Travel / Tourism Spots in Tochigi Area

  • Kegon Falls
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    4.0
    1658 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2479-2
    This is a magnificent waterfall which cascades down the 97 meter high sheer cliffs in a flash, and is one of Japan’s top three most famous waterfalls. If you go down to the observation deck by elevator which requires the payment of a fee, you will be able to experience up close the intensity of the water falling down which rises from the waterfall basin with a splash. You can enjoy the magnificent fresh greenery and the figure of Asian house martins flying around in the vicinity of the waterfall in the early summer, crimson foliage in the autumn and in winter, the frozen small falls or the twelve falls as they are called located half way up the waterfall provide us with a beautiful display. It is a waterfall which provides us with picturesque scenery from season to season.

    Was in town and took the bus all the way up to the onsen final destination for the day and made a few stops along the way including Kegon falls. I didnt expect much and thought gee one of the most...

  • Lake Chuzenji
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    4.0
    992 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi
    Lake Chuzenji, located in the west of Nikko in Chugushi, Nikko City. The lake, with circumference of 25 kilometers, was formed with the eruption of Mt. Nantai in the north. With an elevation of 1,269 meters this is the highest lake in Japan. During the Meiji and Taisho periods many European embassies built vacation houses around the lake, and they remain to this day. The lake is a pretty scenic spot with Mt. Nantai in the background where visitors can enjoy pleasure boats and of course the beautiful autumn leaves.

    Given an hour here to explore on foot and was lucky to catch some last late blooming sakura near the Futaarasan Shrine, another one that is. There are activities available by the lake such as riding...

  • Shinkyo Bridge
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    4.0
    917 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kamihatsuishimachi
    The Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful bridge that hangs at the entrance into the mountains of Nikko, and is a structure which belongs to Futarasan Shrine. At the end of the Nara period, on the occasion of Shodo Shonin founding a temple, he sought divine assistance from gods and Buddhas as he was blocked from crossing the Daiya River. Thereupon, Jinja-ou (the God of the River) had appeared and released two snakes. Legend has it that mountain sedge sprouted from the backs of those two snakes and they turned into a bridge which is the Shinkyo Bridge. The bridge was built in its current vermillion-lacquered form in 1636. Thereafter, it was washed away by a flood, but it was rebuilt in 1904. It is an Important Cultural Property of Japan and it was also registered as a World Heritage site in 1999. The Shinkyo bridge is regarded as one of the three most eccentric bridges in Japan.

    Nice spot to take pictures. You can pay to walk the bridge, but I didnt feel the need to. Better to take the pictures of the bridge.

  • Ohya History Museum
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    4.5
    605 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Utsunomiyashi Oyamachi 909
    This museum is at the site of a former quarry in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. Apart from introducing guests to the history of Oya stone mining and its techniques, it displays tools used for hand excavation between Japan’s feudal era and the 1950s in its exhibition hall. At a depth of 30 meters, the quarry spans a vast 20 thousand square meters, producing a mysterious world like an underground temple or the inside of a pyramid. It is also used as a location for shooting films and television dramas, as well as a concert venue.

    We decided to go here because it was very different from the normal touristy attractions. But let me tell you it didn’t disappoint the way it is set up is amazing. Lights set in such a way to enhance...

  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2301
    A shrine located in Sannai, Nikko City. It was founded in 1617 as a shrine dedicated to the Tosho Daigongen (Tokugawa Ieyasu). There are many buildings including eight National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties in the shrine grounds as well as the beautifully adorned and richly colored carvings of the Three Wise Monkeys—Mizaru, Iwazaru and Kikazaru (see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil)—and the Nemuri-neko (sleepy cat) attributed to Hidari Jingoro. Nikko Toshogu is also registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.
  • Futarasan Jinja Shrine
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    4.0
    584 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2307
    This shrine is dedicated to the deities of Nikko’s three most sacred mountains and highest peaks of the Nikko mountain range. Besides the main shrine is Chugushi at the shore of Lake Chuzenji, a rear shrine that stands at the summit of Mt. Nantai, and associated shrines Hongu Jinja and Takio Jinja Shrine. The establishment of Futarasan Jinja Shrine is said to have begun in 762 when Shodo Shonin built a small shrine as a Hongu Jinja shrine. Now the shrine is popular for its associations with good luck and the god of marriage. 11 buildings of the shaden (main shrine area) including the honden (main shrine) with its “yatsumune” style of construction and haiden (hall of worship) with its gabled, hipped roof have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. The lantern called “Bake-doro” in the shrine gardens is one highlight worth seeing.

    世界遺産『日光の社寺』を構成する神社の一つ。山岳信仰の聖地の一つでもあり、日光三山を構成する『男体山』『女峰山』『太郎山』を御神体としている。一方で輪王寺には、これらの山を仏として見立てた仏像が三仏堂に安置されていることからも分かるように、日光の社寺と日光三山の関係性は切っても切れないことが分かる。 二荒山神社の由来は諸説あり定かではない。一説には『男体山』と『女峰山』の二つの神が由来となっており...

  • Nasu Rindoko Lake View
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    3.5
    240 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nasugunnasumachi Takaku Hei 414-2
    Nasu Rindoko Lake View is an amusement park set around Rindo-ko Lake in Takakuko, Nasu Town. There are lots of attractions to enjoy such as petting animals like Jersey cows and alpacas, the KAKKU zip-wire which goes over the lake, and a pleasure boat, as well as lots of things to try your hand at such as making butter, etc. They also have Mekke!, a buffet and steak restaurant with market selling foodstuffs from Nasu which people are welcome to visit without having to enter the amusement park proper.

    Most products are too expensive, but nice view from there. Shop is full with local area products. Nice place for families with children.

  • Roadside Station Nasu Kogen Yuai no Mori
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    3.5
    278 Reviews
    Transportation
    Tochigi Pref. Nasugunnasumachi Takaku Otsu 593-8
    This roadside station is located at an altitude of 470 meters on the side of Prefectural Route 17, which runs through Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture. It features a wide variety of facilities including the Fureai no Sato Farmer's Market, where visitors can purchase fresh seasonal produce, as well as Nasutoran, which offers Nasu Wagyu beef dishes and other dishes. Other facilities include the Kogeikan craft center, the Kanko Koryu Centre tourist information center, and more, making it a place where many tourists stop by.

    This place is a combination of - transit hub for local sightseeing bus that goes to other local attraction spot like bear museum, onsens, animal farm etc - public bus stop that also goes all the way...

  • Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
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    4.5
    330 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Honchou 8-27
    This is a Tochigi prefectural urban park which was landscaped in 1899 as a place of convalescence for Emperor Taisho. One part of the former Akasaka homestead of the Edo daimyo, Kishu Tokugawa was moved to its current location at the wealthy person’s villa which formerly existed here. Even after that, additional buildings were added but the overall harmony was retained. The building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and it is possible to tour the interior of the building. You can enjoy the various scenery from season to season starting with the 400-year-old weeping cherry tree in the garden.

    The Villa is very well maintained and surprisingly large. Not as old as some in Japan but full of traditional architecture and styling. The gardens are beautifully maintained and well worth a wander...

  • Senbonmatsu Dairy Farm
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    3.5
    229 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nasushiobarashi Sembonmatsu 799
    This dairy farm is located along the Yunoka Line in Senbonmatsu, Nasushiobara City. It raises around 500 dairy cows on its vast grounds, which are equivalent to 178 Tokyo Domes. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions including a petting zoo, cycling, hot air balloon rides, a bungee trampoline, a bouncy house, butter churning, and more. The farm has four restaurants with options including jingisukan (grilled mutton and vegetables) and Japanese cuisine. There is also a hot spring spa as well as a shop that offers dairy products, ice cream, bacon, and other processed food products.

    There are couple of attraction here for your children such as horse back riding and balloon sliders. In the summer you may be lucky to experience hot air balloon as it is extremely weather sensitive...

  • Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine
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    4.0
    280 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Utsunomiya-shi Baba Dori 1-1-1
    This shrine to the 2,486-meter-high sacred mountain Mt. Futaara is also the tutelary shrine of Nikko. The temple's massive precinct covers some 3,400 hectares that includes the Nikko Mountains, which are part of Nikko National Park, as well as the Kegon Falls, the descending Irohazaka route, and Shinkyo Bridge, an important cultural asset.

    This ancient shrine is in middle of city, and is pretty peaceful as well. Need to climb a few stairs to reach the top, isnt much of a problem for anyone with average health. The compound is also...

  • Seiji Fujishiro Museum, Nasu Highland
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    4.5
    222 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Nasu-gun Nasumachi Yumoto 203

    I was moved by his great expressiveness. This museum was better than I expected. But, the explanation board is only in Japanese.

  • Oya-ji Temple (Oya Kannon)
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    4.0
    197 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Utsunomiyashi Oyamachi 1198
    This Tendai Sect Buddhist temple in Oya Town, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi has been built surrounded by a cavern. Within the temple are 10 stone carvings of buddha carved directly into the cavern wall including Japan’s oldest statue of the goddess Kannon (the Oya thousand-armed Kannon). These historical artifacts have led the temple to have been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, even today the temple draws many visitors.

    We have followed Kobo Daishi around Japan, so no wonder that we came here. The temple was founded by him and the thousand-armed Kannon is said to have been his work. In addition to this figure...

  • Ashio Copper Mine
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    4.0
    130 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Ashiomachitsudou 9-2
    The Ashio Copper Mine in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture was once the mining capital of Japan. It supplied the nation’s copper industry for about 400 years until closure. A portion of the mine is open to visitors, and a trolley train lets you tour the inside and learn about the mining industry through the ages, the history of the mines, and the mining process.

    The Ashio Copper Mine is a theme park where visitors can comprehensively learn about the Ashio Copper Mine, which was once one of the largest copper mines in Japan. There are many such facilities...

  • Soshuji Temple (Sanoyakuyoke-daishi)
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    3.5
    142 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Sanoshi Kanaikamichou 2233
    Sanoyakuyoke-daishi is the popular name of this Tendai Buddhist temple in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture. The name was made famous via TV commercials. A protective statue of the priest Ryogen is installed, so the temple has become associated with warding off misfortune. It’s one of the three main Tendai temples of the Kanto region for improving your luck, so every New Year’s Day people pour in for Hatsumode, the first prayers of the New Year.

    I live only minutes from this temple, and get to walk by it every day. Its a beautiful structure, bright red with gold peaks that glow in the afternoon sun. The grounds are small but peaceful and...

  • Honda Collection Hall
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    4.5
    74 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi ken Haga-gun Mogi-cho Hayama 120-1
    "The Honda Collection Hall is a museum of Honda products located within the Twin Ring Motegi racetrack, around 30 minutes' drive from the Mito-Kita Smart Interchange on the Joban Expressway. The main focus is on Honda's motorcycles and cars; the second floor exhibits present the history of Honda's commercial products, while the third floor charts the development of Honda's involvement in motor sport. The first floor has the ""ASIMO Super Live"" zone, where visitors can see a functioning ASIMO robot. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year, and the ""Pit Workshop,"" housed in a separate building, has a range of experience-type activities that visitors can enjoy, including vehicle assembly and part-changing activities."

    Honda is one of the most prolific brands in the automotive world, both for street vehicles and racing ones, so if you are into cars and motorbikes, you absolutely must visit this museum. The first...

  • Ashikaga Orihime Shrine
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    4.0
    124 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Ashikaga-shi Nishinomiya Cho 3889
    "This Shinto shrine is sung of in the ""Ashikaga Ondo,"" a song about the local area: ""If you come to Ashikaga / Look for Orihime's red shrine / Clatter-thump-thump / Clatter-thump / Ashikaga, town of pictures / Town of machinery."" Boasting history and traditions stretching back 1,300 years, the shrine is seen as the guardian shrine of the textile town of Ashikaga. The current main shrine building, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2017, was rebuilt in 1937 after its predecessor was destroyed in a fire in 1880. From the crimson-lacquered shrine, visitors can get a sweeping view of the Kanto Plain. In 2014, the shrine was designated a Lover's Sanctuary and was also selected for inclusion in the Japan Nightscape Heritage list."

    Being the most scenic temples of Japan this is a true marvel of Japanese culture and heritage. Beautiful and tranquil.

  • Kinugawa River Boat Cruise
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    4.0
    121 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Kinugawaonsenohara 1414
    On the Kinugawa River Boat Cruise visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery traveling downstream in a boat skillfully oared by the boatman. The boating experience is in operation daily between mid-April to late November. The rare and oddly shaped rocks and scenery throughout the seasons are magnificent and the cruise thrilling. If there are seats available visitors can board the boat without prior reservations.

    It was a pleasant and relaxing boat ride down the river. Despite not able to understand the boatmans introduction of the scenery along the river. We had truly enjoy the scenery.

  • Bannaji Temple
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    4.0
    153 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Ashikagashi Ietomichou 2220
    This Buddhist temple in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, was founded by Ashikaga Yoshikane in 1196. A Shingon sect Dainichi school temple the principle object of worship is Dainichi-Nyorai. The main hall was declared an Important Cultural Property in 1950 and was declared a National Treasure in 2013. The temple is a great place to see the sakura cherry blossoms in the spring and yellow gingko leaves in the fall.

    Being an ancient samurai castle this is a true marvel of Japanese culture and heritage. Beautiful and tranquil.

  • Nikkosan  Chuzen-ji Temple
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    4.0
    95 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi 2578
    This temple belonging to the Tendai sect located near Lake Chuzenji in Nikko City is a branch temple of Nikko Rinnoji Temple. It began when Shodo Shonin, the founder of the Nikkozan religious sites witnessed Senju-kannon (the thousand arm Kannon goddess) appearing on the lake and carved an image of the Kannon in a standing tree or “tachiki,” which became the principal object of worship at the temple. It is the eighteenth temple in the Bando pilgrimage circuit (comprised of 33 Kannon temples in the Kanto region). People worship the Tachiki Kannon in the hondo (main temple building) as the shoganjoju Buddha, which is believed to grant people’s requests of various kinds, and the mido hall which enshrines Hashiridaikokuten is often visited by people praying for safe childbirth, the return of runaway family members, and to prevent their partner from having an affair.

    There is a very famous and historical big statue of Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with Thousand Arms, which is called Senju Kannon in Japan. This temple registered in UNESCO. When i went here, i was so...

Tochigi Areas

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Most visits to Tochigi revolve around Nikko, a small city home to the spectacular, lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine and Nikko National Park with its mountains, lakes, waterfalls, onsen, and wild monkeys. Neighboring Oku-Nikko is an extension of the fantastic scenery famous for its autumn leaves, while Tochigi’s capital, Utsunomiya, is the only place in the world where you can find oya stone beautifully exhibited in temples and the Oya History Museum.

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