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Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest

Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest

Nasu Heisei no Mori is a forest park that was originally part of nearby Nasu Imperial Villa. The forest opened to the public in 2011 as part of Nikko National Park. Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest consists of two areas: the Forest Recreation Zone and the Forest Learning Zone. You can stroll freely through the forest. There are three loop trails in the Recreation Zone. The longest, about 3 kilometers, leads to the Komadome Waterfall Observation Deck. At Nasu’s Komadome Waterfall, the scene created by the dynamic, seasonal landscape of the mountains and the contrast of the waterfall’s stunningly clear, blue water is simply breathtaking. In contrary, entering the "Forest Learning Zone" is limited to people with guide reservations in advance, but is definitely a valuable experience, since a guide will walk you through the forest while providing you interesting knowledge about the surrounding nature. During the winter months when the Forest Learning Zone is closed to the public, the Field Center offers guided snowshoe walks through the Recreation Zone.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Jorakuji Temple (Rokujison)

Jorakuji Temple (Rokujison)

Jorakuji Temple was founded in the first year of Kenkyū (1190) as the family temple of the famed physician Nakano Tomoyuki. When Nakano Tomoyuki investigated the illness of his daughter, it marked the first time acupuncture therapy was introduced to Japan. Later, he was summoned to the imperial court to treat Emperor Go-Toba’s illness and was given the title “Rokujihōgen.” As his medical skills became widely known throughout the country, it is said that even the Thunder God himself once visited the temple for acupuncture treatment, making Jorakuji especially famous as a temple connected to the deity. Because of this tradition, the temple grounds are affectionately called “Rokujison-sama.” It is also known for the beautiful red spider lilies that bloom in abundance around the precincts. Every year on February 11, a grand festival is held, attracting many worshippers and visitors, creating a lively atmosphere.

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THE KEY HIGHLAND NASU

THE KEY HIGHLAND NASU

This resort hotel is based on three key concepts: “enjoying the rich highlands,” “feeling at one with nature,” and “all-inclusive.” All activities within the facility are included in the accommodation fee, so you can enjoy not only carefully prepared dishes using local ingredients and alcoholic beverages, but also the spa garden, cycling, and other activities to your heart's content. All rooms offer panoramic views of the highlands and forests, and the “Forest Spa” infinity open-air bath allows you to relax in a sense of unity with the forest.   【About the hot spring】 Water color: Colorless and transparent Water quality: Simple hot spring Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, etc.

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mekke Nikko Kyodo Center

mekke Nikko Kyodo Center

mekke is a base for “discovering” the charms of Nikko based on the theme of "feeling, connecting, and touring". Workshops that can only be experienced here, such as Nikko carving and deerskin leather crafting, are held from time to time. It also has a coworking space and community space, and is used as a place where tourists and local residents can easily connect with each other. Electric bicycles can be rented and baggage storage services are available, allowing visitors to tour Nikko in comfort. On the first floor, there is an exhibition space for Nikko's history and traditional performing arts, as well as a tourist information center, where you can freely pick up pamphlets to help you gather information for your trip. This is a new starting point for Nikko, where sightseeing, experience, and exchange are all connected in one place.

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nasu aroma Lab

nasu aroma Lab

A fragrant gift from Nasu. “NASU NOTE” captures the memories of nature in scent. The whispering sounds of the Nasu forest, the scent of trees swaying in the wind. Each of these memories remains gently in our hearts. The branches and leaves of Yamizo cedar, which had previously been little used, and the plants nurtured by the rich nature of Nasu. The fresh, deep, and soothing woody notes of coniferous trees blend together, while the soft, sweet scent of freshly picked herbs spreads, and the carefully distilled citrus peel creates a calming aroma. This is a small experimental workshop where we create “natural scents” born from sustainable cycles, along with the experience of aromatic distilled water.   Experience Times 10:00-10:30 Aroma Craft Making 10:30-12:00 Aroma Distillation Experience and Aroma Craft Making 12:00-13:00 Distillery, Herb Garden, and Forest Bathing Guided Tour 14:00-14:30 Aroma Craft Making 14:30-16:00 Aromatic distillation experience and aroma craft making 16:00-17:00 Guided tour of the distillery, herb garden, and forest bathing area *Schedule as of July 2025.

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OOSEYANA

OOSEYANA

Yana is a trap to catch sweetfish that swim down the river to lay their eggs. The trap is a screen made with finely divided and stripped bamboo placed on a bamboo scaffolding where the water flow is blocked in a V-shaped depression. Ooseyana in Motegi Town in Tochigi boasts the largest yana trap among many traps placed on the Naka River. What’s most entertaining about yana fishing is that you can catch sweetfish while feeling the powerful flow of the Naka River over your feet. The catch is largest between the second half of September and the end of October. At the restaurant, you can savor freshwater fish dishes such as grilled sweetfish with a sprinkle of salt and deep-fried sweetfish while enjoying the river view.

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Omaruyama Hotel

Omaruyama Hotel

his hotel was built with the hope of allowing visitors to experience the nature and history of this land, which local people have cherished for many years, while enjoying a comfortable stay.   The hot springs here are sourced 100% from "Kitsuregawa Onsen", one of Japan's top three beautifying hot springs. Renowned as one of the finest quality hot springs in the country, it gently removes dead skin cells, has high heat retention and moisturizing properties, and helps prevent dryness. Our guest rooms, surrounded by lush forests, offer a peaceful and relaxing environment.   One of the highlights of your stay is our cuisine, which features creative dishes that showcase the freshest local ingredients and are designed to be "enjoyed with all five senses".   Why not visit our hotel and experience our warm hospitality filled with the charm of the local area?   【About the Hot Spring】 Water color: Brownish Spring quality: Chloride spring Therapeutic effects: Rheumatism, diabetes, chilblains, acne, etc.

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Daigomado, Hall for the Goma Fire Ritual (Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple)

Daigomado, Hall for the Goma Fire Ritual (Nikko-zan Rinno-ji Temple)

This dedicated hall for prayer was constructed in 1998 to fulfill the wishes of many worshippers, making it the foremost Goma prayer hall in Nikko. In this esoteric Buddhist ritual, your prayers are conveyed to the Buddha through sacred fire. Goma prayers are performed daily and are open to all. They offer various benefits such as domestic tranquility, physical health, and prosperity in business. In the inner sanctuary of the Great Goma Hall, the principal image is the "Five Great Kings", surrounded by 30 statues of Buddhas and ancestral masters, including the "Seven Lucky Gods" and the "Twelve Heavenly Generals." Additionally, on the ceiling, you can find a magnificent painting of a "Great Ascending Dragon" that took two and a half years to complete. Why not make a wish and participate in this sacred ritual as a memorable part of your journey?

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STEAK HOUSE JYURAKU

STEAK HOUSE JYURAKU

Steak House Jyuraku serves Tochigi Wagyu. Tochigi Wagyu is a Japanese Black breed carefully raised in the grand nature of Tochigi. It is brand beef that has received the Award of Excellence many times at the national Wagyu fair in Japan. The steak house purchases Tochigi Wagyu directly from its producers and thus has full confidence in the meat quality. You will never forget the fine and delicate meat texture and its aromatic fat once you try it. Jyuraku’s recommendation is A5 Tochigi Wagyu steak. The Sirloin has beautiful marbling, a rich taste, and a texture that melts in your month. The Fillet is red meat that is very tender and moist. Please come and try the Wagyu steak that Jyuraku proudly presents.

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GOOD NEWS

GOOD NEWS

GOOD NEWS in the town of Nasu is a commercial building complex that connects farming, social services, and tourism to help create a sustainable town. The land is divided into GOOD NEWS NEIGHBORS and GOOD NEWS DAIRY. GOOD NEWS NEIGHBORS is a shopping area where shops working on environmental issues are gathered. There are nine shops in total including an outdoor gear shop for enjoying nature and a roastery café that composts waste coffee grains. GOOD NEWS DAIRY, as a communicator of the attractiveness of Nasu where dairy farming is active, sells soft ice cream from a ranch where the forest is effectively used in dairy farming, and offers products from a cheese factory working on upcycling of waste whey.

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Nikko Takaiya

Nikko Takaiya

Nikko Takaiya, the Japanese restaurant, opened in 1805. At the request of shrines and temples in Nikko (Nikko Toshogu, Nikko Futarasan-jinja, and Nikkozan Rinno-ji), we have been preparing dishes for their festivals for over 200 years. Today, the Nikko specialty ‘yuba’ dishes are quite popular among tourists. Our guests include the Imperial Family, cultural figures, and generations of local customers. Lately, international guests also enjoy the traditional Japanese cuisine and atmosphere at our restaurant, and we are very thankful for their patronage.

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Grill&Steak Myogetsubo

Grill&Steak Myogetsubo

Myogetsubo is a grill & steak restaurant. Its building has been renovated from a former lodging house of Nikkozan Rinno-ji Temple, a temple with over 1,250 years of history. Our recommended dish is the authentic Tochigi Wagyu steak. Tochigi Wagyu is one of the top beef brands in Japan. It is a Japanese Black breed rated A4 or higher and is produced in Tochigi Prefecture with a natural environment ideal for cattle raising. Having received the Award of Excellence at the national fair for two consecutive years, Tochigi Wagyu is one of the most recognized wagyu brands in Japan. In an exquisite environment surrounded by world heritage sites, please come and try Tochigi Wagyu and indulge yourself in the slow flow of time while thinking of the distant past.

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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.”   "

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Utsunomiya Light Rail

Utsunomiya Light Rail

The Utsunomiya Light Rail (LRT) officially opened on August 26, 2023. From JR Utsunomiya Station to Haga-Takanezawa Industrial Areas, this railway connecting important spots in the eastern of the city. The tram has became an indispensable transportation for Utsunomiya’s sightseeing.   LRT’s born The Utsunomiya LRT is the first time in Japan constructed as a new railway line without expanding or improving the existing railway line since 1948.   The LRT is currently running the HU300 model, which is a next-generation tram made by Japan’s advanced technology. There are now 19 stations on the line.   Rides and Tickets LRT accepts IC cards and cash. You can use such as Suica, PASMO and ICOCA cards here. To ride with IC card, just touch your card at the green sensor near the door when you get on the tram, and touch the yellow sensor when you get off.   If you ride with cash, you need to take a ticket at the platform before you boarding the tram, and you only can get off through the front door. Put the ticket and cash into cash box before getting off. The cash box can exchange for coins, but only accept 1,000 yen bill.   Depending on the distance, tickets for adults range from 150 to 400 yen, and 80 to 200 yen for child.

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Michinoeki motegi

Michinoeki motegi

It was the first roadside station to be built in Tochigi prefecture. Local specialities and agricultural products are available to purchase and there are various seasonal performances and experience events throughout the year. Yuzu Salt Ramen from Michinoeki Motegi's Jyukkokuya won the national roadside station gourmet competition, the Michi-1 Grand Prix for three consecutive years in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, visitors can see the steam locomotives running on the Moka Railway up close from Michinoeki Motegi.

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