As part of the Northern Kanto region, Tochigi Prefecture can be reached in about one hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo. It is surrounded by magnificent mountains, valleys, and beautiful nature, creating a peaceful flow of time, which is very different from that in Tokyo. There are lots of places to see, including shrines and temples registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, renowned hot springs that have soothed people for over 1,000 years, and popular leisure facilities that the whole family can enjoy. Other must-see highlights include traditional crafts passed down through generations of master artisans and various kinds of delectable dishes that make full use of nature’s blessings. With its harmonious blend of nature and culture, Tochigi Prefecture is a perfect place for people who want to take time exploring attractive aspects of Japan.
Tochigi Prefecture is a thriving region for vegetable and fruit production, dairy farming, and livestock farming. Enjoy a wide variety of meals that highlight the quality of the ingredients.
┃Strawberries
Tochigi Prefecture has been Japan’s top producer of strawberries for over 50 years. Popular varieties include “Tochiotome,” known for its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, and “Tochiaika,” which is sweet and has a distinctive heart-shaped cross-section. From winter to spring, many farms in the prefecture offer strawberry picking experiences.
┃Nikko’s Natural Ice
Blessed with high-quality water, Nikko has long been home to traditional ice making. The precious natural ice can be shaved into fluffy kakigori (shaved ice) that melts instantly in your mouth. The texture is something you have to experience for yourself!
┃Utsunomiya Gyoza®
Utsunomiya City, in Tochigi Prefecture and boasting the largest consumption of gyoza dumplings in Japan, is famous as the “town of gyoza.” Each gyoza restaurant has a unique recipe, with different ingredients, varying thicknesses of gyoza skins, and serving styles, such as fried, boiled, and deep-fried. Try various types of gyoza at different restaurants to find your favorite one.
┃Sano Ramen
Sano Ramen, popular mainly around Sano City, features a light soy-based soup and handmade wavy noodles. The dish became a local specialty because many women working in textile factories used to order ramen delivery frequently, helping to reduce their household chores.
┃Tochigi Wagyu
Tochigi Wagyu is a premium local brand of beef from Tochigi Prefecture. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, it has won awards at national competitions. It is also an excellent base ingredient for special dishes, such as teppanyaki and sukiyaki.
Activities
One of Tochigi’s highlights is that you can enjoy its majestic natural landscapes just outside Tokyo. Refresh your body and mind as you take in the vitality of nature!
┃ Hunter Mountain Shiobara (Nasushiobara City)
This is one of the largest ski resorts in the Greater Tokyo Area, with 12 slopes for beginners to advanced skiers. There is also a kids’ park where children can enjoy playing with snow, making the resort an ideal place for family skiing. Enjoy camping in summer and a gondola ride to view beautiful colored leaves in autumn.
Access: JR Nasushiobara Sta. → 75 min by shuttle bus TEL: 0287-32-4580 URL: https://www.hunter.co.jp/
┃SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) (Nikko City)
Lake Chuzenji, part of Nikko National Park, is a great spot to enjoy SUP while taking in the magnificent view of Mt. Nantai and the lakeside scenery. A private plan is also available, offering tea time on the water as you watch the sunrise in the early morning (available from July to September).
Access: Tobu-nikko Sta./JR Nikko Sta. → 60 min by bus Business hours: Available from late April to mid-October. Times vary depending on the plan. TEL: 050-6869-4561（Sup! Sup!） URL: https://www.supsup.jp/
┃Ride Experience (Nikko/Nasu Areas)
Ride Experience is an activity combining a cycling tour with a rental bike and the experience of nature and countryside living. You can choose one of several courses, in which you can enjoy riding a bike through an idyllic landscape, engaging with local food culture, or cycling along rough mountain trails, with an English-speaking tour guide. You can also combine the tour with a stay at a hot spring accommodation.
Enjoy thrilling paragliding in the nature-rich Nasu Highlands. A tandem flight with an experienced instructor ensures safety even for beginners. It is a rare opportunity to try paragliding close to Tokyo! *Reservation required (available in neighboring prefectures from December to February).
Tochigi is home to many onsen hot springs, due to the prefecture’s volcanic activity. After enjoying outdoor activities, soaking in an onsen is a classic way to relax and unwind.
┃ Kinugawa Onsen (Nikko City)
One of the major hot spring resorts in the Kanto region, Kinugawa Onsen has inns and hotels lining the valley where you can enjoy a relaxing onsen atmosphere. Theme parks are scattered around the area, making it an excellent base for sightseeing in Nikko.
Nasu Onsen-kyo is the oldest onsen area in Tochigi Prefecture. The public bathhouse “Shika no Yu,” with 1,390 years of history, is a symbol of the town. Located halfway up Mt. Chausu, its hot spring source is known for its high temperature and the powerful volcanic energy it conveys.
One of the major hot spring resorts in the Kanto region, Kinugawa Onsen has inns and hotels lining the valley where you can enjoy a relaxing onsen atmosphere. Theme parks are scattered around the area, making it an excellent base for sightseeing in Nikko.
This historic hot spring area dates back over 1,250 years to its original discovery. Rich sulfur springs flow abundantly here, with milky-white water popular for its skin benefits. The tranquil setting, surrounded by nature including Lake Yunoko and Senjogahara Marshland, is another attractive feature of Okunikko.
This onsen is considered one of Japan’s “Top Three Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin.” Its slightly thick, weakly alkaline water is said to leave your skin smooth and soft. The area features municipal bathhouses and large open-air baths, attracting many visitors who come seeking one of Japan’s finest-quality hot springs.
