Tochigi Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Tochigi with our comprehensive guide, featuring tips on where to go, what to see, and how to get there.


Introduction to Tochigi

Tochigi is a picturesque and serene prefecture located in Kanto, Japan. Known for its natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and traditional cuisine, Tochigi offers a unique travel experience for visitors. With its picturesque mountains, forests, lakes and rivers, Tochigi is an ideal location for those seeking both outdoor adventure and relaxation.

List of Places to Visit in Tochigi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you are a history buff, Tochigi has several museums and historical sites to offer such as the Tochigi Prefectural Museum, the Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine, and the Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura theme park. The Tochigi Prefectural Museum showcases the prefecture’s rich history and culture, including traditional crafts and local industries. The Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a powerful feudal lord who played a crucial role in the unification of Japan. The Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura theme park is a must-visit attraction for those interested in Japanese history and culture. It recreates the Edo period with several attractions such as ninja shows, samurai performances, and traditional crafts demonstrations.

Natural Attractions of Tochigi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tochigi is blessed with stunning natural beauty and offers an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing. One of the most famous natural attractions in Tochigi is Nikko National Park, which covers an area of over 1,400 square kilometers and includes several mountains and lakes. One of the most famous attractions within the National Park is the Kegon Falls, a spectacular 97-meter waterfall that is considered one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. Other popular natural attractions in Tochigi include Kinugawa Onsen, Lake Chūzenji, and Mount Nasu.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tochigi

Tochigi has several hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The Nikko National Park offers several trails for hikers of all skill levels, with some of the more challenging hikes leading up to the peaks of Mount Nantai and Mount Shirane. For mountain bikers, the Tochigi Cycling Road offers a 160 km route through the prefecture, with a mix of terrain and options to stop at several scenic spots along the way.

Best Things to Do in Tochigi: Activities and Tours

Apart from its natural beauty, Tochigi offers a range of activities and tours that visitors can enjoy. Visitors can explore the local cuisine with a food tour, visit a traditional onsen hot spring, or participate in a tea ceremony. For those seeking an adventure, activities such as rafting, zip-lining, and bungee jumping are also available in Tochigi.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tochigi

A week-long itinerary for Tochigi could look something like:

  • Day 1: Visit the Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine and explore the surrounding area.
  • Day 2: Hike to the Kegon Falls and explore the Nikko National Park.
  • Day 3: Spend a day at Kinugawa Onsen enjoying the hot springs and traditional Japanese bathhouses.
  • Day 4: Take a cycling tour of the Tochigi Cycling Road and explore the local scenery.
  • Day 5: Visit the Tochigi Prefectural Museum to learn about the prefecture’s rich history and culture.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to the nearby Gunma Prefecture to explore the Tomioka Silk Mill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Day 7: Relax and unwind by the Lake Chūzenji

Food and Drink Scene of Tochigi

Tochigi is famous for its traditional cuisine, including soba noodles, yuba (tofu skin), and gyoza dumplings. Visitors can enjoy these dishes at local restaurants, along with other local delicacies such as strawberries, Tochigi shamo chicken, and local sake.

Must-Try Dishes

One of the must-try local dishes is the Tochigi soba noodles, which are made from 100% buckwheat flour and are served cold with a dipping sauce. Another popular dish is the yuba, which is made from the top layer of soy milk and is often served grilled or deep-fried. Additionally, Tochigi is known for its gyoza dumplings, which are filled with a mix of pork and vegetables and are served pan-fried or steamed.

Local Beverages

Tochigi is known for its local sake, which is produced in several breweries across the prefecture. Visitors can visit some of the breweries to learn about the production process and sample some of the local sake.

Where to Stay in Tochigi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tochigi offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Visitors can choose to stay in the traditional ryokan or hot spring resorts, or opt for more modern accommodation options.

What to Buy in Tochigi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tochigi is known for its traditional crafts such as pottery, lacquerware, and textiles. Visitors can purchase these products at local markets or craft stores, along with other souvenirs such as local sake, yuba sweets, and Tochigi strawberries.

Local Culture and Customs of Tochigi

Tochigi has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several traditional festivals such as the Nikkō Taisai Festival and the Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival. Visitors should keep in mind local customs and etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering homes or temples, and bowing when greeting someone.

Best Time to Visit Tochigi

Tochigi can be visited year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. Spring and autumn are popular times to visit, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in fall. Winter is also an excellent time to visit Tochigi, with skiing and hot springs being popular winter activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tochigi

Do:

  • Take your shoes off before entering a home or temple.
  • Bow when greeting someone.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Tochigi.
  • Respect local customs and etiquette.

Don’t:

  • Use your mobile phone on public transport.
  • Eat or drink while walking.
  • Toss rubbish on the streets.
  • Ignore the warnings and safety guidelines in national parks or hiking trails.

Safety and Health

Safety in Tochigi

Tochigi is a safe place to visit, with low crime rates. Visitors should keep an eye on their belongings and be careful in crowded areas.

Health in Tochigi

Tochigi has a high standard of healthcare, and visitors can easily find medical facilities throughout the prefecture.

Getting to Tochigi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Tochigi

The closest airports to Tochigi are the Narita International Airport and the Haneda Airport, both of which are located in Tokyo. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to Tochigi.

Bus Stations Near Tochigi

Tochigi is accessible by bus from several major cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Utsunomiya, and Nikko.

Other Options

Visitors can also take a train to Tochigi, with several train lines connecting Tochigi to other prefectures in Japan.

How to Get Around in Tochigi

Tochigi has an extensive public transportation system, including trains, buses, and taxis. Visitors can also rent a car or a bicycle to explore the prefecture at their own pace.

Where to Go Next from Tochigi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Several nearby destinations are worth a visit from Tochigi, such as Gunma Prefecture, the Nikko National Park, and Tokyo. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences, making them perfect for a day trip or a weekend excursion.

Conclusion

Tochigi is a beautiful prefecture that offers something for everyone, from its natural beauty and outdoor activities to its rich cultural heritage and traditional cuisine. With its convenient location to Tokyo and other nearby prefectures, Tochigi is an excellent destination for those looking to explore a lesser-known part of Japan.

Uzuma River and storehouses Uzuma River and storehouses