An ancient shrine rebuilt in the Nara era and included in the Engi-Shiki (set of ancient Japanese governmental regulations)， it is also a famous place in Kanto for the first shrine visit of the New Year (hatsumode). The main shrine building， which is a prefectural cultural property， is a masterwork of Genroku-era carpenter Sezaemon Sakurai and sculptor Entetsu Shimamura.

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.  

The Taishi Food Inc. Nikko plant is located close to the Daiya River and produces tofu and soybean-processed foods made with clear spring water and selected ingredients. Visitors are free to come inside the factory， look around and learn about the healthy and nutritious soybeans via displays and videos. Other attractions offered at the factory include a tofu-making experience and sampling freshly made tofu and fried tofu. [Tofu making workshop] Hours  (1)10:30am - 11:30am    (2)1:30pm - 2:30pm Fare    300yen/per person Booking  6 people to max. 50 people Please make a reservaion 7days in advance， by phone or fax.

Visitors can enjoy the yuba making process， experience pulling up tofu skin， and tasting. *Japanese language only. Please come with an interpreter. *Approx. 30 minutes experience *Booking by Phone or FAX， 7 days before your visit niizuma@nikkoyuba.net

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.

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 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.

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.  

The hotel stands quietly on the hill of a hot spring resort town against the backdrop of mountains that change colors each season. It is an eight-minute-walk from Kinugawa-onsen Station and features a superb Japanese garden. Enjoy the seasonal multi-course kaiseki meal and relax in five uniquely designed private open-air baths. Free yourself from daily stress and indulge yourself in slow and luxurious time. The hotel offers the Wellness Escape Plan for one group a day. To ensure high-quality time to rest, the plan includes a high-end air purifier in the guest room, morning activities with an instructor, and breakfast featuring tasty rice porridge that is gentle on the stomach and intestines. Why don’t you plan a trip to improve your health from the inside out with hot springs, activities, and meals? *Reservation for the Wellness Escape Plan is accepted only through the official hotel website. 【About the hot spring】 Water color: clear Spring water type: simple alkaline spring water Efficacy: alleviates stiff shoulders, nerve pain, sprains, sore muscles, sleeplessness, etc.

This park in Mutsumi-cho， Utsunomiya City has a theme of "Water， Greenery， and Culture." It's arranged like a strolling garden and has a Western style sunken garden centered on a pond， as well as a Japanese garden. Their Green Consultation Center holds horticultural exhibits and other events. The Tochigi Prefectural Museum is also on the grounds. Astroll through Central Park in Utsunomiya reveals the beauty of each season. For example， in March and April camellias and tulips bloom; in June， find roses， hydrangea and wisteria; April to mid-June brings peonies; November， deciduous trees light up the park with red， yellow and orange."

This steam locomotive, called “Taiju”, has been operating since August 2017. “Taiju” is also known as the other name of the Tokugawa Shogun, who is enshrined at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Tobu Railway, with its network from the Asakusa area in Tokyo to this Kinugawa Onsen area, was once called one of the biggest “kingdoms of steam locomotives”, as it used to operate as many as 85 steam locomotives mainly for forwarding freight. How about enjoying a ride on Taiju on the way to your sightseeing destination? All seats on the Taiju are reserved and can be purchased at Tobu Tourist Information Center Asakusa on the first floor of Asakusa Station, website,or Tobu Railway Line Stations. Shimoimaichi Station and Kinugawa Onsen Station are equipped with railway turntables where you can enjoy watching a dynamic steam locomotive in front of you!

Ride Experience's cycling tours are guided by local Nasu cyclists. As such, they are familiar with the local food, accommodations, and people, and offer cycling tours that provide an authentic experience unique to Japan and the region. Themes, areas, schedules, routes, and distances traveled can be arranged to meet your specific needs and expectations to create a special private cycling tour. English-speaking guides as well as professional mechanics will accompany you on the tours, so you can feel confident that you are in good hands. Come and experience an experience of a lifetime, only here and only at Ride Experience.

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!

Come and take a look at the manufacturing process of familiar sweets such as “Chocoball” and “Angel Pie”. The factory tour is popular so reservations are essential!