Greater Tokyo

See & Do

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Kubo Memorial Tourism and Cultural Exchange Center

Kubo Memorial Tourism and Cultural Exchange Center

The residence of Sadajiro Kubo, an art critic connected with Moka City, has been given new form as a tourism center. There are a total of five buildings here, which include a Tourism Product Promotion Center and an Italian restaurant, in addition to historical buildings consisting of an Art Exhibition Hall built in 1923, a Tourism Town Development Center built in 1879, and the Kubo Memorial Hall built in 1907.

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Yuki Tsumugi Kimono Dressing at the Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum

Yuki Tsumugi Kimono Dressing at the Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum

The Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum offers visitors the experience of wearing an elegant kimono made from the fine silk textile “Yuki Tsumugi”. The process of refining the traditional Yuki Tsumugi silk is inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In order to allow people to fully appreciate the comfort of their garments the museum provides all-day kimono rental including kimono and obi with dressing assistance included free. Come and experience the light and warm texture of genuine Yuki Tsumugi!

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Ashikaga Orihime Shrine

Ashikaga Orihime Shrine

Registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in June 2004, Ashikaga Orihime Shrine has long been worshipped as home to guardian deities of local industry and matchmaking.   The vermillion-lacquered shrine stands in beautiful contrast to the surrounding green forests. Located on the hillside, the shrine commands magnificent views of the city of Ashikaga and the Watarase River. On fine days,the view extends as far as the Kanto Plains and the Tokyo Skytree. The shrine is a starting point for a walking trail through the Prefectural Natural Park. The trail is popular for enjoying seasonal views and is suitable for children.   A large number of visitors come and enjoy music performances and local delicacies at the shrine during the grand spring festival in May and autumn festival in November. It has become a popular dating spot since being named a sacred place for lovers and one of the best night view locations in 2014.

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Tenpyo-no-Oka Park

Tenpyo-no-Oka Park

The vast grounds of Tenpyo-no-Oka Park consist of pristine forest containing a number of historic sites. A great number of visitors come to the Tempyo flower festival held in mid to late April when the 450 double-flowered cherry trees bloom. Enjoy strolling through the woods and travel back in time with a visit to one or more of the various museums in the park. The “Botchan Bus” departs from in front of the folklore museum for a 15-minute circumnavigation of the park – popular for families and perfect for sightseeing. A popular sight is the stone-walled keyhole-shaped ancient tomb of Kunimiyama. Clap your hands under the stairs in the ring-shaped area of the tomb, and hear the echoing sounds of a roaring dragon reverberate back from the large stone above. On the first Sunday of November the Tenpyo Imoni Festival is held here serving home-style Imoni soup to 3,000 guests. The soup is made with local produce including dried gourd strips, taro roots and leeks in a huge pot measuring 2.5 metres across. ☆

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Kitsuregawa Onsen

Kitsuregawa Onsen

Kitsuregawa is a historic castle town and prospered as a post station on the Edo road. The Onsen is located along the rivers running through the town. The light-brown, salty, slightly alkaline water is one of the best in quality containing the three key elements of hot spring water: sulphur, salt and iron. Accessible in about 30 minutes from Utsunomiya, the prefectural capital, this is a popular Onsen for a day visit. You can also stop by the nation’s first roadside station with Onsen facilities inside.

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Ichikai-machi Shibazakura Park

Ichikai-machi Shibazakura Park

One of the largest in mainland Japan, the park is known for its 280,000 beautiful Shibazakura in bloom from mid-April to May, covering an area of 1.8 hectares. A must-see is the panoramic view of the floral carpet from the observatory, where various shades of red, white, mauve and pink lawn cherry blossoms form beautiful patterns. You can taste handmade soba noodles at the restaurant in the park. Local vegetables and Shibazakura plants are available at the farmer's market.

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The site of Ashikaga School

The site of Ashikaga School

It is said that over 3,000 students studied at the school during the disturbances of the 10-year civil war (Onin War) starting in the 15th century.   When the Catholic missionary Francis Xavier came to the country in 1549, he described it as “Japan’s largest and most famous school” in his correspondence. Ashikaga thus became widely known overseas as well.   Today buildings have been restored,and visitors can view classrooms in their original historic form and join a program reading The Analects of Confucius on Sundays.

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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.

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Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji

Lake Chuzenji is the largest lake in Tochigi, framed by 25 kilometres of incredible nature. The area used to be a popular summer resort for foreigners in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The villas of French and Belgian embassies can still be found here. You can enjoy seasonal charms by the lake. Walking trails surround the water’s edge and there is an excursion boat available on the lake. The views from the lake are spectacular, particularly when the cherry blossoms or azaleas are blooming or when the autumn leaves are turning. The “Koyo-meguri” tour, enjoying autumn leaves reflecting on the lake, is highly recommended.

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Akataki Falls

Akataki Falls

One of Yaita City’s Top 10 Waterside Scenic Spots — a quiet spot steeped in legend and devotion Located in the mountains of Yaita City, Akataki Falls is named for the reddish hue of the rock wall over which its waters cascade. The unusual landscape has long drawn attention. Since ancient times, this area has been considered a sacred site for ascetic waterfall training, giving the place a spiritual, shrine-like atmosphere. Akataki Falls is also listed among “Yaita City’s Top 10 Scenic Waterfalls.” Throughout the seasons, the emerald greenery, flowing water, and falling mist create picturesque, scroll-like scenery. This spot is also a hidden gem loved by photography enthusiasts and travelers seeking healing. It is said that Tetsuya Funamura, a composer born in the neighboring Shioya Town, often visited here during his childhood, leaving him with deep memories. On the way to the falls, visitors pass by a giant fir tree and a small shrine, making the trail itself a spiritual walking journey. Whether you come seeking the mystical power of the sacred site, or simply to enjoy the peaceful scenery, Akataki Falls is a memorable destination not to be missed.

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