You can have a kayak experience in Lake Chuzenji - the lake at the highest altitude in Japan. Being able to appreciate nature - from fresh greenery to fall leaves - from the surface of the lake in the great outdoors is a real pleasure. Why don't you experience kayaking with your family or friends?

Why not enjoy cycling through the historic town of Mashiko and its natural surroundings? The local railway journey to Mashiko passes through picturesque countryside. On arrival the town of Mashiko offers bike rental to tourists at several bike stations including Yoshimura Farm， Michi-no-Eki Mashiko and the Mashikoyaki Pottery Sales Centre. Mashiko station is also available for returns only. Hire a bike and explore the streets of the old town lined with cafes and art galleries. All the rental bikes are Pedelecs (electrically assisted pedal cycles) and perfect for cycling around this hilly town. Enjoy exploring the town’s narrow streets and find your hidden gems!

The town of Nogi is a popular tourist spot thanks to its beautiful flowers and the Nogi-machi Brick Kiln. The town hosts a summer “Sunflower Festival” in late July. Visitors can enjoy walking through 4.3 hectares of fields where two hundred thousand sunflowers are in full bloom.

Why not rent an old-fashioned kimono and stroll around the World Heritage sites of Nikko? Dressing in the kimono takes approx. 10 min. and costs 3,800 yen (tax incl.) for one day. Savor an ambience that is extraordinary.

The History of Utsunomiya Castle Utsunomiya Castle is believed to have been originally built by the legendary Japanese warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato. During the medieval period, it served as the stronghold of the Utsunomiya clan for generations. After the Utsunomiya clan was stripped of its land by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Utsunomiya Castle became the residence of fudai daimyō (samurai families who had pledged loyalty to the Tokugawa clan before the Battle of Sekigahara) during the Edo period. The castle also played an important role as a key stopover point for Tokugawa shoguns traveling to Nikkō Tōshō-gū to pay their respects. In 1868, the castle was engulfed in the flames of war during the Boshin War, a conflict between the new Meiji government forces and the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate. Most of the original structures were destroyed in the battle. Today, the castle ruins have been transformed into a historical park, with efforts focused on reconstructing parts of the Edo-period (1600–1867) main keep (Honmaru) to preserve its legacy. Utsunomiya’s Earliest and Most Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot From March to April, Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms. The season begins in mid-to-late March with the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura, followed by Somei Yoshino, Shidare-zakura, and finally culminating in the Oyama-zakura in mid-April. For a full month, visitors can immerse themselves in a breathtaking sea of pink petals. During cherry blossom season, the park hosts the Utsunomiya Sakura Festival, featuring stage performances, local street food stalls, and festive activities in addition to stunning cherry blossoms. This makes it one of Utsunomiya’s most renowned hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.

Legend has it that Samurai refugees found these spring waters and settled down in the village to heal their wounds. Today a row of inns and local houses are located along the valley. In addition to the abundant hot spring water， you can also enjoy seasonal local cuisine served around a fireplace (irori)， including simply grilled wild ingredients such as freshwater fish， Sansai (wild vegetables)， venison， bear and other delicacies. Miso paste grilled on a spatula is also a local specialty. If you visit here in the winter， do not miss the fantastic “Yunishikawa-onsen KAMAKURA Snow House Festival” from late January to early March. About 800 small snow houses are illuminated from inside candles.

The old mining site of Utsunomiya’s famous，Oya Stone，has now been turned into a historical museum. The exhibition features the long history of the mining since the 17th century，with many materials on display. The underground cavern，covering 20,000 sq. metres，is large enough to fit a baseball field. With a fantastic atmosphere reminding visitors of the ruins of Ancient Rome.It is used in various scenes such as movie shooting, music videos shooting, weddings, concert, etc. due to its mysterious scenery.

An outlet shopping centre showcasing fashion， sports & outdoors and lifestyle brands. Food courts， cafés and restaurants are on hand for when you need a break. Expanded in the summer of 2012， the mall houses 148 stores. Situated near the IC， the free shuttle bus runs a regular service between Nasu-Shiobara station and the shopping centre. The mall turns magical with the festive lights and decorations during the winter.

A leisure facility covers 300，000 square metres surrounded by abundant nature around a lake. The interactive farm especially delight children through the experiences such as feeding lovely animals， riding horses and milking cows by hands. Other popular attractions are pleasure boats viewing Nasu mountain ranges and park itself from the lake， the Swiss railway running alongside the lake and the nation’s longest “Zip Line” where you zip along a wire over the lake. Refresh yourself with ice creams and daily products made with Jersey milk for a break!

The theme is "Let's protect the world's ruins and architectural culture" This theme park exhibits UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage sites, including 48 registered properties, 22 buildings from 102 countries and regions. Elaborately reproduced on 1/25 scale. The buildings are decorated with exquisite carvings, reliefs, and glass inlays that are breathtakingly beautiful. In addition, the 20,000 plants that adorn the buildings change with the seasons, allowing you to enjoy different landscapes throughout the year. There are also signs next to the buildings in the park that indicate the “Shooting Spot”, so you can take great photos. You can also take pictures of buildings by lifting them or holding them up in a borrowed position, so that you can enjoy photography to the fullest.   New photo spot opens in Tobu World Square's America Zone! The popular America Zone in the park has been partially renovated, with new photo spots added. New photo spots recreate iconic American landscapes for an immersive experience. Now you can take a picture with the symbol of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, and Flatiron Building. You can enjoy a special photo that can only be taken at Tobu World Square by taking a photo from behind this magnificent statue with Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower exhibits in the background.

Discovered more than 300 years ago， these venerable Onsen were open only to monks and daimyo samurai visiting Nikko at that time. Since opening to the public in late 19th century， the hot springs have had many visitors and developed into a great spa resort. The hot spring water is smooth and gentle on the skin with a light alkalinity， and is thought to help nerve pain and stiff shoulders， relieve tiredness and promote good health. There srounded many theme parks or sightseeing spots， and good place for the base to go sightseeing in Nikko.

One of the most popular photo spots along the Ryuo Gorge hiking trail Musasabi Bridge is located along the mid-section of the Ryuo Gorge hiking trail in Nikko National Park, and is one of the suspension bridges connecting both sides of the gorge. The geology here belongs to “Hakuryu Gorge,” with the valley below the bridge formed of rhyolite. On both sides lies a well-preserved wetland ecosystem, where skunk cabbage blooms in spring, and in summer visitors can observe the rare forest green tree frog. Compared with Nijimi Bridge at the starting point, the area around Musasabi Bridge feels quieter and closer to nature. Standing on the bridge, away from the crowds, you can listen to the murmuring flow of the Kinugawa River and the rustling of leaves in the breeze—a perfect spot to calm your mind during the hike. Continuing upward from here, you can reach the Seiryu Gorge section, known for its unique rock formations, and enjoy many famous geological sights. It is a hiking journey that combines nature, geology, and tranquil moments.

When sunlight hits the spray of the waterfall, a dreamy rainbow appears, making this a breathtaking highlight of your hike. Nijimi Falls is a symbolic scenic spot near Ryuokyo Gorge in Nikko. It is named after the rainbow often created by sunlight shining through the mist. The waterfall is about 20 meters high, and its powerful flow creates a misty spectacle. Visitors can enjoy close-up views of the waterfall from different angles along the well-maintained trail. This spot is an important stop along the Ryuokyo Gorge walking route. The trail is surrounded by lush nature, offering cool shade in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and refreshing air all year round. It is recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes and take your time exploring. Particularly on sunny mornings, this is the best time to capture photos of the rainbow created in the mist.

In the Monzen and Furumachi districts at the heart of Shiobara Onsen, bamboo lanterns line the main streets, casting a soft, dreamlike light that enhances the charm of the hot spring town at night. The lanterns installed along the bridge railings and pathways are handcrafted by local residents, with as many as 1,000 adorning the area. During the event period, they are lit from sunset until around 9:00 p.m., creating a retro, romantic atmosphere in the streets of Shiobara Onsen.

Hanazono sou is a farm stay operated by a farming family making rice for 15 generations in Hanazono, Ohtawara City. It is a lodging where guests can indulge themselves in the slow flow of time and the scenery of the vast countryside as well as the starry sky at night. For dinner, guests can cook for themselves in the shared kitchen or with the BBQ equipment. You can harvest chemical-free vegetables from the field and use them for dinner. They also serve home-grown rice freshly steamed on the rice-husk stove. After the meal, you are invited to enjoy Hanazono sou’s original Japanese sake for a relaxing time. In the morning, you will choose a Japanese or Western breakfast and cook it with the farm stay staff. The Japanese breakfast is freshly cooked rice on the rice-husk stove, miso soup with homemade miso, and a dish of seasonal vegetables. The Western breakfast is pancakes using homemade rice flour and soup featuring seasonal vegetables.

Hotel MOKUREN is a traditional Japanese house turned into an accommodation. They take only one reservation at a time, so guests can exclusively use the two spacious Japanese style rooms during their stay while enjoying a view of the vast countryside. Feel the essence of Japan in a relaxing space and enjoy a farming experience in adjacent fields and in the traditional storehouse, as well as sightseeing in Nasunogahara. The hotel does not have a meal service, but the guest room includes a kitchen where you can cook harvested farm products. The storehouse has a cooking stove for preparing rice and BBQ equipment. There are also restaurants and diners near the hotel. The guest room has a shower, but if you wish to have a relaxing soak in a larger space, you can try a nearby onsen. You can also borrow bicycles.

Yoshida Mura is 60 minutes away from Tokyo and is at the eastern edge of Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, where the Kinu River runs nearby. It is a quiet area surrounded by fields. In lush green nature, Yoshida Mura produces rice, strawberries, asparagus, and onions. They have an Italian restaurant called Ristorante Italia Verace, where dishes are prepared with local agricultural ingredients to bring out the taste of nature’s blessing, and also a bakery called Yoshida Mura Bakery. At Ristorante Italia Verace, the chef who received culinary training in Italy makes dishes using plenty of ingredients freshly harvested by local partner farmers. The restaurant is the symbol of Yoshida Mura. At Yoshida Mura Bakery, Chef Numao, who practiced baking at famous bakeries such as The Standard Bakers, an authentic bakery based in Oya Town, Utsunomiya City, and Boulangerie Rire in Shimotsuke City, offers carefully crafted and baked bread.

Having a cool average temperature from summer to fall, Oku-nikko and Senjogahara have the perfect environment for growing sweet and tasty strawberries. Mt. Berry Oku-Nikko grows special strawberries using the blessing of grand nature, taking advantage of the climate, water, and soil, and carefully selected fertilizers. From July to October, they open their field for ‘Tenku no Kogen Ichigo’ picking. It’s an all-you-can-eat (although depending on the harvest situation) strawberry picking program featuring three breeds of strawberries: Natsuotome, the breed cultivated only in Tochigi Prefecture, Yotsuboshi, and Pechika Honoka, which made its debut in 2024. Taste the difference among Natsuotome having a good balance of sweetness and acidity, Yotsuboshi with strong sweetness and aroma, and Pechika Honoka boasting its top-class sweetness among all summer-fall strawberries. Since you need a reservation and they accept only a small number of people at a time, you can enjoy picking strawberries in a relaxed atmosphere.