Indulge in a Luxurious Journey to Tochigi’s Famous Waters
Tochigi Prefecture is renowned for its numerous famous water spots created by its rich nature. Particularly, the “Shoujinzawa Springs” is famous for being selected as the number one in the National Top 100 Famous Waters. This beautiful spring water flows in the tranquility surrounded by broadleaf forests, offering healing to visitors. Additionally, in places like Nikko City and Ashikaga City, there are spring waters known as “Delicious Water of Nikko” and “Natural Water of Ashikaga.” These are popular tourist destinations, attracting many travelers seeking their delicious taste. It is easy to enjoy a one-night, two-day trip even from the southern Kanto region, making it ideal for busy modern people. Why not refresh your mind and body while exploring places where the unique natural environment and culture of this region intersect?
The Charm of Visiting Tochigi’s Famous Water Spots
Tochigi Prefecture is a region attractive for its beautiful nature and abundant spring waters. Especially, the “Shoujinzawa Springs” shines as the number one in the National Top 100 Famous Waters, attracting many tourists with its transparency and purity. This article introduces the charm and access methods of famous water spots scattered throughout Tochigi Prefecture.
Shoujinzawa Springs: A Healing Stream Walk
Located in Shioya Town, the “Shoujinzawa Springs” is one of the National Top 100 Famous Waters selected by the Ministry of the Environment. This spring water gushes from a primeval forest surrounded by broadleaf trees, and its beautiful scenery captivates visitors. A 30-minute walk along the promenade allows you to see the water flowing from between the trees and enjoy a pleasant forest bath. This place is perfect for feeling harmony with rich nature and refreshing away from the daily urban life.
Delicious Famous Water Spots Around Nikko City
Nikko City also has many famous water points. These spots, known as “Delicious Water of Nikko” and “Imaichi’s Water,” are safe to drink as they are disinfected. Moreover, this area is famous as a tourist destination where history and nature blend, with attractions like the World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji. Visiting on a one-night, two-day travel plan allows you to fully enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty simultaneously.
Sano City & Izuruhara Benten Pond: A Historic Famous Spring
In the northern part of Sano City, there is the historic “Izuruhara Benten Pond” dating back to the Edo period. This place is also designated as a natural monument and is known as a cold and pure spring with a nearly constant temperature (about 16°C) throughout the year. This pond is close to Tenmyo-juku, a bustling post town in the past, allowing you to experience the historical background and traditional culture.
Experience Hot Spring Culture in the Nasu & Shiobara Area
The Nasu Shiobara area is recommended to explore by car, but it is also accessible by public transportation. Here, you can enjoy fresh hot spring experiences at facilities like “Kita Onsen,” which offers free-flowing hot springs. Additionally, there are unique baths like “Oyogi-yu,” boasting one of the largest water volumes in Japan. The slightly lukewarm water allows you to soak for a long time while enjoying the scenery.
Watarase Retarding Basin: A Walking Spot Coexisting with Nature
Registered as a Ramsar Convention wetland, the Watarase Retarding Basin boasts a vast area of 3300ha, said to be the largest in Japan. This place, where you can see reed beds, seasonal wildflowers, and diverse wild birds, is positioned as a “Natural Museum.” Various outdoor activities such as water sports and hiking are also available.
Travel Planning Ideas: Model Course Introduction
There are courses within Tochigi Prefecture that can be toured by bus, making it possible to travel comfortably even without a private car. For example, if you head to Tochigi from Tokyo early in the morning by public transportation and tour according to this model course, you can efficiently visit various places. On the other hand, using a rental car allows for even more flexible itinerary planning.
From the above, a journey themed around “Tochigi’s Famous Waters” offers not only elegance but also a healing time for both mind and body. Visiting these spots, each with different characteristics and backgrounds, will lead to new discoveries and memorable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tochigi’s Famous Waters
What are the most recommended famous water spots in Tochigi?
Tochigi Prefecture has numerous famous water spots, but Nikko City is a must-visit. The clear water gushing from the Nikko mountain range is famous and is used locally for delicious coffee and sake. Additionally, there are charming cafes in Kanuma City and Imaichi, where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere in renovated early Showa-era merchant houses.
Can you enjoy both hot springs and famous waters at the same time?
Yes, you can. There are several places in Tochigi where you can enjoy both hot springs and famous waters simultaneously. For example, in Nasu Shiobara, there are many facilities where you can enjoy hot springs along with beautiful natural surroundings, allowing you to spend a relaxing time. Also, secret hot springs introduced in “Nakao Mie’s Bathing! Tochigi Tour” are recommended.
Are there any healing spots that can be visited on a day trip?
For a day trip from Tokyo, Sano City is recommended as a healing spot. During “tobi-ishi renkyu” (consecutive holidays), there are plans where you can refresh with delicious meals. Also, in Tochigi, where many rivers flow, there are many inns along clear streams, allowing you to visit and be healed within the day.
Are there any accommodations ideal for a girls’ trip?
For a girls’ trip, accommodations with rooms overlooking clear streams or with terraces are recommended. “Shizuka to Magokoro no Yado Nanae Yae” and “Yukemuri no Sato Kashiwaya” are examples, each offering unique hospitality. There are also many options in the Kinu River Hot Spring Area, where you can be healed both mentally and physically with delicious meals.
Where can families with children visit safely?
For families with children, “Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen” and “Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Hotel Kinugawa Gyoen” are popular. These facilities offer family-friendly plans and activities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay for even small children. Additionally, there are plenty of tourist spots in the surrounding area, allowing for a fun time together.
Conclusion
Tochigi Prefecture is an attractive travel destination with beautiful natural environments and rich cultural heritage. Especially in places like Nikko City and Nasu Shiobara, you can enjoy famous waters and hot spring tours simultaneously, catering to diverse needs. Take this opportunity to visit.
A Healing Journey to Explore Tochigi’s Famous Water Spots
Tochigi Prefecture offers healing to visitors with its numerous famous waters created by its rich nature. Particularly, the “Shoujinzawa Springs” is selected as the number one in the National Top 100 Famous Waters, attracting many tourists with its transparency and beautiful scenery. Surrounded by broadleaf primeval forests, this spring water is a spot where you can enjoy a pleasant forest bath in a tranquil forest.
Additionally, in Nikko City and Ashikaga City, there are famous waters known as “Delicious Water of Nikko” and “Natural Water of Ashikaga.” These are also popular tourist destinations, attracting many travelers seeking their delicious taste. In this region, you can also visit places where history and nature blend, such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji, making a one-night, two-day travel plan recommended.
Furthermore, in the northern part of Sano City, there is the historic “Izuruhara Benten Pond” dating back to the Edo period, also designated as a natural monument. This cold and pure spring is known as a place where you can also experience traditional culture.
In the Nasu Shiobara area, there are hot spring facilities like “Kita Onsen” offering free-flowing hot springs. The slightly lukewarm water allows you to soak for a long time while enjoying the scenery, boasting one of the largest water volumes in Japan. Additionally, at the Watarase Retarding Basin, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as water sports and hiking in its vast grounds.
Thus, a tour of Tochigi Prefecture’s famous water spots, with its diverse attractions, becomes a journey that refreshes both mind and body. Visiting these spots, each with different characteristics and backgrounds, will lead to new discoveries and memorable experiences.