves.