History / Culture / Tour Spots in Tochigi Area

  • Karasawayama Shrine
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Sanoshi Fujichou 1409
    This shrine in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture was founded in 1883 and enshrines Fujiwara-no-Hidesato. Prayer requests for safe driving and family safety are accepted and on the first of each month they do fortune-consultations. Built over the remains of Hidesato's castle, the area is a natural fortress surrounded by cliffs and valleys covered in Japanese Red Pine trees and some of the castle ruins still remain. En route to the main hall you'll pass the Sakura Horse Grounds in which numerous sakura cherry trees are planted.
  • Ashikaga Museum of Art
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    3.0
    1 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Ashikagashi Tori 2-14-7
    This unusual art museum is built into a housing complex. The museum supports the local culture and artistic endeavors of the Ashikaga and Ryomo regions, with works by local artists from both areas on display. Fine art and performing art workshops are held at the museum. There is also a free to view local artist's corner.

    美術館の1階にあるスペース。美術館の無料デーに行きました。猫に関するグッズが多かった。足利らしい織物関連のお土産もありました。100円のしおりはちょっとしたお土産になると思います。

  • Soun Museum of Art
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    3.0
    5 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Ashikaga-shi Midoricho 2-3768
    This art museum stands at the southern edge of Ashikaga Park. The museum displays the artwork as well as the personal effects of Tazaki Soun, a Southern School painter who was active in Ashikaga from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji period. Known as a late Edo period loyalist painter, Soun studied under artists such as Kanai Ushu and his works have been highly praised outside Japan. Soun was also chosen to be the first Imperial Household Artist, once the highest honor for an artist in Japan, and the museum stores, conserves, and presents his artwork and personal effects. A thatched roof residence believed to have been the home of Soun stands in the museum's garden, and visitors can take in a peaceful atmosphere cut off from the hustle and bustle of the everyday.

    足利公園の中、横にある美術館です。入場にはお金がかかりますが、ちょっと休憩がてらに夜にはいいかもしれません。

  • Tochigi Life Safety Learning Center
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    4.5
    3 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Utsunomiyashi Nakazatochou 248
    Everyone from children to adults can learn about disaster prevention as well as experience simulated disasters such as earthquakes, fires, heavy rains, and gale force winds. Along with experiencing 30 meters per second winds and a smoky maze there's an exhibition corner with information and knowledges about disasters.

    楽しいと言っては不謹慎かもしれないが地震や火災時の避難の疑似体験が出来る。 一度行って経験することをオススメしたい。

  • Otawara Nasu Fudoki no Oka Yuzukami Museum
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    3.5
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Otawara-shi Yuzukami 192
    This museum focuses on the construction and discovery of the National Treasure-designated Nasu no Kuni no Miyatsuko no Hi, an ancient stone monument inscribed with calligraphic characters. The museum introduces the local Naka River basin, the location of the monument and numerous other historical cultural properties; the historical background of the Nasu no Kuni no Miyatsuko no Hi; the results of excavations of the nearby Samuraizuka Kofun tombs; and other historic sites and artefacts found in the area. The Nasu no Kuni no Miyatsuko no Hi, enshrined on the grounds of Kasaishi Shrine in the Yuzukami district, is inscribed with 152 characters across eight vertical lines of 19 characters each. Along with the Tagahi in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture and the Tagajohi in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, this monument is counted as one of the Three Great Stone Monuments of Japan and is considered of extreme importance in the history of calligraphy. Many museum-goers also visit the nearby National Historic Site-designated Shimo-Samuraizuka Kofun tomb and the Nakagawa Municipal Nasu Fudoki no Oka Museum.

    展示の部屋は、約2部屋だけで、あまり広くはありませんが、ちょうどよいです。向かい側にある下侍塚古墳とあわせて観光するのがおすすめです。

  • Kuizome Temple
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    3.0
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nasu-gun Nasumachi Yumoto 227
    "An ancient temple located at the entrance of Nasu's hot spring district. It is said the temple got its name in the early 1800s when a Kurobane clan princess was cured by prayers there when she fell ill and was unable to eat. The sites of Kyodaiseki and Juzuwari-ishi on the precincts have ties to the famous Buddhist priest Nichiren. The monument dedicated to the Buddhist school's mantra is about 1.2 meters high and 67 centimeters wide. It's said in ancient times Nichiren came to Nasu to recuperate from an illness and carved the mantra ""Namu Myoho Renge Kyo"" into the stone when he was healed. The important monument is the temple's principal object of worship."

    つつじ吊り橋から那須のメイン通りを高速へ向かう途中にありました あまり手入れされている風でも無い小さな神社でした

  • Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Drum Tower and Bell Tower)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai 2301 Nikko Toshogu
    Bell and taiko drum towers in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Originally used to tell the time for Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the two watchtower-looking buildings stands stand next to one another just before the Yomeimon gate. While the bell and drum towers may look similar, they are actually minutely different.
  • Heike Ochudo Folk Museum
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    2.5
    3 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Yunishigawa 620
    This museum is on Prefectural Route 249 in Yunishigawa, Nikko City. It's in the hot spring enclave of Yunishigawa Onsen, where it's said that the Taira clan fled after defeat in the Genpei War. The museum's exhibits relate to the clan and include armor, kimono, literature, and items from daily life.

    平家の落人伝説がある湯西川の上流にある資料館です。近くの町営駐車場に車を停めて見学しましたが、拝観料500円の割には展示品は貧弱で半分はガラクタかと思うような物でした。明らかに500円は高過ぎます。

  • Kezo-in Temple
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    4.0
    2 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Utsunomiya-shi Motoimaizumi 2-3-6

    真言宗のこのお寺の住職は書道の世界でも有名な方です。山門横にある文字や絵は定期的に変わり住職のユニークかつ心に響く言葉が見られます。本堂の天板に住職が書かれた梵字曼荼羅が圧巻です。

  • Rinnoji Temple: Ogomado Hall
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    3.0
    2 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Sannai 2300
    Nikko's preeminent prayer hall for conducting goma fire rituals. It's behind the Nikko-san Sohondo Sanbutsudo, which was built during the Heian period and is the largest wooden structure in eastern Japan. The principal objects of worship are images of the Five Heavenly Kings made in the middle Heian period. The Great Dragon painted on the ceiling was completed over a two-and-a-half-year period by the late Hokusai Yoshihara, who was nationally recognized for his restoration techniques as national designated color preservation selection technology holder. The inner sanctum is a sight to see with its 30 statues of famous priests and Buddhist deities like the Twelve Devas and Seven Lucky Gods, as well as the Five Heavenly Kings. The temple holds scripture copying sessions of the 276 Chinese characters of the Heart Sutra in the second-floor sermon room.

    輪王寺の三仏堂の後方にある朱色のお堂。大護摩堂の並びに建っていました。 かつて毘沙門天、大黒天、弁財天の開運三天が祀られていたそうです。やや地味な雰囲気でしたが国重要文化財に指定されている凄い建物なんですね。

  • Orion Square
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Utsunomiya-shi Enomachi 8-3
    An outdoor event plaza along Orion Street in Eno-cho, Utsunomiya City, with a covered plaza equipped with a stage and large video equipment, used for various events such as presentations and exhibitions, and gourmet events such as "Fighting Beer Garden" and "Utsunomiya 29 (Ni-kyu) Gourmet Festival. Gourmet events such as "Fighting Beer Garden" and "Utsunomiya 29 Gourmet Festival" are also held.
  • Onsen-ji Temple
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Nikko-shi Yumoto
    A temple located in Yumoto, Nikko City. It is a branch temple of Rinnoji Temple on Mt. Nikko, a registered World Heritage site. The origin of this ancient temple is said to date back to 788, when Shodo Shonin, known as the founder of Nikko, discovered hot spring water and enshrined Ruriko-no-Norai, the Medicine Buddha. The temple is also known as one of the few temples in Japan with hot spring facilities on its grounds, and visitors can take a day-trip to the milky white Yakushi-yu hot spring (closed during the winter season).
  • SL Kyurokukan
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    3.0
    1 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Moka Daimachi 2474-6
    Inside Suhafu 4425, you can enjoy coffee and hot dogs ordered at Qurok Café. The exterior of the SL is marked by a thick boiler, a short decorative chimney, and two low domes.

    SLキューロク館内にある売店併設の小さなカフェです。ドリンクやソフトクリームなど扱っていますが、終了が早い。目の前の客車内では飲食禁止なので注意。

  • Nasu Kogen SL Land
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Nasu-gun Nasumachi Takaku Otsu 24-2
    This steam locomotive-themed theme park is located in Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture. This mini theme park is where you can enjoy a mystery experience zone, retro doll house, and the Nasu Dome Theater with a virtual experience. In addition, it has an adjoining restaurant where you can enjoy steamed beef loin.
  • Emile Galle Museum (Exposition Permanente des Verreries D' Emile Galle)
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tochigi Pref. Nasugunnasumachi Takaku Hei 132
    This art museum in Nasu County, Tochigi Prefecture is located inside a building styled after the architecture of medieval Europe. The museum primarily exhibits the works of French artist Emile Galle as well as materials such as his sketches and letters. The museum also has its own cafe where visitors can relax. At the museum shop, visitors can purchase glass products, original accessories, and other items.
  • Nasu Kogen Visitor Center
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nasugunnasumachi Yumoto 207-2
    This information center is located in Nikko National Park. The center features videos, pictures, and other information exhibits about the history, nature, and other aspects of the Nasu Kashi region. The center features a promenade built around its perimeter where visitors can enjoy the seasonal scenery of the surrounding area and the Nasu Mountains. The center also regularly holds events and is used by many locals as a place to socialize.
  • Akanuma Nature Information Center
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Chugushi Official presence
    This information center is located in Akanuma, the entrance to Senjogahara. It provides information on the nature, hiking trails, and other aspects of parts of the Okunikko area such as Senjogahara and Odashirogahara. The information center also features informational exhibits on the origins of Senjogahara, its seasonal flowers, and other topics. The center also conducts nature tours and other activities during the high season.
  • Shihonryuji Temple (Rinnoji Temple, Mt. Nikko)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai Within 2300 ringo temple
    A temple in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Founded in 766 by holy priest Shodo Shonin, who is founder of Nikko. The principle object of worship is the Thousand Hand Kanzeon Bodhisattva. The windows of the temple are in the direction of Mt. Nantai so that the mountain can always be worshipped. The Kannon Hall and three-story pagoda on the grounds have been designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
  • Jogyo-do Hall (Rinnoji Temple, Mt. Nikko)
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Sannai Within 2300 ringo temple
    This hall is located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Located in the Mt Nikko Rinnoji Temple the hall was constructed by Master Ennin in 848. Facing the hall on the left is Jogyo-do Hall and on the right is Hokke-do Hall. The two are connected by a bridge giving them the unusual appearance of a conjoined hall.
  • Heiwa Kannon
    Travel / Tourism
    Tochigi Pref. Utsunomiyashi Oyamachi 1174
    This huge statue of the goddess Kannon was carved into the wall of a former Oya stone quarry and stands 27 meters tall. It was entirely hand carved as a prayer for those who have fallen in battle and as a hope for world peace. There are well maintained paths and stairs around the statue and from the top you can see all across Oya.

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.

Tochigi Photo Album

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