Best Places to Visit in Tochigi Prefecture | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Tochigi Prefecture Travel Guide
Quick overview of Tochigi Prefecture with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.
- Tochigi Prefecture Travel Videos
- Plan Tochigi Prefecture Trip
- Best Places To Visit In Tochigi Prefecture
- Hotels Map Of Tochigi Prefecture
- Tours And Activities In Tochigi Prefecture
- Food And Drinks To Try In Tochigi Prefecture
- Best Time To Visit Tochigi Prefecture
- Flight Calendar For Tochigi Prefecture
- Transportation To Tochigi Prefecture
Welcome to Tochigi Prefecture, Japan! Located in the Kanto region, Tochigi is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. Known for its stunning landscapes, this prefecture is home to the famous Nikko National Park, where you can explore ancient shrines, tranquil lakes, and breathtaking waterfalls. Additionally, Tochigi is renowned for its hot springs, such as the popular Kinugawa Onsen, where you can relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters. With its charming towns, delicious local cuisine, and traditional festivals, Tochigi Prefecture promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japan.
Tochigi Prefecture Travel Videos
We've curated authentic Tochigi Prefecture videos for inspiration and practical tips. Discover all the amazing places to visit and things to do in Tochigi Prefecture in 2024. Make your own Itinerary, like a Pro.
![Japan Drive [4K] Utsunomiya City, Tochigi (POV) Driving through Japanese Cities | ASMR Travel World](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bqpWnRJhHqQ/hqdefault.jpg)
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Best Places To Visit in Tochigi Prefecture
1. Nikko: Nikko is a small town located in the Tochigi Prefecture of Japan. It is famous for its beautiful temples and shrines, including the Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is surrounded by mountains and forests, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Nikko is also known for its hot springs, which are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
2. Utsunomiya: Utsunomiya is the capital city of the Tochigi Prefecture and is known for its delicious gyoza (dumplings). The city has a rich history and is home to several museums and historical sites, including the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins and the Futaarayama Shrine. Utsunomiya is also a great place to shop, with several large malls and shopping streets.
3. Ashikaga: Ashikaga is a small city located in the southern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful wisteria gardens, which are in full bloom in the spring. The Ashikaga Flower Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The city also has several historical sites, including the Ashikaga School, which is one of the oldest schools in Japan.
4. Nasu: Nasu is a town located in the northern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Nasu Highlands and the Nasu Onsen hot springs. The town is also home to several museums and art galleries, including the Nasu War Museum and the Nasu Art Museum.
5. Oyama: Oyama is a city located in the southern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Oyama Afuri Shrine and the Oyama City Park. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Oyama Castle Ruins and the Oyama City Museum.
6. Moka: Moka is a city located in the central part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Moka Park and the Moka City Botanical Garden. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Moka Castle Ruins and the Moka City Museum.
7. Sakura: Sakura is a town located in the northern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which are in full bloom in the spring. The town is also home to several historical sites, including the Sakura Castle Ruins and the Sakura City Museum.
8. Kanuma: Kanuma is a city located in the northern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Kanuma Kannon Temple and the Kanuma City Park. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Kanuma Castle Ruins and the Kanuma City Museum.
9. Otawara: Otawara is a city located in the northern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the Otawara City Park and the Otawara Onsen hot springs. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Otawara Castle Ruins and the Otawara City Museum.
10. Shimotsuke: Shimotsuke is a city located in the southern part of the Tochigi Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Shimotsuke City Park and the Shimotsuke Castle Ruins. The city is also home to several historical sites, including the Shimotsuke Kaido Road and the Shimotsuke City Museum.
Hotels Map Of Tochigi Prefecture
Use our All-in-one Map to find Best Hotels, Vacation Rentals, Tours, Activities and Restaurants in Tochigi Prefecture.
Tours And Activities In Tochigi Prefecture
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Food & Drinks To Try In Tochigi Prefecture
1. Yuba: Tochigi Prefecture is famous for its yuba, a traditional Japanese food made from soybeans. Yuba is a delicate and creamy tofu skin that is often served in various dishes such as soups, sushi, and hot pots. It has a subtle flavor and a smooth texture that is sure to delight your taste buds.
2. Strawberries: Tochigi Prefecture is known as the "Strawberry Kingdom" of Japan, producing some of the finest strawberries in the country. These strawberries are incredibly sweet, juicy, and have a vibrant red color. You can enjoy them fresh, dipped in chocolate, or as a topping for various desserts.
3. Nikko Soba: Nikko, a city in Tochigi Prefecture, is famous for its soba noodles. Nikko soba is made from buckwheat flour and has a distinct nutty flavor. The noodles are usually served cold with a dipping sauce, but you can also find them in hot soups. Don't forget to try the local specialty, yuba soba, which combines the delicious yuba with the soba noodles.
4. Utsunomiya Gyoza: Utsunomiya, the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture, is renowned for its gyoza, Japanese dumplings. Utsunomiya gyoza is known for its thin and crispy skin, filled with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, cabbage, and garlic. These dumplings are usually pan-fried and served with a tangy dipping sauce. They are a must-try when visiting Tochigi Prefecture.
5. Mochi: Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice. Tochigi Prefecture is home to various mochi specialties, including strawberry mochi, yuba mochi, and kinako mochi. These chewy and sweet treats are often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
6. Sake: Tochigi Prefecture is also known for its sake production. The region's clean water and favorable climate contribute to the production of high-quality sake. Take the opportunity to visit a local brewery and sample different types of sake, ranging from dry to sweet, and experience the rich flavors and aromas of this traditional Japanese rice wine.
7. Tochiotome: Tochiotome is a type of strawberry that is exclusive to Tochigi Prefecture. These strawberries are known for their large size, sweet taste, and vibrant red color. They are often used in desserts, jams, and other strawberry-based products. Don't miss the chance to try this unique and delicious variety of strawberry during your visit.
8. Mizusawa udon: Mizusawa udon is a local specialty of Tochigi Prefecture. These thick and chewy wheat noodles are served in a soy-based broth with various toppings such as green onions, tempura, and kamaboko (fish cake). The combination of the flavorful broth and the hearty noodles makes for a satisfying and comforting meal.
9. Yaita Sake Brewery: Yaita is a town in Tochigi Prefecture that is famous for its sake breweries. Visit one of the local breweries, such as Yaita Sake Brewery, to learn about the sake-making process and taste different varieties of sake. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in
Best Time To Visit Tochigi Prefecture
The best time to visit Tochigi Prefecture, Japan is during the spring and autumn seasons. In spring, which is from March to May, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the region is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms. This is a great time to visit popular attractions such as the Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Ashikaga Flower Park, where you can witness stunning displays of cherry blossoms and other spring flowers. In autumn, which is from September to November, Tochigi Prefecture is transformed into a picturesque landscape with vibrant fall foliage. The Nikko National Park and the Kinugawa Onsen are particularly stunning during this time, offering breathtaking views of colorful leaves against the backdrop of mountains and hot springs. It is important to note that Tochigi Prefecture can experience heavy rainfall during the summer months of June to August, which may affect outdoor activities and sightseeing. The winter months of December to February can be quite cold, with occasional snowfall, making it a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Overall, the best time to visit Tochigi Prefecture, Japan is during the spring and autumn seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.
Flight Calendar For Tochigi Prefecture
Use our flight calendar to discover the Cheapest Days and Months to Book Flight to Tochigi Prefecture.
Transportation To Tochigi Prefecture
There are several transportation options to Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Tochigi Prefecture is Tokyo International Airport (also known as Haneda Airport). From there, you can take a domestic flight to either Fukushima Airport or Ibaraki Airport, both of which are located near Tochigi Prefecture. From the airports, you can then take a train or bus to your final destination in Tochigi.
2. By Train: Tochigi Prefecture is well-connected by train. You can take a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station, which is the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. From Utsunomiya Station, you can then take local trains or buses to other cities and towns within Tochigi.
3. By Bus: There are also bus services available from Tokyo to various cities in Tochigi Prefecture. The journey time and availability of routes may vary, so it is recommended to check the bus schedules in advance.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Tokyo and take the Tohoku Expressway or the Nikko Utsunomiya Road to reach Tochigi Prefecture. The driving time will depend on your starting point and traffic conditions.
Once you arrive in Tochigi Prefecture, there are local transportation options such as trains, buses, and taxis to help you get around within the prefecture.