Greater Tokyo

See & Do

reset
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
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
Steam Locomotive Taiju

Steam Locomotive Taiju

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!

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
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
Okunasu Taishomura Sachinoyu Onsen

Okunasu Taishomura Sachinoyu Onsen

Loved by many women for its skin-beautifying and health-promoting effects, this hot spring inn even produces its own “Shutsuyoku Bijin” facial lotion made from fresh spring water. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, Okunasu Taishomura Satinoyu Onsen restored its unique “Tsuna-no-Yu” bath in August 2014. This distinctive bathing style involves holding onto a rope tied to the beams of the bathhouse while standing in waist-deep water in a bath over one meter deep. Popular in the mid-1960s, it was believed to improve peripheral nerve function and promote blood circulation, attracting many visitors seeking relief from joint and nerve pain. The bath, paved with river stones, measures 4.3 meters long, 2.6 meters wide, and 1.25–1.4 meters deep. Hot spring water wells up from below, stimulating the soles of the feet and letting bathers fully enjoy the benefits of the high-quality spring water. Day-trip visitors can also try the Tsuna-no-Yu. It is available to men on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and to women on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Hanazono sou

Hanazono sou

Hanazono sou is a farm stay operated by a farming family making rice for 15 generations in Hanazono, Ohtawara City. It is a lodging where guests can indulge themselves in the slow flow of time and the scenery of the vast countryside as well as the starry sky at night. For dinner, guests can cook for themselves in the shared kitchen or with the BBQ equipment. You can harvest chemical-free vegetables from the field and use them for dinner. They also serve home-grown rice freshly steamed on the rice-husk stove. After the meal, you are invited to enjoy Hanazono sou’s original Japanese sake for a relaxing time. In the morning, you will choose a Japanese or Western breakfast and cook it with the farm stay staff. The Japanese breakfast is freshly cooked rice on the rice-husk stove, miso soup with homemade miso, and a dish of seasonal vegetables. The Western breakfast is pancakes using homemade rice flour and soup featuring seasonal vegetables.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Mashiko Gion Festival

Mashiko Gion Festival

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.

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