Greater Tokyo

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Ohana de Ohanashi Sogetsu School Ikebana Studio fworks

Ohana de Ohanashi Sogetsu School Ikebana Studio fworks

Interacting with flowers will lead you to create your own Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement. Each person has his/her own sense of beauty. Arranging flowers makes you free of heart, being thoughtful and good communicator. Also you can get in touch with Japanese seasonal flowers. Japanese flower arrangement takes "space" very valuable. You can appreciate the meaning of space between plants and vacancy.

Experience & Activities Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Shinbayashi Park (Stroll/Bird-watching)

Shinbayashi Park (Stroll/Bird-watching)

In this 16.2 hectare park, there is a 1.5km nature trail along the ridges of the mountains, an adventure park with playground equipment, and the Kawana Oike springs. You can find various plants such as the golden-banded lilies etc. on the nature trail which also serves as a hiking trail, and at the Kawana Oike springs, you can observe wild birds such as Kingfishers. At the wetlands area, you can find wetland plants there and at the banks of the pond, there's a traditional home from the Edo period (the former Koike Residence).

Nature & Views Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Anrakuji, Shakyo (sutra copying) experience

Anrakuji, Shakyo (sutra copying) experience

Come experience sutra copying at Anrakuji Temple (2-6-1 Okada, Samukawa-cho) on the second Sunday of every month (From 15:00, closed May and August). We have several chairs available, so those who are not comfortable sitting on the floor are more than welcome to join in. Our temple is said to have been built during the Yoro period (710-794), and our main statue of Dainichi Nyorai is a Buddhist image dating back to the Heian period (794-1192). On the hill behind the main hall remains "Ojinzuka," a late 4th-century round backward-facing burial mound, of which you can climb to the top to view Mt. Fuji and be enveloped by the power of ancient prayer.

Temples & Shrines Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Furukawa Ashio History Museum

Furukawa Ashio History Museum

Overview of the Furukawa Ashio History Museum Ashio Copper Mine is one of the most important copper-producing sites in Japanese history. Discovered during the Sengoku period (1550), it was later mined under the direct control of the Edo shogunate. It once served as an essential source of material for Kan’ei Tsūhō, the currency of the time. As output later declined, the mine was taken over by the Furukawa family during the Meiji period. Due to advances in technology, new ore veins were found, and under the then national policy of enriching the country and strengthening the military, the mine prospered, making the Furukawa family magnates of the mining industry.   The Furukawa Ashio History Museum tells the stirring story of that industrial dawn. In addition to models of the Ashio Mining Office and stories of successive managers, it also exhibits the various tools used by miners in those days, recounting the history of the Ashio area.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Mount Nantai

Mount Nantai

Mount Nantai is one of the representative peaks of the Nikko Mountains, standing at 2,486 meters. Towering over the northern shore of Lake Chuzenji, it offers magnificent scenery. Since ancient times, the mountain has been revered as a sacred object of worship. At its summit stands the Okumiya Shrine of Futarasan Shrine. Mount Nantai is also called “Futarasan.” The name “Futarasan” originates from the Buddhist term “Fudaraku.” Every year, a mountain-opening festival is held on July 31, and from midnight on August 1, many worshippers begin their pilgrimage from Futarasan Shrine’s Chugu Shrine, heading toward the summit to greet the sunrise. In addition, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, and the surrounding grasslands and fields at the foot of Mount Nantai were all formed by volcanic activity of the mountain. The official climbing season runs annually from April 25 to November 11. Starting from Futarasan Shrine’s Chugu Shrine, the climb to the summit takes about 6 to 8 hours round-trip. ※Climbing fee is 1,000 yen per person.※Reception hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.※Entry is not permitted after 12:00 noon.※Please bring your own bear bell.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
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
Stone Museum in Ashino, Nasu

Stone Museum in Ashino, Nasu

This modern art museum was created by transforming an old rice stone warehouse, redesigned by internationally acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma. The building itself is a beautiful space composed of stone, water, and light, making it not only a cultural site but also a popular photo spot. In winter, as the daylight fades, the lights from each building—divided by a flowing waterway—create a magical and dreamy atmosphere, offering a breathtaking seasonal view. Kengo Kuma (born 1954) is one of Japan’s most celebrated architects, known for projects such as the Nezu Museum in Aoyama, Tokyo, and GINZA KABUKIZA. More recently, he gained worldwide recognition for designing the new National Stadium in Tokyo. His architectural style, which features natural materials and lattice designs, is highly praised both in Japan and abroad. After a renewal in November 2024, the museum reopened with several new features. A café now adjoins the entrance, offering drinks brewed by a professional barista using an espresso machine. The revamped “Stone Lounge” invites visitors to relax while enjoying furniture designed by Kengo Kuma. The roof of the main gallery—the largest of the museum’s three historical stone warehouses—has also been renovated using Ashino stone, the same material as the building’s exterior. The entrance area is freely accessible without an admission ticket, allowing guests to enjoy shopping or a casual drink even without entering the exhibition area.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Mibu Highway Park at Michi-no-Eki Mibu

Mibu Highway Park at Michi-no-Eki Mibu

The Mibu Highway Park at Michi-no-Eki Mibu is a roadside station connected to the Mibu PA (motorway rest area) and conveniently located between both the motorway and the local highway (route 71). Located in the centre of the local municipality, the “Mirai-kan” information centre at the Mibu Highway Park is a hub for tourism offering information, local products and fresh local vegetables. Along with the Mibu Highway Park, Michi-no-Eki Mibu has Tochigi Wanpaku Park and Mibu-machi Toy Museum within its vast 52.5-hectare grounds. A great place for a break or a whole family day out.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Utsunomiya Gyoza Dumpling

Utsunomiya Gyoza Dumpling

Utsunomiya Gyoza is an important part of the culinary culture of Utsunomiya City. The city has over 300 Gyoza restaurants,and people enjoy queuing in front of their favourite restaurants. These eateries compete in creating unique recipes to be recognised as “one of the best” Gyoza in the city,with all sorts of ingredients and cooking methods. Go from one eatery to another like the locals do,and sample some of thier wide selection! You can even join Gyoza-making classes led by veteran lecturers. Gyoza-related goods are also popular as souvenirs.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Ichinoyu

Ichinoyu

A long-standing inn housed in a four-story sukiya-style wood building in Hakone Onsen. This inn, overflowing with the romance of travel, also offers guest rooms with their own private open air roten (with a view) baths through which hot spring water flows. All of the rooms face Hayakawa Valley, allowing you to enjoy the unique nature of Hakone in all four seasons. This location was designated a National Designated Tangible Cultural Property in 2009, and it is certified as a building that contributes to the historical landscape.

Onsen & Stay Koshu kaido Tokaido KANAGAWA