Greater Tokyo

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Koundo Main Store

Koundo Main Store

Although officially founded in 1868, the name of this venerable confectionary shop can be found in documents from the late Edo period. Its most famous offering is its Koin Monaka. These monaka (bean jam-filled wafer cakes) feature a motif inspired by the ancient official seals (Koin) of the Ashikaga Clan. Other popular items include its Koin Senbei (rice crackers), Takauji Senbei and Takauji (Dorayaki, bean jam filled pancake) , the latter of which was inspired by the character of the Ashikaga Takauji, the first Ashikaga shogun. Another popular item is their Monaka Gokko, which allows you to enjoy the classic flavor of monaka in a casual "make it yourself" style."

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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.

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Nasu Orgel Museum

Nasu Orgel Museum

This music box museum is located in Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture. Its permanent exhibit features 100 items including antique music boxes, mechanical musical instruments, and other items, most of which are from the collection of music box collector Kiyoshi Sato. The museum mainly exhibits antique music boxes made in the 19th and 20th centuries in Europe and the Americas. Visitors can enjoy explanations and music box performances by the staff for 20 minutes every hour. Visitors to the museum, which is visited by many tourists, can also enjoy activities such as making their own music box."

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Hōshakuji Station & Space of Chokkura

Hōshakuji Station & Space of Chokkura

Hōshakuji Station opened in 1899.The station building was rebuilt in 2008 by Kengo Kuma's design. On the ceiling, wood is arranged in a geometric pattern. In 2008, that station building won an award in architecture department of Brunel Award that International Railway Design Competition. Space of Chokkura was designd by Mr. Kuma with the image that light and wind blow through. There are bildings made of oya tuff stone. In the space, markets and live performances are held on holidays.

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Moka Momen Kaikan

Moka Momen Kaikan

Moka Momen is a traditional fabric made in Moka City, which is so smooth to the skin that it resembles silk. It reached the height of its popularity during the late Edo period, but the work to create it, from cultivating cotton to spinning, dyeing, and weaving fabric, has been inherited by the Moka Momen Kaikan where even today it is all performed by hand just as it was long ago. In addition to fabric for kimonos, items perfect for everyday use are also produced.

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Okashi-no-Shiro Nasu Heartland

Okashi-no-Shiro Nasu Heartland

Okashi-no-Shiro Nasu Heartland (Sweets Castle Nasu Heartland) is a confectionery studio that produces baked goods and cakes using the finest ingredients. There is a tour space where visitors can see the confectionery production process up close. There are also other hands-on facilities such as crafts, strawberry picking, and hot spring bathing facilities.   <Nasu Kogen Ichigo no Mori Strawberry Picking Farm> From December to May every year, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking for 30 minutes. The varieties are "Tochiotome" and "Tochiaika". (Selection required) Enjoy the sweet and juicy strawberries that are in season in winter to your heart's content.   <Nasu Hana to Taiken no Mori (Nasu Flower and Experience Forest)> In addition to being able to experience crafts such as making wreaths and herbariums, there are many other experiences available, such as a sweets-making experience that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and a walking trail where you can enjoy forest bathing.   <Gensen Nasu Zan Reiwa no Yu (Source Hot Spring)> This is a day-trip bathing facility built in the style of a Japanese house. The spring water is a chloride hot spring, which is gentle on the skin and warms both the body and soul from the core.

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Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway

Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway

From Kinugawa Onsen Sanroku Station to Maruyama Summit Station, the ropeway ascends about 300 meters, offering a four-minute aerial ride with sweeping views of Kinugawa Onsen town and the surrounding valley. At the mountaintop observatory, visitors can see Keichozan Mountain, and on clear days, even Tokyo Skytree in the distance. The summit is also home to a troop of monkeys, where you can observe them up close or feed them. Near the ropeway station stands the Hotokegaura Shrine, dedicated to the guardian deity of Kinugawa Onsen. Its cherry blossoms have made it a hidden gem spot for spring hanami.

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Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum

Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum

What is Yuki Tsumugi?Yuki Tsumugi is a traditional silk fabric originating from Oyama City in Tochigi Prefecture and Yuki City in Ibaraki Prefecture, with a history dating back to the Nara period. Once valued for its durability, it is now prized as a top-class handwoven silk for its light yet strong texture. Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft MuseumHonba Yuki Tsumugi is entirely handcrafted and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The Oyama Honba Yuki Tsumugi Craft Museum is dedicated to promoting this traditional art and offers the following experiences: Craftsman Demonstrations: Watch up close as artisans spin silk threads and weave on looms. Hands-on Weaving Experience: Try your hand at weaving under staff guidance (advance reservation recommended). Kimono Experience: Select your favorite Yuki Tsumugi kimono pattern and stroll through the streets of Oyama (some accessories require an additional fee). Closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays. Some activities require ID and advance booking.

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Rock Bath of Kinugawa Park

Rock Bath of Kinugawa Park

This is a day trip onsen facility in Kinugawa Park that holding by Nikko City.It is said that the water from here is good for skin and has a beautifying effect.   Both men's and women's baths have open-air baths and indoor baths. The open-air baths are made of rocks, and the source water is abundant, so you can enjoy the seasonal flowers and plants, as well as the chirping of insects and birds, while enjoying the baths.   The view around the onsen is very beautiful, which makes visitors feel relax here. In April, the park's weeping cherry trees are in full bloom, that you should't miss.

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Moka Lantern Festival

Moka Lantern Festival

The Moka Lantern Festival is held every year on August 15 at Gyokuya River Waterfront Park. The trees in the park are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. On the stage, a concert will be held to bring back memories of the past. 3,500 lanterns floating on the surface of the river like scattered jewels will give you a sense of peace. We suggest that buy your lantern before the event begins. (Â¥600/a lantern) In addition, local restaurants will set up booths at the plaza, where you are welcome to enjoy food and drink as well as lantern viewing. Traffic Control 17:30~21:30 Parking Area Moka City Hall, Ashikaga Bank, Joyo Bank and Four Season Seifu, please check more informations on website.

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Setsubun Armor Year-cross in Ashikaga

Setsubun Armor Year-cross in Ashikaga

What is Setsubun Armor Year-cross? Every year’s February 3 is “Setsubun” festival in Japan, symbolling the end of the winter. On this day, Ashikaga City holds “Armor Year-cross” event, over 200 people would dress as samurai to join the event. The parade walk to Bannaji Temple from Orihime Community Center. People celebrate their victory when they arrived at Bannaji Temple, and pray for city’s prosperity. History of Setsubun Armor Year-cross Back to the Kamakura period about 750 years ago, a powerful samurai called Ashikaga Yasuuji led 500 samurai to assemble at Bannaji Temple, the residence of Ashikaga Family, in order to honor their family. 120 years later, his descendant, Ashikaga Takauji, became the Shougun of Japan and created the Muromachi period. This event was closed in the late Edo and Meiji eras, but in 1915 (Taisho 4) it was restarted by a group of fiber workers. Ashikaga City has samurai armor and kimonos for visitors to try on.

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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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Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival

Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival

  Utsunomiya is famous throughout Japan for its gyoza, and so it’s only fitting that an annual festival to the fried dumplings would be held in the city. The Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival has been held at the beginning of November since 1999, with members of the Utsunomiya Gyoza Committee setting up stalls to sell their famous dumplings.   Visitors will be able to enjoy the subtle differences of dozens of dumplings as well as fill empty stomachs at a low cost: A three to five piece portion of gyōza, whether fried, boiled or steamed, will cost just 200 yen.   During the two days of festivities, visitors can also watch music bands and comedians at Miyajazz Inn, or see other live concerts at nearby venues.

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Moka Igashira Onsen Ichigo-no-Yu

Moka Igashira Onsen Ichigo-no-Yu

On March 27, 2025, Moka Igashira Onsen reopened after a full renovation under the popular nationwide hot spring brand “Ofuro Café,” rebranding itself as “Moka Igashira Onsen Ofuro Café Ichigo-no-Yu.” This new onsen facility is set to become a top destination for hot spring lovers in the Northern Kanto region. With warm Scandinavian-style wooden interiors, the facility offers both modern design and outstanding comfort. Visitors can relax in the hot springs and also enjoy a wide variety of unique services. The on-site restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes that are sure to leave you wanting more. For your next hot spring getaway in Japan, consider a visit to Moka City and experience this newly reimagined onsen retreat.

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