Greater Tokyo

See & Do

reset
Tonoike Shuzo

Tonoike Shuzo

This brewery produces an array of choice sake and received a gold medal at the Annual Japan Sake Awards for its Sanran-daiginjo brew. Their facility tour is popular with tourists, where the brewer explains its history in detail. Come learn about the tradition and techniques of sake production. A gift shop on the grounds sells choice brews and cosmetics made with sake. Enjoy coffee brewed with the same water used for the sake, sweets with sake lees, a sake tasting set, and more at their café."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Nogi-machi Brick Kiln

Nogi-machi Brick Kiln

Made in 1890, the Nogi-machi Brick Kiln is a Hoffmann kiln that belonged to the former Shimotsuke brick manufacturer and was a major contributor to Nogi’s industrialisation. This is the only perfectly original Hoffmann kiln in Japan and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. It is in the shape of a hexadecagon (a 16-sided polygon) and is 34 metres in height and 100 metres in circumference. The kiln baked up to 408,000 bricks per year during the 80 years between 1890 and 1971. The conservation and repair work on the kiln was completed in September 2015 and the kiln was open to the public on 10 May 2016. The Nogi Koryu Centre (known as the “Nogi Hoffmann Kan”) was built and opened to the public at the same time. The centre offers activities and workshops as well as original goods and light meals. Come and experience the culture of the Meiji period!

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Pottery Making Experience (Mashiko)

Pottery Making Experience (Mashiko)

Developed since the19th century for its fine quality and proximity to the big market Tokyo, Masiko-yaki pottery has long been liked for its daily use items such as pots, water jars and teapots. There are nearly 260 kilns, 50 shops and potters of youth and experience who create works of great variety. Pottery markets held in spring and autumn attract hundreds of thousands of Mashiko-yaki lovers. Even beginners can join workshops to learn how to decorate, hand-form or use a potter’s wheel, and enjoy authentic ceramic art.

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
Nasu Onsen

Nasu Onsen

Nasu Onsen-kyo is a spread out hot spring resort on the slopes of Mt. Nasudake,the main peak of the Nasu mountains. The origin of the Onsen-kyo is “Shikanoyu” discovered in the 7th century.The “Shikanoyu(deer spring)” was named after locals witnessed an injured deer completely heal after jumping into the steaming pool. It's been renowned for its healing powers ever since. Historic visitors include Yoritomo Minamoto,a great samurai of 12th century,and Basho Matsuo,a famous poet of 17th century. Onsen styles vary from modern hotels in the highland to traditional wooden baths where you can try bathing in more than one spot to feel the difference.

Oshu kaido Nikko kaido TOCHIGI
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

Edo is the former name of Tokyo used until the late 19th century. This theme park authentically recreates town life in the Edo period. The huge village consists of rows of merchant houses, a samurai mansion, a Ninja village and much more. The culture of the Edo period comes alive through the townspeople and events, you can even put on a costume and join in yourself! The cultural park offers a real experience of the life and culture of the Edo period via their seven theatres, museums on history and culture and even Edo-style restaurants.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Nakagawa Hot Spring

Nakagawa Hot Spring

Nakagawa Onsen is a mountain hot spring resort that is close to Lake Tanzawa, it has a long history. There is a legend that about 400 years ago, Takeda Shingen helped a soldier recover who was injured in a battle with Hojo Ujiyasu by bathing in this hot spring, therefore it is also called "Shingen's secret bath". It is a simple hot spring with the water quality high in PH, it is said to be effective for gastrointestinal diseases, neuralgia, rheumatism, hypertension, recovery of wounds, etc. It is also said to be good for your skin, it is widely known as a "beauty bath" that makes your skin smooth.

Onsen & Stay Tokaido Koshu kaido KANAGAWA
Nantaisan Tohai Kosha Taisai (Mt. Nantai Climbing Festival)

Nantaisan Tohai Kosha Taisai (Mt. Nantai Climbing Festival)

Climbing Mt. Nantai, a Sacred Site in Nikko The Tohai Kosha Taisai is the largest festival of Futarasan Jinja Shrine Chugushi, and has been held continuously for over 1,200 years since the late Nara period. Deeply rooted in the worship of Mt. Nantai, the festival takes place annually from July 31 to August 7. During this period, many visitors climb Mt. Nantai to pay their respects. In addition, pilgrims can climb Mt. Nantai at night during the festival. This allows climbers to reach the summit and witness the sunrise. At the shrine office, participants can receive items such as amulets, climbing certificates, sacred water, and coffee. Every year, around 2,000 climbers gather at night for this event. Before dawn, they set out, reaching the summit at around 4:40 a.m. to witness the rising sun. The sight of the glowing sun emerging from behind the sea of clouds is a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The festival continues with rituals and ceremonies at the mountaintop.

Oshu kaido Nikko kaido TOCHIGI
Sano City Tourist Product Center

Sano City Tourist Product Center

Sano, within a day’s reach from TokyoSano City is located in southwestern Tochigi Prefecture, about 70 kilometers from Tokyo. With its abundant produce and clean environment, it makes a lasting first impression on visitors. The city is also home to many historical sites, telling the long history of Sano’s development. When speaking of Sano’s cuisine, many immediately think of the rich soy-sauce-based Sano ramen. Made with clear water and carefully crafted wheat, this local specialty has become synonymous with the city’s gourmet culture. After enjoying Sano’s culinary delights, be sure to stop by the Sano City Tourist Product Center to take home a taste of Sano! Tourist product center – A comprehensive sightseeing hubInside the Sano City Tourist Product Center, you’ll find more than 800 varieties of souvenirs and specialty products, along with fresh vegetables sold directly from local farms. There is also a wealth of sightseeing information available, making it a convenient starting point for your Sano exploration.    

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Mt. Kongo Fire-walking Sadhana

Mt. Kongo Fire-walking Sadhana

At Mt. Kongo Zuihoji Temple in Furumine, the "Fire-Walking Sadhana Festival" is held on the last Sunday on May, for burning away afflictions, warding off bad luck, and praying for family safety. The ceremony begins with the sound of a shugenja (mountain ascetic) blowing a trumpet shell, followed by the performance of the axe, bow, and sword, and then the flames of the goma are extinguished.   While sutra chanting echoes, shugenjas and participants walk barefoot on the path, praying for protection from bad luck, safety in the home, and the fulfillment of various wishes.   After the ceremony, shugenjas would share tributes (like deserts, sake) with people, which means sharing happiness with each others.  

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Oyama Gion Festival

Oyama Gion Festival

It is said that Suga Shrine was built by a legendary samurai Fujiwara no Hidesato in A.D. 940, and moved to its present location during 1159~1160. The whole shrine is filled with a solemn and serene atmosphere.   In A.D. 1600, before the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu held the famous “Oyama Council” at Suga Shrine and prayed for the victory of the battle. After his victory and the establishment of the Edo Shogunate, Suga Shrine was greatly honored by the Shogunate. In 1658, staff members who had participated in the construction of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, created a miniature version of the Akamikoshi in Toshogu Shrine, which became the pressure of Suga Shrine.   The most important festival of Suga Shrine is "Oyama Gion Festival", on July 14 to 21 every year, 25 mikoshi including one massive one that weighs in at 2 tons are carried through the city.   According to “Shimotsuke Province Choreography(下野国誌)” written in Edo period, Suga Shrine’s “Gion Festival” is the “best Gion Festival in Shimotsuke Province.”   "

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park

This villa and garden used to be a retreat for the imperial prince in the 19th century. In the year 2000, they were opened to the public after renovation works. The residence, combining architectural styles of different periods, is well worth visiting. Located close to the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, it is easily accessible. Take a walk in the garden with seasonal charms and 100 years of majestic history. After the historic tour, relax at the teahouse serving popular Japanese treats such as a bowl of maccha. English audio guides are available.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
MATSUKAWAYA NASU KOGEN HOTEL

MATSUKAWAYA NASU KOGEN HOTEL

Located on a hilltop in Nasu Onsen, Matsukawaya Nasu Kogen Hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the majestic Nasu natural landscape and the pleasure of bathing in 100% natural hot spring water.   The hot springs are sourced from two different springs: "Shika no Yu," which has a history of over 1,380 years since its discovery, and "Oku no Sawa Gensen," a mild acidic hot spring that is gentle on the skin. There are also private baths made with local stone materials, allowing you to enjoy the hot springs in a private space.   Enjoy the changing scenery throughout the seasons: fresh green leaves in spring and summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.   【About the Hot Spring】 Water color: ・Shika-no-Yu Gensen : Milky white ・Oku-no-Sawa Gensen : Clear Spring quality: ・Shika-no-Yu Gensen : Simple acidic sulfur hot spring ・Oku-no-Sawa Gensen : Simple sulfur hot spring Therapeutic effects: Neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecological diseases, dermatological diseases, fatigue recovery, etc.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI