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.

Located in the eastern area of Tochigi， this Onsen snuggles into a bend of the Naka River. The simple alkaline hot spring water promotes smooth skin， for which the Onsen is known as the “hot spring of beauty”. Most of the hot spring baths in the area face west， leading to another nickname of “the sunset Onsen-kyo” thanks to the great sunset views. You can also have a splendid view of mountains with wisps of white smoke.

"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."

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."

This huge statue of the goddess Kannon was carved into the wall of a former Oya stone quarry and stands 27 meters tall. It was entirely hand carved as a prayer for those who have fallen in battle and as a hope for world peace. There are well maintained paths and stairs around the statue and from the top you can see all across Oya. If you are visiting Heiwa Kannon, you might also want to check out the Oyaji Temple and the local history museum that are nearby."

The new dessert launched in 2011.Looks like a crepe， but has a spongey texture. The fillings vary depending on the store you go to.  Not just seet flavors， like cream or fruit， but also soba or meat. This is a popular gourmet food available as you walk around the hot springs area."

Located near the top of (2nd) Irohazaka Slope， Akechidaira Plateau has sweeping views over a winding road and a dramatic mountain backdrop. This 3-minute long ropeway cable car ride takes you from the Akechidaira Plateau to an observation platform located at 1373m， offering superb panoramic views of the Nikko area， including Kegon Falls， Lake Chuzenji， Mt. Nantai， and the surrounding mountains in the distance. The vista is especially beautiful during the change of colors in the autumn， and during cherry blossom season. It is said this "Akechidaira" area， which offers the best view in all of Nikko， takes its name from Akechi Mitsuhide who assassinated Oda Nobunaga during the famous Honnoji Temple incident."

This traditional and sacred festival is the biggest one of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. On May 17, the Shrine holds the yabusame ritual in which you can see archers’ arts of piloting the horses and shooting arrows on horsebacks.   On May 18, the city has the procession called Hyakumono-Zoroe Sennin Gyoretsu, in which some 1,000 men dressed in samurai warrior outfits march to reproduce the scene where Ieyasu’s grave was being transferred from distant Mount Kunousan in Shizuoka Prefecture to Nikko.

On the evening of August 15， some four thousand floating lanterns (tourou) light up the surface of the waters at Gyoyagawa Mizube Park， imbued with the spirit of prayers to the ancestors and lending the surrounding area a magical atmosphere.

Take a nostalgic boat trip beside the traditional storehouses lining the Uzuma River in just 20 minutes!

The Onsen area spreads around two Shinto shrines (the Toshogu and the Futarasan-jinja) and a Buddhist temple (the Rinnoji) of Nikko. The source of hot spring was rediscovered in recent years at the place where Kobo Daishi， a famous Buddhist monk and skilled calligrapher of the 8th century， used to call it a “hot spring of a vision”. The clear hot spring water， which is more comfortable for people who do not like sulphur， helps stiff shoulders and nerve pain and promotes beautiful skin. It is perfectly located to visit the World Heritage sites， stroll around the Monzenmachi Street and take a relaxing soak afterward.

This feature festival of Yunishikawa Onsen is held from late January to early March every year. Hundreds of small snow houses (mini-kamakura) are built and lighted up by candle lights. During the day enjoy sleighing. This illuminated snow-filled town is simply mesmerising.   Yunishigawa Onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival 2026 ■Dates:January 30st-March 1nd,2026   Venue1:Sawaguchi Riverside ■Lighting Dates:Only on Fridays, Saturdays,and Sundays during January 30st-March 1nd,2026 ■Lighting Hours:5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ■Admission:Free   Venue2:Heike-no-Sata Village ■Opening Hours:9:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m.(Last entry at 8:45 p.m.) ■Lighting Dates:January 30st - March 1nd ,2026 ■Lighting Hours:5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. ■Admission:1-day ticket(9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.):510 yen for adults / 250 yen for elementary and junior high school students(re-entry possible on the day)   Venue3:Yunishigawa Mizu-no-Sato Snow Park ■Closed:Wednesdays *Open on 2/11 (Wednesday, national holiday), closed on 2/12 (Thurs) ■Opening Dates:January 30st - March 1nd ,2026 ■Business Hours:10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.(Last reception 2:00 p.m.) ■Admission:1,200 yen for adults,600 yen for children(including sledding fee and hot spring bathing fee at Mizu-no-Sato.The hot spring open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.,last entrance 6:00 p.m.)

A feature attraction of the Kinugawa River is the river cruises always popular with tourists. Glide along the river and enjoy the incredibly scenic valley. Depending on the season the 40-minute boat ride is a fun way to explore the memorable scenery of wild cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring， sounds of kingfishers and ayu fish swimming in summer or the red leaves of autumn.

The Kinugawa Onsen Hotel in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a long-established hot spring inn founded in 1931, with roots in Japan's oldest hotel. With the concept of “Yui-tabi” (bonding), we support memorable trips that deepen the bonds between family members and loved ones. Enjoy a buffet-style meal and choose from a variety of rooms to suit your preferences, and enjoy a relaxing hot spring trip to your heart's content.   【About the Hot Springs】 Kinugawa Onsen is renowned for its healing waters, often referred to as “wounds heal by the river, burns heal by the waterfall” (now known as Kinugawa Onsen). The alkaline simple spring water is known for its skin-soothing properties, making it gentle on children and those with sensitive skin. In addition to the large public bath, private baths (reservation required) are also available. Water color: Clear Water type: Simple hot spring Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, cold hands and feet, post-illness recovery, fatigue recovery, and overall health improvement.  

Feel nature, savor memorable dishes, and enjoy the space of a luxurious and relaxing retreat at Mukunone. The grounds of Mukunone consist of three areas: AUBERGE featuring villa accommodation and a restaurant that serves dishes prepared with a wide variety of seasonal ingredients and specialty food of Nasu; B&B for a casual overnight stay and breakfast; and Mizuniwa featuring its one and only landscape designed by the architect Junya Ishigami. In this precious space, you can spend time connecting with magnificent nature and reflecting on yourself. 【About Mizuniwa】 Mizuniwa is a spectacular architectural and art piece created with the precise calculation and sensibility of the architect Junya Ishigami. It is a place with a picturesque landscape that makes you want to close your eyes and take deep breaths. Trees keep growing and the stream continues to flow. With these continuous changes, Mizuniwa is a forever unfinished beautiful landscape. *Mizuniwa is open to the public (reservation required).

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.