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There are great many things to do in Japan, and so are in Tochigi.
Come explore the hidden gems of Tochigi, where nature and culture unite to create a dynamic destination that is both serene and invigorating.
From breathtaking mountain vistas to exquisite shrines and temples, this beautiful prefecture offers something for everyone.
So pack your bags and embark on a journey to Tochigi, where adventure and enlightenment await you.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Tochigi:
1. Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the city of Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
It is a mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the stunning shrine complex which features over a dozen buildings and structures, each adorned with intricate carvings and decorations.
Don’t miss the famous “Three Wise Monkeys” carving, which represents the principle of “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.
Don’t miss: The Yomeimon Gate is the main gate of the shrine and is considered one of the most beautiful gates in Japan.
It is adorned with hundreds of sculptures and carvings depicting animals, mythical creatures, and historical figures.
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the fall to see the beautiful autumn foliage in the surrounding area.
2. Kinugawa-Onsen hot spring
Kinugawa-Onsen is a hot spring town located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, known for its beautiful natural scenery and therapeutic hot springs.
What to see or do: Visit one of the many public baths and hot spring resorts for a relaxing soak in the mineral-rich water.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on trying the local delicacies, such as yuba (tofu skin), soba noodles, and kozuyu (a locally brewed sake).
Insider travel tips: – Visit in the autumn season (October-November) to see the beautiful fall foliage.
3. Nikko National Park
Nikko National Park is a vast nature reserve located in Tochigi prefecture, Japan, known for its pristine forests, serene lakes, and spectacular waterfalls.
What to see or do: Visitors to Nikko National Park can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area by exploring its many hiking trails, some of which lead to breathtaking views of Mount Nantai and Lake Chuzenji.
The park is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a majestic complex of Shinto and Buddhist buildings and monuments with intricate carvings and lavish decorations.
Don’t miss: A must-see attraction in Nikko National Park is the Kegon Falls, a stunning 97-meter waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff face.
Another unforgettable sight is Lake Yunoko, a scenic lake surrounded by mountains and serene forests.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit Nikko National Park on weekdays, and arrive early in the morning.
Hiking enthusiasts should take note that some trails may be closed during winter due to snow, so it’s crucial to check the park’s official website before planning a trip.
4. Lake Chuzenji
A scenic lake located in Nikko National Park, Japan’s oldest national park.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and autumn foliage, take a boat tour, go fishing or hiking.
Don’t miss: Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls, located nearby.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the autumn months, usually from late September to early November, for a chance to see the breathtaking fall foliage.
Note that the area can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to go early in the morning or on weekdays.
5. Nikko Edomura
A historical theme park that recreates Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) with authentic buildings, costumes, and performances.
What to see or do: Walk through the streets of the Edo period and visit traditional shops, samurai residences, ninja houses, and temples. Attend performances of sword-fighting, ninja shows, and traditional Japanese theater.
Learn about Edo culture and history by interacting with the costumed staff and watching live demonstrations.
Don’t miss: The Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Grand Ninja Theater, where you can watch thrilling shows of Japanese martial arts and acrobatics. The Trick Art Museum, where you can take funny and creative photos with 3D paintings and installations.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as the park stretches out over a large area. Plan your visit for a weekday to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
Bring some cash as credit cards are not accepted in most shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to try some of the traditional Japanese snacks and drinks on offer.
6. Edo Wonderland
An Edo-period theme park in Tochigi, Japan.
What to see or do: Experience life in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). Wander the streets dotted with traditional shops, restaurants, and temples.
Catch a ninja show or a samurai sword fighting demonstration. Dress up in traditional Edo-style clothing, and explore the town as a samurai, ninja, or princess.
Take a boat ride, try your hand at archery or shuriken throwing, or attend a traditional Japanese puppet theater show.
Don’t miss: The Oiran Dochu Parade, where elegantly dressed courtesans parade down the streets. Also, the Edo Wonderland Night Museum, which takes you on a ghostly tour of the town after dark.
Insider travel tips: Plan to spend at least half a day here to fully experience everything the park has to offer. If you want to dress up as a samurai or ninja, arrive early to avoid the queues.
Make sure you catch a show or two, but be prepared to wait in line as the theaters fill up quickly.
Discounted tickets are available online or through travel agencies.
7. Ashikaga Flower Park
Ashikaga Flower Park is a botanical garden in Tochigi prefecture, Japan, known for its beautiful and picturesque wisteria flowers.
What to see or do: The park has various wisteria trees, including a stunning 80-year-old wisteria that stretches over 1000 square meters. Visitors can take a walk through the park’s wisteria tunnels or enjoy the scenery from the nearby hillside.
Don’t miss: The huge wisteria tree spreading over the main garden is an absolute must-see for visitors. At night, the park illuminates its wisteria with colorful lights, which makes for an incredibly romantic and magical experience.
Insider travel tips: – The peak wisteria season is from mid-April to mid-May, so plan your visit accordingly.
8. Oya History Museum
Oya History Museum is an underground museum located in an abandoned stone quarry in Utsunomiya, Tochigi prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the tunnels of the quarry and learn about the history of the mining industry in the area.
The museum also exhibits various fossils, minerals, and old mining equipment, providing an immersive experience of what life was like in the quarry over 400 years ago.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the museum is a stunning underground space, known as the “Cathedral,” where pillars have been left in their natural, unpolished state.
The combination of history and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sweater as the temperature in the quarry can be quite cool.
Additionally, the museum can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so it’s best to visit on a weekday if possible to avoid the crowds.
9. Nasu Ropeway
A cable car that takes passengers up to the top of Mt. Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Enjoy the breathtaking view of the mountain range and the surrounding landscape.
At the top, there is a small observation deck and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the views.
Don’t miss: The sunset view from the top of Mt. Nasu is absolutely stunning and worth staying for.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to avoid peak season for this attraction and visit during the weekdays if possible. The ropeway is often crowded on weekends and holidays, so be prepared for long lines.
Additionally, the temperature at the top of the mountain can be significantly colder than at the base, so dress accordingly.
10. Tochigi City Forest Botanical Garden
Tochigi City Forest Botanical Garden is a sprawling green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The garden is spread over an area of 27 acres and is home to a diverse range of plants, trees, and flowers from all over Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the garden at their own pace on foot or by riding the park train, which is especially popular with kids.
There are several walking trails that lead to various parts of the garden, and there’s always a new plant, flower, or tree to discover around every corner.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of the botanical garden is the greenhouse, which is home to an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants.
The garden also has a large pond that’s home to some stunning aquatic plants and water lilies.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit the botanical garden is in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
11. Nikko Yumoto Onsen
Nikko Yumoto Onsen is a hot springs resort located in the mountains of Tochigi prefecture, known for its therapeutic waters and beautiful natural surroundings.
What to see or do: Soak in the mineral-rich hot springs, surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Nikko National Park. Take a walk through the forests and along the riverside to fully immerse yourself in nature.
There are also various outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
Don’t miss: The Yudaki Waterfall, located just a short hike away from the hot springs. The waterfall is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change color.
Also, be sure to try the local specialty, yuba (tofu skin), which is made fresh from the area’s mineral-rich spring water.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the week to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience.
12. Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square is a theme park located in Tochigi, Japan that features incredibly detailed and precise miniature replicas of iconic sites from around the world.
What to see or do: Visitors to Tobu World Square can stroll around the park and marvel at nearly 100 meticulously crafted and fully operational miniature models of famous landmarks such as the White House, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and many more.
There are also interactive exhibits and multimedia displays throughout the park.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the miniature model of New York City, which includes replicas of the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and other landmarks.
The attention to detail is truly remarkable.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there’s a lot of walking involved.
Additionally, visitors should note that there are a limited number of English-language signs and exhibits, so it may be helpful to bring a map or translation app.
13. Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park
Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park is a historical park built on the remains of Utsunomiya Castle, a feudal castle from the Edo period.
What to see or do: The park features a collection of stone walls, moats, and gates that once made up the castle’s defense system. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the park and enjoy the beautiful gardens and cherry blossom trees.
There is also a small museum on the site that showcases the history of the castle and the Utsunomiya region.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the park is the watchtower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding city and countryside.
It’s also worth checking out the restored castle gate, which gives visitors a glimpse into what the castle would have looked like during its heyday.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get busy during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
14. Shiobara Onsen
Shiobara Onsen is a hot spring resort town located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
15. Nasu Alpaca Farm
Nasu Alpaca Farm is a unique and charming farm located in Tochigi, Japan, where visitors can get up close and personal with cute and cuddly alpacas.
What to see or do: At Nasu Alpaca Farm, visitors can feed and interact with the alpacas, take a walk with them, and even have the opportunity to make alpaca wool handicrafts.
There is also a petting zoo with other friendly animals like rabbits and goats.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the adorable alpacas, including the opportunity to take a selfie with them. Also, make sure to visit the wool shop, which sells various alpaca wool products, from socks to scarves.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the spring when the baby alpacas are born.