Greater Tokyo

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Sakuramachi Jinya Cherry Blossom Festival (Ten Thousand Cherry Blossom Festival in Mooka)

Sakuramachi Jinya Cherry Blossom Festival (Ten Thousand Cherry Blossom Festival in Mooka)

This is a cherry blossom festival held from late March to early April every year. Various events are held in places around Mooka during this period. You can admire the cherry blossoms with cherry blossom viewing dumplings in one hand and appreciate the cherry trees lit up in the evening. Enjoy spring in Mooka when the city is colored with the color of cherry blossoms from ten thousand cherry trees. ☆

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tochigi Float Festival(Tochigi Autumn Festival)

Tochigi Float Festival(Tochigi Autumn Festival)

An autumn festival in Tochigi city held biennially. Lavishly decorated in detailed carvings, festive floats carrying figurines of deities and historical heroes are paraded through the streets.   For the many tourists coming from outside the region, special rail services from Tokyo are operated on the day of the festival. You can also visit an exhibition about the festival at the “Dashi Kaikan” (float museum) at any time of the year.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Hunter Mountain Shiobara

Hunter Mountain Shiobara

A popular ski and snowboard resort with great accessibility from Tokyo. Well-equipped to cater for all levels, the resort boasts 12 trails including a full-scale 3km downhill, a half pipe and a slalom trail for the advanced, plus trails for beginners and children and a child-friendly area for sleighs and snow play. The resort also offers seasonal delights such as slopes of lilies in summer and coloured leaves in autumn that can each be viewed from the ropeway.

Oshu kaido Nikko kaido TOCHIGI
Shiobara Onsen’s Taketori Monogatari, Illumination by Bamboo Lanterns

Shiobara Onsen’s Taketori Monogatari, Illumination by Bamboo Lanterns

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.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Nagamine Park

Nagamine Park

One of "Japanese city park best 100", the famous azalea viewing place in Kanto City, North Kanto City, about 5,000 azaleas in full bloom here, and every year in May will be held “azalea festival”, swarming with many people.   From early April to mid-May (the peak season for cherry blossoms and azaleas), the park is illuminated at night, and the dreamlike flower scene makes people linger.   There are also lawn parks and amusement facilities in the park, which are suitable for family picnics. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Takahara and Mt. Nikko from the observatory in the park.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
WAIN – Vintage Rice Barn in Nasu

WAIN – Vintage Rice Barn in Nasu

Originally built in the early Showa period, this traditional Japanese kura (storehouse) and barn were transformed into a warm and inviting guesthouse through extensive renovations in 2023, designed to comfortably accommodate up to two families (up to 8 guests). While preserving the nostalgic charm of the original architecture, we’ve thoughtfully modernized the facilities, adding two fully equipped bathrooms and kitchens to ensure a spacious and comfortable stay for our international guests. After relocating from Tokyo to embrace a sustainable lifestyle, we now cultivate organic, pesticide-free vegetables that we’re delighted to share with our guests. Set on a sprawling 2000-square-meter garden, the property invites you to enjoy open-air activities: play with our two friendly rescue dogs, explore the grounds, catch insects, or savor a barbecue amidst nature’s beauty. This is a space where modern comfort meets rustic tradition, offering a tranquil countryside retreat.

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
Nikko National park ”Nasushiobara retreat”Jorney through spirituality & Nature

Nikko National park ”Nasushiobara retreat”Jorney through spirituality & Nature

This is very special tour to experience an annual grand Buddhist ceremony in the breathtaking nature of Nasushiobara. This historical event, where tradition, culture, and nature merge, features monks in dazzling attire performing captivating rituals. It's an unmissable spectacle full of unforgettable highlights! There are day trip and overnight options available. The both courses will follow the same schedule on the first day. Please be sure to check the official website below..

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
TOWA PURE COTTAGES

TOWA PURE COTTAGES

If you’re staying overnight in Nasu Highland (Tochigi Prefecture), stay at Nasu Highland TOWA PURE COTTAGES. Everything including fun, relaxation, and food is found amid the great outdoors of Nasu Highland at this cottage-style hotel where you can relax to your heart’s content. Each cottage has a fireplace made in Northern Europe and a rich variation of living rooms offering a comfortable setting with a spacious feel that promises an all-out resort lifestyle. Pet-friendly guest rooms allow you to sleep with your pets so you can spend the entire restful time with your furry friend. After experiencing the magnificent nature of Nasu, you can choose from a Western-style, Japanese-style, or barbecue dinner meticulously prepared with local ingredients by the chef. In addition, the large bath and open-air bath with natural, free-flowing hot spring water will gently envelop you in soft hot water for a full-body experience that soothes and promotes beautiful skin. As the official cottages for the neighboring Nasu Highland Park, there are a variety of perks, including being able to enjoy Nasu Forest Sky Athletic NOZARU, one of Japan’s largest adventure courses, as well as a dog run, tennis, karaoke, and glamping. The swaying of the trees and tranquil experience unique to a resort provide the ultimate in relaxation that can’t be experienced in the metropolis. Glamping is also available The word ‘glamping’ is a combination of the words ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping.’ The setting lets you fully enjoy the great outdoors even if you are new to outdoor activities such as camping. Not only is there a bed and sofa inside the tent, but a refrigerator, electric power, and other furnishings necessary for a comfortable experience are also included. Meals can be eaten at the hotel restaurant. Guests can choose from Japanese-style meals, Western-style meals, or a barbecue. The barbecue can be eaten out on the terrace, so you can enjoy the delicious food in comfort while immersed in the nature of Nasu. Don’t miss viewing the thrilling starry sky and fireflies in summer, experiences you could never have in the big city. Glamping can provide a unique hands-on experience that ordinary camping can’t, such as spending precious time with a special someone and creating family memories to look back on.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Shirasagi Shrine

Shirasagi Shrine

The Shirasagi Shrine enshrines Yamato Takeru, the son of the Emperor Keiko the 12th emperor of Japan who was enshrined in 783.During those ancient days, Yamato Takeru carried the sword Kusanagi and travelled throughout Japan, leading the country to peace. Legend says that as a result, his soul turned into a swan and he continues to protect peace still.The shrine is also home to Japan's largest votive picture at a width of 8m and a height of 4m, which is known a votive picture which grants wishes and bestows happiness."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Shiobara Onsen Visitor Center

Shiobara Onsen Visitor Center

This tourist information center located in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture provides explanations and guidance for the nature and promenade in Shiobara, and operates various walking plans. For example, it coordinates nature walking plans corresponding to the season and members, hikes with park conductors and nature learning activities. In addition, the visitor center has a rest corner where you can rest yourself after walking."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Yugyo willow Tree

Yugyo willow Tree

A huge willow tree standing amidst a tranquil, rural landscape. The renowned poet Saigyo spied willow while on a journey and wrote a haiku about standing in its shade on the side of the road amidst the pure waters flowing through the surrounding rice paddies. Later, the playwright Kanze Nobumitsu wrote a play based on this poem, making the willow famous. The famed poet Basho also wrote about this willow in his “Narrow Road to the Interior,” described its moving beauty. Monuments inscribed with poems by Saigyo, Basho, and Buson have been placed next to the tree."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tochigi Prefectural Museum

Tochigi Prefectural Museum

The Tochigi Prefectural Museum in Utsunomiya City is located in Tochigi Central Park and collects, preserves, and researches materials relating to Tochigi's nature and culture. This museum was opened as a general museum aimed at deepening understanding of Tochigi's nature and culture in October of 1982. The 72m spiral slope flora and fauna of Nikko, Tochigi's most famous area, exhibit is a site to see.The exhibition displays the animals in order of elevation and environment from the 600m elevation of the area around the Shinkyo Bridge to the 2578m elevation of the peak of Mt. Shirane. The exhibition rooms introduce the history of Tochigi from its geological age to the present, with themes on each era in chronological order, making the history easy to understand.The museum also hosts a variety of other themed exhibitions and planned exhibits as well as exhibits on nature, geology, plants and animal introductions."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Roadside Station Meiji no Mori Kuroiso

Roadside Station Meiji no Mori Kuroiso

Roadside Station Meiji no Mori/Kuroiso was opened as a roadside station when improvements were made to the Aoki Nasu Bettei second home on a 7.5-hectare lot. This roadside station is located on the side of the Kuroiso-Tajima Route (Prefectural Route 369), which runs through Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. It features farmer's market that offers fresh produce, local eggs, and dairy products,restaurant, a bakery, and more. It is located adjacent to the Former Aoki Family Nasu Villa. This villa that belonged to Aoki Shuzo is a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI