The Mountain Station Takahara facility is located in an excellent spot to start exploring Happogahara and Mt. Takahara. It is visited by a wide variety of people, including those who have come to do serious mountain hiking, those who enjoy casual nature walks, and those who have come to visit the nearby mystical waterfall, Oshiraji Falls.   Visitors can also use the facility as a hub for enjoying seasonal activities thoughout the year, such as strolling through the azaleas in the spring, visiting waterfalls in the summer, viewing autumn foliage in the autumn, and snowshoe hiking in the winter.   The facility's restaurant offers Yaita's local specialty, "apple curry" and ever-popular soft-serve ice cream. From late April to mid-November, visitors can enjoy Oshiraji ramen and Oshiraji soft-serve ice cream themed on the clear blue of the Oshiraji Falls, made with local Yaita City ingredients and local specialty products.   The campsite, which celebrated its grand opening in 2023, is located at an altitude of 1,049m, where the air is clear all year round. On clear days, visitors can enjoy camping under the starry sky with Milky Way.

What started as an oil shop during the first year of the Edo Tenmei era in 1781 became a specialty miso-making company by the end of the Edo period. Please try our special Miso Dengaku or try our miso to make your own traditionally-seasoned dishes.

Yakushiji Hachimangu Shrine is also referred to as "Hachiman for warding off misfortune and disaster" and attracts a large number of worshippers.It was also known as the patron saint of the Genji and is known as a shrine where prayers are answered as Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and Minamoto no Yoshiie pracyed for victory in battle there. The shrine has long served as a patron saint for successive feudal lords and a center of faith for the people."

This museum displays artefacts excavated from the adjoining sites such as the National Historic Site-designated Shimotsuke Kokubun-ji Temple Remains and Amadera Ruins， and the Tochigi Prefecture Historic Site-designated Maruzuka Kofun and Atagozuka Kofun. The artefacts on display range from the Kofun period to the Nara period. Many ancient burial mounds， temple and provincial office ruins， and other sites connected to the prefecture's history and culture can be found in the area around the museum. The museum presents the history of Shimotsuke City from a variety of viewpoints， including government administration and the lives of everyday people in the distant past， the relationship between the region and more central areas of Japan， and the development of civil engineering and construction technologies."

From the Nakagawa River， the best clear stream in the Kanto area， to rivers in the world (Amazon River)， then to the Longing Sea (fish in coral reefs)， are introduced in approx. 60 water tanks， in various sizes from small to large. The attraction of the river， which the sea does not have， is definitely the sunlight shining deep through the water. A large amount of sunlight is taken in at the aquatic park， recreating the scenic riverbed. As natural light shines through the water， the fish actively swim in the aquarium， which is an attractive part of this park which cannot be experienced at a marine aquarium. There are many interactive areas as well， including touching tanks where visitors can encounter crayfish and starfish directly."

This long-standing Japanese confectioner in Nikko City， Tochigi Prefecture first opened during the Meiji-period (1868-1912). They use carefully screened red beans and sugar to produce Nikko's popular specialty treat， Nikko Neri Yokan (red bean jelly)."

This nature-filled park features a forest rich with horse chestnut and Mongolian oak trees， which was chosen for “Japan’s Top 100 Forests.” Lots of grasses and flowers here too， like peat moss and Ezo loosestrife. You’ll even find the country’s smallest dragonfly (Nannophya pygmaea) and other unique fauna and flora amid such rich nature. Pathways and restrooms ensure that everyone has a pleasant visit."

Ryuka Falls is a famous waterfall which flows and falls over 3 drops， and is both beautiful and imposing. There is a viewing platform close to the waterfall basin where visitors can feel the force of the waterfall. Even among the many waterfalls of Shiobara， said to be as many as 100， this fall ranks in the top 10 most famous. There is a promenade which makes for an easy to walk course， which is only a short distance and with very little height variation， making it easy for even for families to enjoy the walk together."

Enjoy an idyllic， pastoral atmosphere at the spacious Kotoku Farm， which stretches over 30，000 square meters. In addition to watching the cows and horses graze， you can indulge in some of their famous ice cream or drink some farm-fresh milk. It also has a restaurant with popular steaks and burgers. There is a walkable path around the farm， so you can stroll and enjoy some pastoral views of cows grazing."

Nikko Strawberry Park is the first strawberry grower in Tochigi to be certified by Global G.A.P.*， and is committed to high standards of safety and quality. Nikko experiences dramatic changes in temperature between the mornings and evenings， and has a source of clean water in the Nikko Mountain Range. These elements combined with the farmer's skill produce juicy strawberries with the perfect balance of sweetness and sourness. Additionally， there is a space where the strawberries are grown in movable elevated benches， eliminating the need to bend over to pick them so that visitors in wheelchairs or with baby carriages can also enjoy strawberry picking. *Global G.A.P. is an internationally recognized label granted to deserving companies in recognition of their practice of sustainable production which takes into account food safety， labor conditions， and environmental impact. G.A.P. stands for "Good Agricultural Practices".

In 1985， Shojinzawa Spring Water was selected as one of “the 100 most exquisite and well-conserved water sources in Japan” by the Ministry of Environment. The spring is located on a hillside of Mount Takahara， surrounded by hundred-year-old primeval forests. The crystal clear water springs out at more than 10 locations and is around 11 degrees in temperature throughout the year， never freezing or running dry even in winter.

A prefectural park combining Japanese and Western garden design with nature, culture, and disaster-prevention functionsTochigi Prefectural Central Park is located in the center of Utsunomiya City and was created under the theme of “water, greenery, and culture.” Within the park are Western-style sunken gardens, Japanese-style ponds, and multipurpose plazas, which also interact with the neighboring Tochigi Prefectural Museum. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of landscapes, including waterfalls, stone gardens, and the expansive Noh Stage Plaza with its modern fountain pool. Seasonal flowers and meticulously maintained lawns add to the park’s charm. The park also features the “Midori no Shōkansho” (Green Consultation Office), which regularly holds exhibitions and workshops, providing advice on gardening and tree care for citizens. This space serves as a multipurpose area for relaxation, recreation, and environmental education. As a disaster-prevention park, it also has emergency response functions, making it an important part of daily life for local residents.

Isoyama Shrine in Kanuma City is a historic shrine that received a Goshuin (red seal) from the Tokugawa Shogunate, and is now known as one of the best known hydrangea viewing spots in the northern Kanto region.   The shrine is also known as one of the best places for viewing hydrangeas in the northern Kanto region. The 2,500 hydrangeas of 28 varieties planted along the approach to the shrine and around the shrine pavilions are in full bloom, creating a wonderful contrast with the green of the cedar trees. During the festival, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., lanterns are lit, and the hydrangeas reflected in the pale light create an ethereal atmosphere.   A "Chinoawa" or "ring of thatch," which is said to bring good health to those who pass through it, will also be set up.

"Shinonome Flower Festival" is held at Shinonome Park from late March to early April. The sight of approximately 250 cherry trees lined up along both banks of the Kurokawa River all blooming at once is spectacular.   From the Shinonome Sakura Bridge, which is located in the park and connects the east and west banks of the Kurokawa River, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Nantai and blooming cherry trees. the Shinonome Sakuradai on both banks of the Kurokawa River is one of the 100 most scenic spots in Tochigi.   The nearby roadside rest stops, the Mibu Exchange Center "Miraikan", the Mibu Toy Museum, and the Toy Town Bandai Museum, also hold a variety of events in conjunction with the Shinonome Flower Festival.  

Find fabulous goodies in a popular fashion district that is home to famous cafes, flower shops, jewelry and accessories shops, knitting shops, leather studios, and more.

This temple served as the favored place of worship of the Utsunomiya clan for generations. It is known as a place where worshippers can pray to Fudo for safety from fire and success in business. Tagesan Fudoson's wooden statue of a seated Fudo was crafted using the technique of yosegi， a type of traditional Japanese marquetry， and is believed to date back to the late Heian Period."

At the riverside park near Oya History Museum， the rock cliff has a rough surface. The powerful landscape is a scenic beauty designated by the Japanese government. Relax on the wide green lawn and enjoy the landscape of the Oya stone cliff."

This park located in the center of Utsunomiya City. It numerous attractions include Utsunomiya Tower， which offers a sweeping view of the city， Adventure U playground， which features a large playground and go-kart track， a zoo， and more. Some 800 cherry blossoms trees and 700 azalea bushes have been planted in the park， making it a well-known destination for flower viewing. During the flower-viewing season， the park is illuminated with paper lanterns， Utsunomiya Tower is lit up， and vendors set up festival stalls in the park."