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Itamuro Onsen

Itamuro Onsen

A peaceful Onsen resort in the mountain ravines located in the western Nasu mountains. The clear alkaline hot spring water is known for its health benefits and the Onsen was designated as a “National Health Spa” by the Ministry of the Environment in 1971. Nestling into a natural landscape and surrounded by a richly preserved environment, most visitors come here for in search of the renowned health effects. Long known as a rustic therapeutic spa, the Onsen maintains its distinctive atmosphere. The temperature of the source of spring water is from 38℃ to 45℃, and its lukewarm water is gentle to the body.

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Yumoto Onsen

Yumoto Onsen

A peaceful Onsen town on the northern shore of Lake Yunoko, situated in the heart of Nikko National Park. It is said that the Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, who first built a temple in Nikko about 1200 years ago to introduce Buddhism to the area discovered the Onsen. The milky-white sulphur-infused water is said to help with neuralgia and rheumatism. You can try it out in the foot bath known as “Anyo-no-yu” available free of charge in the town.(Closed for winter)   Taking in the tranquil landscape of the lake and mountains beyond clouds of steam, the Onsen provides a relaxing soak in the midst of some great nature.

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Nikko Onsen

Nikko Onsen

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.

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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.

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Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art (Batoh)

Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art (Batoh)

A museum dedicated to the works of Hiroshige Utagawa, an Ukiyo-e artist of the Edo period. You can get a glimpse of Japanese culture of the 19th century through his original drawings and Hanga (woodblock prints). The entire museum is made of local cedar and washi (handcrafted paper) designed by the global architect, Kengo Kuma, with a concept of “the traditional and serene appearance that expresses the artistry and tradition of Hiroshige”. Many visitors also come here to study design.

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Kanuma Autumn Festival

Kanuma Autumn Festival

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.

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Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Rest Stops)  Utsunomiya Romantic Village

Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Rest Stops) Utsunomiya Romantic Village

This Roadside Rest Stops offering a farming and forest experience, dog park, hot spring, pool, and accommodation. Tochigi Prefecture has the largest production of two-rowed barley – an ingredient used to make beer. Romantic village's brewery has a full lineup of beers including staple original beers, the Mugitaro brand, and Gyoza Roman, a beer that pairs well with Gyoza .Be sure to try a freshly brewed one!

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Oya History Museum (Ohya)

Oya History Museum (Ohya)

The old mining site of Utsunomiya’s famous,Oya Stone,has now been turned into a historical museum. The exhibition features the long history of the mining since the 17th century,with many materials on display. The underground cavern,covering 20,000 sq. metres,is large enough to fit a baseball field. With a fantastic atmosphere reminding visitors of the ruins of Ancient Rome.It is used in various scenes such as movie shooting, music videos shooting, weddings, concert, etc. due to its mysterious scenery.

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Heike Taisai (Grand Festival of Heike)

Heike Taisai (Grand Festival of Heike)

A festival in order to in honor Heike Family The Taira Clan (also called Heike), one of the most powerful family in Heian period, dominated the imperal captain of Heian. However, after the death of their leader, Taira no Kiyomori, their rivals the Minamoto Clan (the Genji),which culminated in the Genpei War (1180-1185 AD). The five-year-long war concluded with a decisive Taira defeat in the naval Battle of Dan-no-Ura.   It is said many Heike family and their samurais ran away from Genji's army, and hided in Yunishigawa Onsen. In order to honor those samurai who fighting for the Heike family, people live in Yunishigawa Onsen hold the "Heike Taisai" every year.   Become a princess of Heike!  A traditional Yunishigawa festival held in early June, featuring Biwa (Japanese lute) performances, dances and theatrical plays. The highlight of the festival is the “Emaki Gyoretsu Procession”, where over 200 people dressed as heroic Samurais or elegant princesses parade through the town. Visitors can also apply to join the march.

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Kawaji Onsen

Kawaji Onsen

A tranquil Onsen-kyo nestled in the valley where the Kinugawa and Ojika Rivers meet. Since the 18th century when the spa was discovered, Kawaji has prospered as a post station and a therapeutic spa. The simple alkaline hot spring is an effective treatment for neuralgia, rheumatism and particularly for injuries. The nearby nature trail leading to the scenic “Ryuokyo gorge” offers a lovely way to take in the floral scents and the sounds of local streams.

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White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting

Jump in a rubber boat and work together with your fellow rafters to navigate the white water. Experience the natural surroundings in a way unknown to drivers or walkers. Follow the flow of the river, listen to streams and birds singing, dive into the water from the surrounding rocks, and fly down the rapids as if on a roller coaster, a variety of thrills are waiting for you! 0288-70-1181 (NAOC) 0288-77-2030 (Nikko Nasu Outdoor Service) 0288-77-4802 (eRafting)

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