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.

Aozora Project THE DAY aims for regional revitalization through outdoor activities. We provide moments to discover the region's charm and deepen the connection between people and nature while enjoying experiences such as E-bike tours, snowboarding, and trekking on ancient trails.

Held in early October each year, the Utamaro Festival celebrates the legacy of Kitagawa Utamaro, a renowned ukiyo-e artist of the mid-Edo period who had close ties to Tochigi City. Many of his works were created here, and the city, with its well-preserved Edo-period architecture, is often called “Little Edo.” The festival’s highlight is the Utamaro Dōchū parade, where performers dressed in gorgeous kimono proceed slowly along Kuranomachi Ōdōri Street, recreating the elegance of the Edo era. The festivities also feature music performances, fireworks, street illuminations, and a handmade market, immersing the entire town in a joyful celebration of culture and tradition. Notably, Kitagawa Utamaro will also be featured in the 2025 NHK Taiga drama Unbound, bringing renewed attention and respect to this ukiyo-e master. Visiting the Utamaro Festival offers a rare opportunity to experience the fusion of historical culture and modern creativity. Strolling through the lantern-lit streets of Kuranomachi, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the parade and illuminations while discovering the timeless charm of Japanese traditional arts—an unforgettable highlight of any autumn trip.

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.  

Mashiko Gion Festival began in 1705, when an epidemic of infectious diseases killed many people and pests infested crops, people pray to Tenno for illnesses and harvest. Five towns take turns organizing the festival. The organizer sets up a mikoya and carries the mikoshi out of the shrine for the first day and last day of the festival. On the second day of the festival, a traditional event call “Sake Topping Festival(Omiki Cho-dai Shiki)” is held on organizer’s town. Male worshippers in formal kimonos drink hot sake under the scorching heat to pray for a good harvest and health. After the organizer side finished their drinks, 10 men from next organize town also need to challenge it. This festival is one of the “Top 3 Strange Festivals of Kanto Area”. Also, on the first night of the festival, people will set off Tezutsu-hanabi with majestic yells is breathtaking.

The Local History Exhibition and Reference Room displays valuable artifacts related to the history and culture of Kanuma City, including the carved floats that are the pride of Kanuma City. In the Carved Floats Exhibition Room, there are two carved floats on display which are used in the Kanuma Imamiya Shrine Festival Yatai Event. They are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

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.

This recently-opened facility boasts everything Yunishigawa has to offer — an open-air bath fed with free-flowing spring water, unforgettable food, and great souvenir shops. Enjoy an extensive menu including Yunishigawa specialties such as handmade soba and other local dishes.

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.

The Kyubi Festival is held in Nasu Town in September each year. Kyubi is the nine tailed fox mascot that represents Nasu. Many events related to the legend of Nasu's nine-tailed fox (Kyubi no kitsune)， such as the Hakumen Kinmo Kyubiko Taiko drum performance， and the procession of Kyubi Mikoshi (portable shrine) are held."

The Utsunomiya City Adventure Activity Center is a hands-on learning facility for children with little opportunity to come in contact with nature to develop creativity， teamwork and independence by learning about nature. The center has a full range of facilities including a spacious arena， an observation deck looking out on Mt. Nantai and the Nikko Mountains， wall climbing and an adventure area with a rope swing， a wooden bridge， a cave and more."

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."

The Takase Kanko Yana is a weir on the fresh waters of the Ara River.Come try fresh sweetfish cuisine while looking at the clear waters of the nearby Nakagawa River. You can even try your hand at catching sweetfish with their Yana traps. Enjoy robata-yaki in the tatami rooms and food cooked directly in front of you. The restaurant is open from June to November each year in accordance with the sweetfish fishing season."

Wakayama Farm is a family farm that has been producing chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and bamboo seedlings over three generations. The spectacular bamboo forest that extends in the 24-hectare land is also popular as a filming location for movies and commercials. Farm visitors can try bamboo shoot harvest and bamboo craft creation in addition to a walk in the bamboo forest. On weekends and holidays, you can enjoy an out-of-ordinary experience including drinking matcha from a bowl made from bamboo and seeing the illuminated bamboo forest at night. The café offers meals that feature the flavor of ingredients grown by farmers in the neighborhood and drinks that are perfect to take on a walk. The farm also has a museum where visitors can learn about the ecology and use of bamboo and a gallery showcasing Japanese bamboo handicrafts. The shop sells agricultural products including bamboo shoots, chestnuts, and blueberries, and also the chestnuts sweet “Oh Kuri” made by thoroughly kneading the nuts of carefully grown chestnuts. You will also find the farm’s original bamboo shoot products such as jars of additive-free boiled bamboo shoots harvested in spring.  

Dress up in Samurai armour at the Ashikaga Machinaka Yugakukan and enjoy strolling around the neighbouring historic area that is home to the National Historic Site of Ashikaga School and the National Treasure， Banna-ji Temple. Stride along the atmospheric stone-paved streets dressed as a brave Samurai!

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.

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 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.