Since its debut as the nation’s first local line in 1912, the Mooka line has operated daily. Two models of Mooka steam locomotive run on weekends and holidays when many tourists come to see them working as they have for 100 years. In spring, the railway track is almost wrapped in pink cherry blossoms and the ground a shade of yellow with the spreading rapeseed field. The colour contrast attracts many photographers.

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.

Nasu Senbonmatsu Ranch, located in Nasushiobara City, is a vast ranch with abundant nature. Visitors to the ranch can enjoy activities such as interacting with animals, cycling, horseback riding, and delicious meals made with locally produced products. The dairy products made from the high quality milk produced by the farm's careful attention to soil and grass cultivation are all excellent, and make excellent souvenirs. Visitors can also enjoy strawberry picking in winter and spring, and blueberry picking in summer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Royal Meadow Golf Club is a very strategic course with beautiful views designed under supervision of the professional golfer, Ryo Ishikawa. The Royal Meadow Cup for 2024 JLPGA STEP UP TOUR took place here. Following the basic golf course design, you can see where your first shot goes from the tee, and you can see the green from where you make your second shot. It is a highly strategic course having multiple tees to match each player’s skill level. At the same time, the course is designed to be flat with each hole's elevation being 10 meters or less. You will be challenged by tricky water hazards and sand bunkers. Royal Meadow Golf Club has accommodations that are very popular among visitors from far. Please stay the night before playing and wake up to a relaxing morning.

Motorsports theme park “Mobility Resort Motegi” holds the “Mobility Resort Motegi Fireworks Festival” every summer and winter. The fireworks will be accompanied by music, and visitors can enjoy the vibrant fireworks from a close distance, immersing themselves in a feast for both the eyes and the ears. Mobility Resort Motegi has a variety of amusement facilities, restaurants, and other facilities that can keep you played all day long. Please refer to the official website for more information on ticket sales for the fireworks festival.

Ashikaga local gift shop / tourist information center welcomes you with a warm heart of Japanese hospitality “Omotenashi”. Best place to start your discoveries during your stay here. ■Tourist Information Tourist Information of Ashikaga is provided here ■Gifts Local Gifts and Ashikaga Brand products offered here ■Rest Area Coffee and other beverages are sold here. Good for a short break time ■Bicycle Rental Availability: 18 Bikes（11 of them are assisted with motor） Available Time：AM9:00 to PM4:00 Return：Must return by PM5:00 Price： Conventional Bike　400 yen for the first 3 hours（100yen for every additional hour） One Day use　800yen Motor Assist Bike　600yen for the first 3 hours（200yen for every additional hour） One Day use 1200yen ※Must show one piece of government issue ID before rental ※Reservation not accepted"

"Nikko Waraku Odori" (folk dance) started in 1913 to commemorate the visit of their Majesties: the Taisho Emperor and Empress to the Nikko Copper Refinery, which was known as the predecessor of the present Nikko Works of Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.   It was the very first time that the Emperor visited a private plant. "Nikko Waraku Odori" started at the celebration after the visit. The plant workers were filled with so much emotion, that they started dancing spontaneously after carrying out such an important mission of welcoming their Majesties.   Since then, this folk dance has been loved by people in Tochigi for over 100 years.

This local specialty shop is located in the Tochigi Honcho Godo Building. The shop carries a wide selection of specialty products， traditional crafts， and local liquors from Tochigi Prefecture. The shop also provides tourist information."

Shoji Hamada was a potter and living national treasure. This memorial hall in Mashiko Town， Haga County， Tochigi Prefecture showcases his pottery collection. The facility consists of Hamada’s residence and a portion of his workshop. An exhibition hall， studio， his climbing kiln， and a seasonal flower garden are all open to the public."

In Nikko city， there are lots of handmade soba (buckwheat noodles) shops. (there are over 100 soba shops) It is said that the number of shops rate per the population is No.1 in Japan. Also the production of buckwheat is No.1 in Tochigi prefecture. Additionally Nikko city is rich in fresh ground water for soba which originates from the mountain of Nikko. Of course， soba masters have special skills to make it. That’s why the city of Nikko is called “the city of soba”. We look forward to meet you. [Notes] *Reservation required （by Phone， Fax） *Japanese language only. If you need English assistance， please come with an interpreter.

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!

“Washi-no-Sato” is a Washi papermaking factory in the mountain village of Nasu-Karasuyama. Washi is traditional Japanese hand-made paper increasingly attracting the attention of people abroad. “Karasuyama Washi” has a history dating back 1，200 years in Tochigi. Come to our workshops to learn about the traditional craftsmanship and make your own sheet of Washi paper!

The hotel is located in Motegi, a small town rich in nature. It is surrounded by forest and does not receive city lights, so at night the sky is filled with stars. At the neighboring roadside station Motegi, they sell Yuzu Shio Ramen, which won the Grand Prix at Japan's roadside station gourmet competition, as well as freshly baked Baumkuchen. Also nearby is Mobility Resort Motegi, which offers a wide range of activities such as motorsports and athletics, making it the perfect base for car enthusiasts and families.

Kinugawa Country Club, designed by the master golfer Torakichi Nakamura, opened in August 1959 in the scenic site along the clear waters of the Kinu River overlooking the Nikko Mountain Range. This course with a long history has been designed to allow all golfers, from beginners to advanced players, to have fun but at the same time play a round aggressively and strategically. At the clubhouse, you can enjoy the natural hot spring and tasty meals prepared with locally produced ingredients. Why don’t you spend a relaxing time while golfing with your family or friends at this golf course with tradition and a hot spring?