Tochigi Prefecture, located over 120 km away from Tokyo, is known for its rich history, numerous shrines and temples, and beautiful natural surroundings. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting Tochigi, or how to plan your trip there, our comprehensive Tochigi travel blog has got you covered. This guide includes everything from transportation options to the best attractions and activities in Tochigi, ensuring that you get the most out of your trip. Whether you’re looking for a Tochigi Japan guide or a Tochigi Tokyo guide, our Tochigi travel guide has all the information you need to plan your perfect itinerary.
The region is encompassed by mountains, which have resulted in the formation of exquisite hot spring resorts due to volcanic activity. Moreover, tourists will be captivated by the variety of cuisine available in this area.
Overview of Tochigi Prefecture in Japan (# tochigi travel guide)
Tochigi is a prefecture located in the Kanto Region, Japan that is not surrounded by any sea. Nikko city, which has the renowned Toshogu Shrine listed as a World Heritage site, is a well-known tourist destination in the region. Additionally, Tochigi boasts charming hot spring villages such as Yunishigawa Onsen, remarkable natural areas like the Nasu Highlands, and wonderful opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.
The Toshogu Shrine, which was built to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, is famous for its impressive shrine structures that showcase several well-known carvings. In addition, the shrine has caught the attention of individuals who are interested in experiencing its spiritual ambiance.
Typically, the region highlights popular landmarks, natural scenery, historic shrines, Buddhist temples, thermal baths, and other notable attractions. Additionally, Tochigi’s tranquil environment entices numerous visitors with its distinct and varied culinary offerings and various merchandise. Due to its convenient proximity to downtown Tokyo, Tochigi is a highly desirable prefecture to reside in.
When to visit Tochigi? (# tochigi japan guide)
Keep yourself calm and rejuvenated while experiencing the hot and humid summer in Japan by exploring the spacious mountains of Tochigi, as suggested in the Tochigi travel guide.Tochigi’s weather can be categorized as a humid temperate region that experiences significant temperature changes. The winter season is characterized by dry winds and cold weather, while summers are damp with frequent thunderstorms. On average, the temperature varies around 25 degrees Celsius. During winters, the temperature drops drastically, leading to extreme coldness, and sometimes snowfall occurs if the temperature goes below 0 degrees Celsius.
A “yana” is a fishing platform constructed from bamboo and wood in a river. It offers a unique experience as you can feel the rhythm of the water on your feet while you catch and savor the freshly caught sweet fish directly from the river. This creates a lively and unmatched atmosphere that makes it an exceptional experience.Tochigi offers distinctive advantages and attractions in each of its seasons, making it an appealing travel destination throughout the year. During the summer season, it is an ideal time to venture out and enjoy various outdoor activities.
The primary airport nearest to Tochigi, Japan is Ibaraki Airport (IBR/RJAH), located in Omitama, Japan, which is approximately 95 km away from the heart of Tochigi. If you’re searching for both international or domestic flights heading to IBR, it’s recommended to check the airlines that are serving flights to IBR.
Tochigi and Tokyo are separated by a distance of approximately 61 miles or 98 kilometers. The quickest means of transportation from Tokyo is either by regular or high-speed train, which takes between one to two hours. Alternatively, if you choose to fly from Osaka with an average speed of 560 miles per hour, the journey time will be only 0.5 hours.
Where to stay in Tochigi? (# tochigi blog)
Tochigi is a well-established tourist destination in Japan with a great variety of comfortable accommodation options. From mid-range to luxury resorts, visitors can select a location that suits their requirements. For ease of travel and sightseeing, it is advisable to stay in either Utsunomiya or Nikko City.
Kinugawa Plaza Hotel (# tochigi travel guide)
Address: 530 Kinugawa Onsen Taki, Nikko shi, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 76 1031
Price: 157.77 USD/night
If you’re searching for a typical Japanese resort, then Kinugawa Plaza Hotel is an excellent pick. The hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Kinugawa River and lush mountains, offering natural hot springs that are surrounded by greenery. Traditional Kaiseki dinners, a “Ganbanyoku” hot-rock spa, and a summertime outdoor pool are just some of the features guests can enjoy. Additionally, the hotel provides traditional futon bedding on tatami flooring for guests to sleep on. Guests have access to both indoor and outdoor baths, as well as a hot-spring footbath, with some of the hot springs being available for private use. You can check rates at Agoda.com or Booking.com.
If you choose to lodge at Kinugawa Plaza Hotel in Nikko, you will be situated next to a river and just a 5-minute car ride away from Fureai Bridge and Kinu Tateiwa Otsuribashi, as mentioned on the Tochigi travel blog.Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya
Address: Utsunomiya 260-1 Nissato-Machi, Hei, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 28 688 8451
Price: 348.77 USD/night
Fairfield by Marriott Tochigi Utsunomiya is a convenient accommodation option for travelers visiting Tochigi, especially if they plan to visit Romantic Village in Utsunomiya City. The hotel offers 87 guest rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access, as well as satellite programming for entertainment. Guests can also enjoy locally grown produce, authentic gyoza dumplings, and locally brewed beer at the hotel’s restaurant. Moreover, visitors can participate in strawberry picking for handmade desserts or explore famous restaurants serving their own version of gyoza dumplings, just a short distance away. (You may check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
UNIZO INN Express Utsunomiya
Address: 1– 9–3 Shukugo, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 28 614 5500
Price: 39.44 USD/night
The UNIZO INN Express hotel in Utsunomiya has 323 rooms that come equipped with slippers and hair dryers for guests to use. Each room also has a flat-screen TV, while the bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, electronic bidet toilets, and complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi access during their stay, and housekeeping services are available upon request. To check rates and book a room, visit Agoda.com or Booking.com.
This hotel offers a chance to discover places beyond the well-known cities in Japan, as stated on the Tochigi travel blog.Check out more top best hotel in Tochigi on Agoda.com or Booking.com
Where to visit in Tochigi?
Tochigi is a highly sought-after tourist destination in Japan, thanks to its perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made attractions. It’s home to one of the best onsen spots and provides a welcoming escape from the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. This diverse region caters to all types of tourists, making it an ideal location for those seeking a break. The following are some of the top places to visit in Tochigi.
Ashikaga Flower Park
Address: 607 Hasamacho, Ashikaga, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 284 91 4939
Hours: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Ashikaga Flower Park gained popularity for its wisteria flowers and boasts a vast area of 92,000 square meters with over 350 wisteria trees. The park offers 8 seasonal themes that revolve around different flowers, starting from winter peony in January and providing an opportunity to appreciate blooming plants like wisteria, hydrangeas, irises, and other flowers all year round.
The Giant Wisteria Festival, held annually between late April and May, is well-liked and draws a large number of visitors every year.
Yunishigawa Onsen
Address: Yunshikawa, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 22 1525
Yunishigawa Onsen is a thermal spa retreat which can be found approximately 20 km towards the northwest of Kinugawa hot spring resort. It is situated in a remote area surrounded by mountains, and there are several lodging options such as hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns located along the banks of the Yunishigawa River. A bus ride of around one hour is required to reach this place.
The traditional rural dwelling, constructed with valuable timber and mud walls, brings back memories of a bygone era. The bathing facilities are completely fed by the natural source. Walk across the Kazura Bridge from the Heike period and experience the delicious Irori cuisine prepared over charcoal flames. | Blog about Tochigi
Furthermore, you can relish in the local cuisine available during the different seasons while gathered around a fireplace called an “irori”. This includes savoring grilled wild ingredients like freshwater fish, wild vegetables (known as Sansai), venison, bear, and other delectable dishes. One of the local specialties is grilling miso paste on a spatula.
Kinugawa Onsen
Address: 1404-1 Ohara, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 22 1525
Kinugawa Onsen, situated in Tochigi Prefecture alongside the Kinugawa River, is a well-known and sought-after town for its hot spring resorts with a gorgeous and expansive canyon. It’s positioned roughly 30 minutes away from Nikko Station by car and is considered one of the top-rated hot spring resorts in the Kanto region. The water flowing in the springs contains various alkaline components and is gentle on the skin, making it ideal for relaxation and recovery purposes, such as relieving neuralgia, frozen shoulders, and fatigue while promoting overall health.
In addition, taking a boat trip along the Kinugawa River is the optimal method to fully enjoy and admire the stunning scenery formed by the flourishing nature of the Kinugawa River valley.
The Kingawa Onsen Ropeway situated at a height of 300 meters provides an exceptional adventure. The ropeway links the Kinugawaonsen-Sanroku Station, located at the foot of a massive hill, to a picturesque viewpoint on its peak, intended for tourists visiting the Kinugawa Onsen hot spring resort town. During the ascent towards the summit, visitors can witness several lively monkeys, exquisite flowers, and the iconic foliage of Nikko.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Address: 2301 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 54 0560
Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and considered the most famous shrine among “the Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” was established in 1617. It is the final resting place of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the notable Shogun who initiated the Edo Period. The majority of the current complex was reconstructed during the 17th century. The shrine has 55 structures, including eight national treasures and 34 designated buildings that are important cultural properties. The key features of the shrine are its numerous colorful buildings with intricate carvings that are beautifully adorned.
The trio of intelligent primates known as Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru are located at the pinnacle of a storage facility positioned in front of the entrances.
Every year on May 17th and 18th, the Grand Festival is organized at Nikko Toshogu Shrine to pay homage to the Tokugawa clan, whose reign of 260 years brought a flourishing of Japan’s culture. The highlight of the festival is the procession of 1000 samurais, known as Hyakumonozoroi Sennin Musha Gyoretsu, which takes place on the final day at 11 am and is the main attraction of the festival.
Futarasan Temple
Address: 2307 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 54 0535
Hours: 8:15 am–4:45 pm
Futarasan Temple, situated adjacent to Nikko Toshogu – a UNESCO world cultural heritage site since 1999, is devoted to the worship of three mountains’ god- Nyoho San, Nantai, and Taro. The temple boasts a calendar of over 1,200 years and has been revered by numerous people throughout history. It is a popular destination for those seeking good fortune and love success. Moreover, the ample greenery surrounding the temple offers visitors a sense of calmness and ease.
Every year, a ring made of bamboo grass is created in front of the worship hall. Visitors walk through the ring three times, circling around the left and right sides before proceeding straight ahead to pay their respects at the Haiden.
Edo Wonderland
Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko City, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 77 1777
Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm, closed on Wednesdays
Edo Wonderland is a theme park located in the Kinugawa Onsen region of Nikko, Tochigi, which showcases Japanese culture from the Edo period. It brings to life the customs and lifestyle of that time. The park’s layout and design are inspired by Genroku, a prosperous period during the Edo era.
A trip to Edo Wonderland is a voyage through the past where you have the option of renting traditional attire such as a kimono, samurai armor, or an oiran’s graceful outfit. The oiran procession was a significant event during the Edo period, and you can relish in the tradition by indulging in wagashi cake.
Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple
Address: 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
Phone: +81 288 54 0531
Hours: 8:00 am–5:00 pm
Nikkosan Rinnoji is situated in Nikko National Park and is included in Nikko’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex comprises 15 buildings that are crucial to the history of the area and Japan as a whole. Originally constructed in the Heian period, the temple was later reconstructed in 1645 by Tokugawa Iemitsu, a prominent general.
Since the 1800s, foreign tourists have been drawn to the city due to its appealing shrine architecture.
The outstanding works in Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple include three humongous 8m tall gold-leafed wooden Buddha statues, the 500-year-old Kongozakura ancient sakura tree, and the Tenko Kairo scenic road.
What to eat in Tochigi?
Tochigi is an ideal spot for food tourism due to its abundance of fresh agricultural products and delectable native specialties.
Strawberry
When visiting this province, it is highly recommended that you taste the strawberries as your first experience. These strawberries are sweet and tasty due to being grown in greenhouses where they receive ample winter sunlight. This leads to a slow ripening process at a constant temperature.
Gyoza
Utsunomiya Gyoza plays a significant role in Utsunomiya City’s culinary heritage. Even though it originated from China, Japan has embraced and adapted these delightful little dumplings to suit their taste buds. Gyoza has become so widely loved that you can easily find them in most Japanese convenience stores or supermarkets.
Kouran offers three varieties of gyoza, which include Yaki-gyoza (cooked by pan-frying), Sui-gyoza (boiled and served with a light broth), and Age-gyoza (deep-fried). These gyoza are known for their crispy outer layer and flavorful filling.Beef
Japanese beef is well-known for its succulent texture and marbled fat, and there are numerous types available throughout the country. Tochigi Kirifuri Kogen beef is a tasty, premium-quality option from the region that comes from combining Holstein ox and Japanese Black cow breeds. You can savor it in various ways, including sukiyaki, shabushabu, yakiniku, or steak.
Tochigi Prefecture farmers carefully raise Wagyu beef, which is used to produce high-quality dishes such as Chateaubriand steak, nigirizushi with rib roast toppings, and seared fillets.
Yuba
Yuba, also known as tofu skin, is a thin film that forms on the surface of boiled soy milk. It is considered to be a very nutritious food and is convenient to prepare. Yuba is commonly consumed in daily meals and was even used in place of fish during religious occasions in Nikko. In fact, it has been used as a substitute for fish during prosperous holy periods in Nikko.
Tochigi is a desirable travel location that offers a complete “Japan experience” no matter the season. Its stunning landscapes and close proximity to the nation’s capital make it a favored spot for tourists all year long, which is why Tochigi travel attracts visitors all year round.
