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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
Nikko Daiyagawa Park

Nikko Daiyagawa Park

This is a spacious park along both banks of the Daiya River, which runs through the city. It was built around the concept of appreciating the natural beauty of Nikko. The park includes auto camping grounds, sports fields, athletic training areas, a small restaurant serving local vegetables and natural features such as ponds and streams. Daiya-taiken-kan display a model of Nikko Toshogu (1/10 scale). Buildings, paintings and sculptures are finely expressed. "

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
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.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Tochigi Edo Cuisine

Tochigi Edo Cuisine

Koedo Tochigi, where Edo atmosphere still lingersDuring the Edo period, Tochigi City flourished as a lodging town along the Nikko Kaido highway and as a hub of river transport. Preserving much of its Edo-period charm, it is often referred to as “Koedo” (Little Edo), alongside Kawagoe and Sawara. A fusion of tradition and innovation – Tochigi Edo CuisineTo let visitors enjoy the unique taste of Edo-style dishes, experts have been researching recipes from the Edo period since 2015, adapting them by blending with local ingredients and techniques. The result is “Tochigi Edo Cuisine,” a modern yet traditional dining experience. On your next visit to Tochigi’s Kurano-machi (Warehouse District), in addition to sightseeing and enjoying a boat ride that recalls the Edo atmosphere, you can also savor Tochigi Edo Cuisine, offering a refined taste of history. For a list of restaurants serving Tochigi Edo Cuisine: https://tochigi-edo.jp/shop

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Utamaro Festival

Utamaro Festival

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.

Oshu kaido Nikko 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
Nichien Momiji Line

Nichien Momiji Line

This 1000-meter-high and 28 kilometer-long scenic route connects Kinugawa Onsen with Shiohara Onsen. It has many scenic spot with natural beauty to enjoy such as Taikooroshino Falls and Shirataki Falls. The views from the Fujimidai observatory are also excellent. The fall foliage is especially beautiful around mid-October to early November each year. The Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen hot springs districts are also located nearby. A toll is required to access the road."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Bike rental and cycling in Mashiko

Bike rental and cycling in Mashiko

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!

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Boken Katsudo Center

Boken Katsudo Center

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."

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Local Sake and visiting Sake brewery

Local Sake and visiting Sake brewery

Water is an important ingredient making up 80 per cent of Sake. Tochigi has abundant clear spring water perfect for Sake, thanks to the range of mountains in the north and its one and only fresh stream near Tokyo. Skilled brewers produce a range of Sakes with unique flavours in various parts of Tochigi. Sake tasting and a tours of the production process are available at these breweries. You can also purchase Sake, cups for Sake and cosmetics and sweets made with Sake.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI
Hotel MOKUREN

Hotel MOKUREN

Hotel MOKUREN is a traditional Japanese house turned into an accommodation. They take only one reservation at a time, so guests can exclusively use the two spacious Japanese style rooms during their stay while enjoying a view of the vast countryside. Feel the essence of Japan in a relaxing space and enjoy a farming experience in adjacent fields and in the traditional storehouse, as well as sightseeing in Nasunogahara. The hotel does not have a meal service, but the guest room includes a kitchen where you can cook harvested farm products. The storehouse has a cooking stove for preparing rice and BBQ equipment. There are also restaurants and diners near the hotel. The guest room has a shower, but if you wish to have a relaxing soak in a larger space, you can try a nearby onsen. You can also borrow bicycles.

Nikko kaido Oshu kaido TOCHIGI