月曜日 09:00 - 19:00 火曜日 09:00 - 19:00 水曜日 09:00 - 19:00 木曜日 09:00 - 19:00 金曜日 09:00 - 19:00 土曜日 09:00 - 17:00

Welcome！Visit Tochigi,Japan, 塙田 1-1/20, Utsunomiya-shi (2025)

24/06/2025

Moka Summer Festival & Grand Fireworks Show🔥🎆
Summer in Japan wouldn’t be complete without mikoshi, parades, and fireworks—and Moka City in Tochigi delivers it all in one spectacular three-day event!

From July 25 to 27, the Moka Summer Festival (Kojinsai) takes over the streets with traditional rituals, lively performances, and one of the largest fireworks shows in Northern Kanto—featuring 20,000 fireworks lighting up the night sky.

📅 Here's what to expect each day:

🥁 July 25 (Fri) – Mikoshi Departure (Shutsugyosai)
The festivities begin with a ceremonial send-off from Oosaka Shrine. Portable shrines (mikoshi) and floats parade through the city, praying for a bountiful harvest and good health.
Starts from 9:00 a.m.

🏮 July 26 (Sat) – Mikoshi Festival × Fireworks Night
Downtown becomes a vibrant “Festival Plaza” with over 20 mikoshi and floats, student exhibitions, and music.
At night, the highlight begins—the 53rd Moka Summer Fireworks Show!
About 20,000 fireworks will be launched along the Gogyo River, synchronized with the dramatic mikoshi river-crossing ritual.
※In case of severe weather, the fireworks will be postponed to Monday, July 28 (same time).

🥁 July 27 (Sun) – Mikoshi Return & Finale
The final day ends with a stately return procession, bringing the summer celebration to a moving close.

🎐Event Information🎐
⛩️Location: Moka City, Tochigi (fireworks launch site is east of City Hall, along the Gogyo River)
📅Date: July 25 (Fri) – 27 (Sun), 2025
🎆Fireworks Show: July 26 (Sat) 19:30–21:00 (gates open 16:00)
※Postponed to July 28 (Mon) if postponed due to weather
🎟️Admission: Free (some stalls and attractions may charge)
🚃Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from Moka Station (Moka Railway)
💻Official Website: https://www.city.moka.lg.jp/kakuka/shokokanko/event/8610.html
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
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20/06/2025

A Night of Light and History — Shimotsuke Tououe 🌸🏮
A field of cherry blossoms by day, a dreamlike sea of lights by night.
At Tenpyo-no-Oka Park in Shimotsuke City, the Shimotsuke Tououe transforms this historic site into a glowing wonderland for one magical summer evening.

Over 1,300 years ago, this land was once home to the Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple. Inspired by the ancient prayer ceremony known as “Kekae,” this modern event blends tradition with community art to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

🌸 More than 6,000 lanterns are gently lit across the lawn by local residents. As dusk falls, the soft lights bloom like cherry blossoms in the night, swaying in harmony with the sounds of summer.

It’s a night where light and memory converge—don’t miss this once-a-year evening of beauty and serenity.

🎐Event Information🎐
⛩️Location: Tenpyo-no-Oka Park, Shimotsuke City, Tochigi
📅Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025 ※Postponed to July 20 (Sun) in case of rain
🕰️Time: 18:00–20:30
🎟️Admission: Free
🚃Access: Approx. 10 minutes by car from JR Koganei Station
💻Official Website: https://www.shimotsuke-ta.com/
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

17/06/2025

Senbonmatsu Ranch Reopens with a Fresh New Look! 🐄🌳
A beloved ranch with over 100 years of history is starting a new chapter!
Senbonmatsu Ranch in Nasushiobara City reopened on April 15, 2025, unveiling a newly renovated space where nature, hot springs, food, and family fun all come together.

Here’s what’s new and not to miss:
🌿Senbonmatsu Terrace: A wide open lawn surrounded by trees and cherry blossoms. In spring, the 300-meter-long sakura path becomes the perfect picnic and photo spot!

♨️Hot Spring Foot Pool: A shallow outdoor soaking area filled with natural onsen water from the ranch—great for both kids and adults to relax in the open air.

☕Senbonmatsu Open-Air Café: Open on weekends, serving soft-serve ice cream, hot dogs, coffee, and light meals made from local ingredients—all with a view of the grass fields.

🦙New Family Activity Zone: Includes animal encounters, lawn play areas, and even a special fenced dog park with pet-friendly dining spots.

Whether you’re here to let the kids run wild, take a walk in nature, sip coffee under the trees, or simply do nothing at all—Senbonmatsu Ranch is your new go-to spot for a relaxing countryside day.

🎐Visitor Information🎐
⛩️Location: Senbonmatsu Ranch, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi
📅Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Open daily)
🎟️Admission: Free entry (some attractions may require fees)
🚃Access:
・Approx. 40 min by JR Bus from Nasushiobara Station, get off at “Senbonmatsu” stop (1-min walk)
・Approx. 15 min by JR Bus from Nishi-Nasuno Station, get off at “Senbonmatsu” stop (1-min walk)
💻Official Website: https://www.senbonmatsu.com/

Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
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13/06/2025

Japan’s Moving Outdoor Theater—Yamaage Festival 🎭⛰️
This summer, experience one of Japan’s most spectacular and unique cultural festivals—the Yamaage Festival in Nasukarasuyama, Tochigi!

With a history dating back over 460 years, this outdoor kabuki theater is performed right on the streets.
Giant hand-crafted stage backdrops made from Karasuyama washi paper are quickly assembled by teams of local youth, transforming the road into a 100-meter-long open-air stage.

When the wooden clappers signal the start, the backdrop rises and reveals scenes of mountains, temples, and palaces. Local dancers in ornate kimono perform traditional kabuki dance to the rhythm of shamisen and Tokiwazu-style narration.
Performances include classic stories like “Masakado” and “Hebihimesama,” and stages are moved from one location to another multiple times each day.

In 2016, this event was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, as part of Japan’s traditional float and festival stage events.

✨Reserved seating (1,000 yen) is available in front of the stage (includes a festival fan and small gift), but free standing areas behind the seating zones are open to all—no ticket required to watch!

🎐Event Information🎐
⛩️Location: Central shopping streets of Nasukarasuyama City, Tochigi
📅Date: July 25 (Fri) – 27 (Sun), 2025
🎟️Reserved Seating: 1,000 yen per seat (includes fan and novelty gift)
※Available for purchase on-site 1 hour before showtime (no advance reservation)
※No refunds in case of cancellation due to rain
※Free standing zones behind seating areas are open to all
🚃Access: Approx. 10-minute walk from JR Karasuyama Station (Karasuyama Line)
💻Official Website: https://yamaage.3g-kizuna.jp/

Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

10/06/2025

Explore Oku-Nikko on an E-Bike! 🚴‍♂️🌿
Want to experience the beauty of Oku-Nikko at your own pace—without getting lost?
Try the Oku-Nikko E-Bike Trip by the Nikko Natural Science Museum!

This is a self-guided cycling tour using electric-assist bikes (E-Bikes) equipped with navigation devices.
After a quick briefing at the start, you’re free to ride, stop, explore, and enjoy—no guide needed, and no worries about directions!

📍There are currently two beginner-friendly routes:

🚲 Lake Chuzenji Café & Culture Ride
Starting point: Nikko Natural Science Museum
Cycle along the lakeside and visit cafés, cultural spots, and scenic locations. A relaxing ride perfect for first-timers!

🚲 Odashirogahara & Senjogahara Forest Ride
Starting point: Akanuma Nature Information Center
Ride into a quiet forest road closed to regular vehicles. Enjoy the peaceful marshlands and views of Lake Chuzenji.

Both routes are around 14–18 km and include rental gear, navigation, insurance, and complete freedom to explore!

🎐Experience Information🎐
⛩️Starting Points: Nikko Natural Science Museum or Akanuma Nature Information Center (depending on course)
📅Season: Spring–Autumn (check website for available dates)
🕰️How to Join: Advance online reservation required. Arrive at start point by scheduled time.
💻Reservation site: https://ebike-okunikko.com/

Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

06/06/2025

As summer begins, a poetic tradition comes to life in the city of Oyama, Tochigi.🌊🎐
Held every year on the first Sunday of July, the event “Nagashi-bina Dolls on the Omoi River” invites visitors to write their wishes on small strips of paper, attach them to hand-crafted paper dolls, and gently float them down the river in straw boats.

This custom dates back to the Heian period and is said to bring happiness and protection by washing away misfortunes. The dolls, called Shimotsuke Hitogata, are made of traditional Shimotsuke-shibori washi paper—a local craft—and come in various designs, from kimono-clad figures with classic hairstyles to modern Western-style outfits.

Since being revived in 1959, this heartfelt ritual has continued for over 65 years.
It is the only Nagashi-bina event held during summer anywhere in Japan, making it a truly special experience that blends seasonal beauty with cultural depth.

🎐Event Information🎐
⛩️Location: Riverside area of the Omoi River, Oyama City, Tochigi
📅Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025 ※Canceled in case of rain
🕰️Time: Reception from 9:30 / Event starts at 10:00
🚃Access: About 8 minutes on foot from JR Oyama Station (West Exit)
💻Oyama City Tourism Association: https://oyama-kankou.info/
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

04/06/2025

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy hydrangeas this rainy season? Come to Ōtawara City in Tochigi for the annual Kurobane Hydrangea Festival, held at the historic Kurobane Castle Ruins Park! 💠

From June 28–29, 2025, the two-day festival will be packed with fun—local stage performances, tea ceremonies, kitchen cars, and all kinds of regional foods! The park is home to around 6,000 hydrangea plants, blooming along the old castle moat and slopes. You can enjoy the colorful views from the bridges or take a stroll to nearby Daioji Temple.

📸 Don’t miss the colorful umbrella canopy and photo spots, perfect for brightening up your rainy day feed! These will be up from June 21 until the end of the blooming season.

And come after sunset and see the hydrangeas illuminated from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. ✨(It might cancel light-up event this year ,we will update the newest information for light-up event)

🎐Event Information🎐
⛩️Location: Kurobane Castle Ruins Park and surrounding area, Ōtawara City, Tochigi
📅Date: June 28 (Sat) – June 29 (Sun), 2025, 9:00–17:00
☂️Umbrella canopy & photo spot: From June 21 until flowers finish blooming
🎟️Admission: Free entry & free parking
💡Evening Illumination: 19:00–21:00 during the event
🚃Access:
・From JR Nishi-Nasuno Station (Utsunomiya Line), take Kanto Bus toward Gohō-no-Yu. Get off at “Daioji Iriguchi,” walk 15 min
・From JR Nasushiobara Station (Tohoku Shinkansen), take Otawara City Bus (Unganji Line). Get off at “Kurobane Shisho” or “Daioji Iriguchi,” walk 15 min
💻Official Site: https://www.kurobane.info/
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

02/06/2025

Can you believe 2025 is already halfway over? In Japan, the end of June marks a time for spiritual reset—and one of the most meaningful traditions is the Nagoshi-no-Ōharae, the Great Summer Purification Ritual.

Every year on June 30, Futaarayama Jinja in central Utsunomiya holds this centuries-old Shinto ceremony to cleanse away misfortune, illness, and spiritual impurities from the first half of the year. By walking through a giant ring of reeds (called a “Chinowa”), participants symbolically cast off bad luck and pray for good health and peace of mind.

If you miss the ceremony on June 30, don’t worry—the Chinowa is usually set up from late June to early July, so you can still take part in the tradition during that period.

🔎 Did you know there are two famous shrines in Tochigi with the same name but different pronunciations?
Utsunomiya’s shrine is called Futaarayama Jinja, while the one in Nikko is known as Futarasan Jinja.
They may share the same kanji in Japanese, but each has its own unique history and role in the region—with both dating back over a thousand years.

🎐Event Information🎐
⛩️Location: Futaarayama Jinja, Utsunomiya
📅Date: June 30 every year (Chinowa is usually set up from late June to early July) and also on December 31
🚃Access: About 5 minutes by bus from JR Utsunomiya Station West Exit. Get off at “Babacho” stop.
💻Futaarayama Jinja: http://futaarayamajinja.jp/
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

30/05/2025

🔥🔥Ayu season has arrived in Tochigi!🔥🔥
Tochigi may be landlocked, but its rivers are clean and abundant—perfect for freshwater delicacies.
From May to October, it’s all about ayu (sweetfish), one of the region’s most beloved summer flavors.

Across the prefecture, you'll find traditional “yana” fishing weirs where you can try catching ayu yourself 🎣
Even if you don’t manage to catch any, don’t worry—restaurants nearby serve freshly grilled, fried, steamed, or even raw ayu as sashimi. 🤤

⚠️ Most weirs are set up from mid-July onward

🎬 Want to see what it’s like? Check out our ayu-catching experience video:
https://youtu.be/ILwIzM98XCo?si=XYfc6bqXUcW1CG6M

📍See a full list of “yana” spots here:
https://www.tochigiji.or.jp/spot/?s=%E3%82%84%E3%81%AA

Here are a few we especially recommend:
🌟 Nasu area｜Kurobane Yana: http://www.kurobane-kankouyana.com/index.html
🌟 Central Tochigi｜Yazawa Yana: https://switch-on.sub.jp/01/
🌟 Eastern Tochigi｜Oose Yana: https://oose-yana.com/

Every grain of rice and every river delicacy in Tochigi owes its flavor to the region’s pure, abundant water—a taste nurtured by nature.

Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

27/05/2025

Looking for a hike that works up a sweat and rewards you with stunning scenery? Ryuo Gorge in Nikko is calling!

This official route starts from Ryuo-kyo Station and takes you through a dramatic river valley with waterfalls, cliffs, and a suspension bridge—ending in the peaceful hot spring town of Kawaji. It’s the perfect way to unplug and reconnect with nature.

Highlights along the way👇
🐉 Goryuo Shrine – Dedicated to the dragon deity that protects local hot springs
🌈 Nijimi Falls – Watch for rainbows when the sun hits just right
🌉 Musasabi Bridge – The best viewpoint on the trail, suspended above rugged rock formations and a clear stream
🐾 Nature Planet – Try canoeing and explore the wild beauty of the Nikko area
♨️ Kawaji Onsen – Known for healing hot spring waters, especially effective for injuries and sore legs

The trail takes about 2 hours—great for a day trip or stay overnight and enjoy a full-body reset.✨

From crystal-clear rivers to majestic waterfalls and quiet forests, Tochigi’s nature is shaped by water—creating landscapes full of life.

Official Website: https://www.tochigiji.or.jp/course/c18188/
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

23/05/2025

Travel is no longer just about ticking off famous spots—it's about diving into daily life and discovering the heart of a place. 🌿

In recent years, more travelers have sought meaningful experiences through local immersion. And Tochigi Prefecture is the perfect destination for that kind of journey. Among peaceful countryside landscapes, you’ll find stories, traditions, and everyday beauty.

Our featured itinerary on Visit Tochigi—"Farm Stay and Traditional Culture Experience"—offers a rich glimpse into rural Japan:

🍅 Harvest seasonal vegetables and cook farm-fresh meals
🏡 Stay at family-run countryside inns and chat with locals
🧵 Try your hand at traditional crafts like Moka cotton weaving, Mashiko pottery, and indigo dyeing
🛕 Explore hidden gems like Daioji Temple, Shimazaki Sake Brewery, and the historic Iizukatei residence

From farm to table, and tradition to hospitality—every step connects you to the land.

Tochigi's lush nature and abundant water resources have nurtured both the crops and communities that thrive here. Let this journey bring you the true taste of the region and new possibilities in travel!

Official Website: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/suggested-itineraries/31331/
Next stop? Get inspired on Visit Tochigi! 📍
Visit Tochigi: https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

20/05/2025

Ōya Stone: Tochigi’s Legendary Stone of Culture
When it comes to Tochigi’s architectural identity, few materials are as iconic as Ōya stone, a type of tuff found only in the Ōya district of Utsunomiya City.
Lightweight, easy to carve, and highly fire- and moisture-resistant, this stone has been used in Japan for centuries—from prehistoric dwellings to modern buildings and sculptures.

While famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright helped make Ōya stone known internationally by using it in the original Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, the stone’s roots lie deeply in Tochigi. Its signature look—a soft, creamy tone speckled with brown “miso” spots—comes from its unique mineral makeup and porous surface.

Here in Utsunomiya, you’ll spot Ōya stone in many historic landmarks:

🏛️ Matsugamine Catholic Church (built in 1932) with its grand stone façade
🏯 Remains of Utsunomiya Castle and the ancient Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple
🥟 The beloved Gyoza Statue in front of Utsunomiya Station—yes, it’s made of Ōya stone too!

Want to dive deeper into the stone’s legacy? Head to the Ōya History Museum, located inside a former underground quarry. With its towering cathedral-like space, it’s a dream location for photographers and design lovers alike.📸✨

Today, thanks to its sound-absorbing, humidity-regulating qualities, Ōya stone is making a comeback in modern architecture, including home interiors, cafes, and concert halls.

💡 Visiting Utsunomiya? A coaster or ornament made of real Ōya stone makes the perfect souvenir to take home—part art, part history.

📍Spot Information
Featured Locations: Ōya History Museum, Matsugamine Church, Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue
Ōya History Museum Website: http://www.oya909.co.jp/
Where to next? Get inspired at Visit Tochigi!📍
https://www.visit-tochigi.com/

Welcome！Visit Tochigi,Japan

24/06/2025

20/06/2025

17/06/2025

13/06/2025

10/06/2025

06/06/2025

04/06/2025

02/06/2025

30/05/2025

27/05/2025

23/05/2025

20/05/2025

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月曜日	09:00 - 19:00
火曜日	09:00 - 19:00
水曜日	09:00 - 19:00
木曜日	09:00 - 19:00
金曜日	09:00 - 19:00
土曜日	09:00 - 17:00