Greater Tokyo

See & Do

reset
Kanuma Autumn Festival

Kanuma Autumn Festival

The Kanuma Autumn Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event, will be held in Kanuma, Japan, in grand style, bringing the tradition and elegance of the Edo Period festivals to the present day. The “Yatai Event of Kanuma Imamiya Shrine Festival,” the core of this festival, was designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in February 2003, and was also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 1, 2016 as one of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai Event”.   For two days, 26 gorgeous yatai, which are also called “moving Yangmyongmon,” will parade through the streets of Kanuma in a heroic manner.   On the first day of the festival, “Nuriikomi” begins around noon, when 26 yatai pass through the torii gate and enter the precincts of Imamiya Shrine. At around 5:00 p.m., all the yatai will light lanterns and return to their respective neighborhoods with a musical accompaniment.   On the second day, after the “Citizens' Parade” of “marching bands” and “Mikoshi” in the morning, “Yatai Aligned Pulling (Yatai Parade)” will be held around 2:00 p.m., in which 26 yatai will simultaneously drive along the Kominehara Palace Road (commonly called “Festival Road”).   The highlight of the festival is a musical performance called “Buttsuke” in which three to seven yatai perform at a junction. The music of the festival is a spectacular sight to behold, and the sounds of the heroic “Buttsuke” music will echo through the night on both days of the festival.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Shiobara Onsen-kyo

Shiobara Onsen-kyo

A historic Onsen town visited by many great Japanese writers, this unique Onsen-kyo boasts thermal spring water with a range of qualities and benefits. Select a hot spring depending on your physical condition or mood. There are also various nature trails along the mountain stream. Popular both as a summer resort and when the autumn leaves on display, why not take a stroll around the town with the local specialty “To-te-yaki” (something like a thick crepe) in hand?

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya

Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya

The hotel is located in a quiet countryside area just outside the city centre. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can spend a relaxing time while enjoying the natural scenery that is so typical of Japan. Next to the hotel is the roadside station "Utsunomiya Romantic-mura" where you can enjoy local products and local delicacies such as Utsunomiya Gyoza®, and enjoy shopping and dining. The roadside station also has a natural hot spring and a heated pool, so you can relax and refresh after your trip. Nearby tourist spots include the "Oya History Museum," with its underground temple-like space, and the "Wakayama Farm Bamboo Forest," with its vast bamboo forest as far as the eye can see. With easy access to Nikko, this hotel is the perfect base for sightseeing.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Koyasan Shingonsyu Kofukuji Temple

Koyasan Shingonsyu Kofukuji Temple

Kofukuji Temple in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture, is a historic temple founded in 1460. For many years, it has been a beloved place of tranquility for local residents. The temple offers a variety of experiences, including traditional temple activities such as sutra copying and goma fire rituals, as well as more modern offerings like yoga (reservations are required) and lotus flower crafting. Everyone is welcome to participate. Despite its long history, Kofuku-ji Temple offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those interested in experiencing Japanese culture.  

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Emperor’s Room Memorial Park

Emperor’s Room Memorial Park

Emperor’s Memorial Park is a recreation of the former Shiobara Imperial Villa which was used as a summer resort for the imperial family. The villa was originally owned by Michitsune Mishima, the Governor of Tochigi Prefecture at that time, and was later offered to the Imperial Household Ministry in 1904. It was visited by Imperial family members including Emperors Meiji, Taisho and Showa and Princes Chichibu, Takamatsu and Mikasa. During the World War II, Princesses of Emperor Showa evacuated from Tokyo to this villa. After the war the villa was transferred to the Ministry of Welfare. Today, the Tenno-no-ma room, which was relocated to the current location in 1981, is open to the public with its beautiful garden. In the building there are a variety of materials that show the life of the Imperial household such as their stationeries, documents and photographs along with furnishings."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
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.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tempyo Flower Festival

Tempyo Flower Festival

The Usuzumi Zakura of Neo, the Jindaizakura of Yamataka, and the Miharu Takizakura are known as Japan’s Three Great Cherry Trees. These, along with the Ishiwari Zakura of Morioka, the Kosonju tree, and others, are all gathered at Tenpyo-no-Oka Park. From late March, when the Usuzumi Zakura begins to bloom, until late April, when the double cherry blossoms reach their peak, visitors can enjoy breathtaking cherry blossoms blooming throughout the park for an entire month. In addition to stalls run by local vendors, the festival features stage performances such as enka singing shows, appearances by manga characters, and rides on the “Shōnen Ressha” road train, making it a perfect spot for a family outing. The park also has a charming café called “10 Picnic Tables,” converted from an old farmhouse, offering a retro yet artsy atmosphere that contrasts with the main stage area. Visitors can enjoy delicious food while relaxing in a scenic, laid-back setting. Be sure to visit Tenpyo-no-Oka Park and experience the magic of cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI