The Charm of Day Trips in Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture is a nature-rich area that can be visited in just a few hours from the city center. Here, you can find a variety of tourist spots ranging from historical landmarks like Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls to facilities where you can enjoy an artistic atmosphere, such as Nasu Animal Kingdom. The natural scenery, which changes with the seasons, also captivates visitors.

This region, which can be fully enjoyed even on a day trip, is also ideal for driving courses using a car. For example, spots like the beautiful autumn foliage of Senjogahara and the “Ashikaga Flower Park,” which is listed among Japan’s top three illuminations, are all worth visiting at least once. Additionally, there are plenty of local gourmet foods, with cafes and restaurants scattered throughout that you’ll want to stop by.

On a day trip to Tochigi Prefecture, you can spend a pleasant time with new discoveries through various experiences. Therefore, a trip to this region will become an unforgettable memory for many people.

The Charm of Day Trips in Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture is an ideal place for day trips as it is accessible in just about 2 hours from Tokyo. This area is rich in nature and is dotted with numerous tourist spots that breathe history and culture. We introduce small travel ideas in Tochigi Prefecture that captivate visitors with beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.

Enjoy History and Culture: Nikko Area

Among the areas in Tochigi Prefecture, the Nikko area is particularly popular. Here, you will find the “Nikko Toshogu Shrine,” registered as a World Heritage Site, with its splendid carvings that overwhelm visitors. This shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, attracts many tourists from both Japan and abroad. There are also many highlights such as “Yomeimon Gate,” “Sleeping Cat,” and “Three Wise Monkeys.”

Furthermore, “Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple” and “Nikko Futarasan Shrine” are also worth visiting. Both have deep historical and cultural significance, allowing you to spend a peaceful time in a serene environment.

Scenic Beauty Overflowing with Nature: Nasu-Shiobara Area

The Nasu-Shiobara area is known for its magnificent nature and hot spring resorts. “Nasu Animal Kingdom” is a facility that can be enjoyed even with children, offering experiences of interacting with various animals. Additionally, “Nasu Highlands” allows you to enjoy the scenery of each season, with particularly vibrant autumn foliage.

Beautiful waterside scenery such as “Lake Chuzenji,” “Kegon Falls,” and “Ryuzu Falls” are also attractive. These spots have well-maintained hiking courses, allowing you to feel a sense of unity with nature while strolling.

From Wisteria Trellises to Illuminations: Ashikaga Flower Park

“Ashikaga Flower Park” is selected as one of Japan’s top three illuminations, offering a fantastic light-up at night. It is also famous for its stunning wisteria trellises in spring, attracting many tourists. This park is popular as a spot where you can enjoy different flowers throughout the year.

Hidden Gems: Around Utsunomiya City

Around Utsunomiya City, the Oya History Museum is recommended. This museum, with its vast underground space, has a unique atmosphere and allows you to learn about Oya stone. Additionally, a tour of gyoza shops in the city is also enjoyable, with a wide variety of famous and hidden spots.

Moreover, within driving distance from Utsunomiya City, there are many wonderful scenic spots and hot spring facilities, making it a fulfilling trip depending on your day’s planning.

Transportation and Route Selection

For access to Tochigi Prefecture, trains or cars are recommended. By train, you can easily reach various tourist spots using the Tobu Line or JR Line. On the other hand, traveling by car offers flexibility, allowing you to move according to your own schedule. However, be aware that highways and major roads may be congested on weekends.

In either case, deciding in advance on the spots to visit and their order will make for a meaningful day. Setting an efficient route allows you to visit more day-trip destinations.

Summary

On a day trip to Tochigi Prefecture, you can spend a relaxing time with diverse tourist spots. With historical buildings, beautiful nature, and fresh gourmet experiences, it will be a dense time that only a small trip can offer. Please feel free to visit. Enjoy the distinctive journey of each region with its unique charm in your favorite style.

Planning a Day Trip to Tochigi: What Are the Famous Spots?

If you want to enjoy a day trip in Tochigi Prefecture, the first place to visit is “Nikko Toshogu Shrine.” This historical spot, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, is surrounded by splendid architecture and beautiful nature, making it popular with many tourists. Additionally, “Kinugawa Onsen” is also a recommended spot for relaxation. Furthermore, “Utsunomiya Gyoza” is an indispensable local gourmet.

Looking to Refresh in a Nature-Rich Place: Any Recommendations?

Lake Chuzenji and “Senjogahara” are particularly recommended. At Lake Chuzenji, you can enjoy boating and hiking, with beautiful seasonal scenery such as autumn leaves and fresh greenery. Senjogahara is a vast wetland where you can fully enjoy nature. These spots can be thoroughly enjoyed even on a day trip.

Looking for Hidden Spots: Any Recommendations?

Nasu Highlands Area has many attractive hidden spots. “Nasu Highland Park” is irresistible for attraction lovers, and “Nasu Animal Kingdom” offers enjoyable interactions with animals. Additionally, “Shiobara Onsen Village” provides a calm atmosphere for a relaxing time, making it perfect for those seeking a unique experience.

How to Access Tochigi?

There are train and car options for accessing Tochigi Prefecture from Tokyo.

• By Train:
  It takes about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station by Tohoku Shinkansen. Then, use JR or private railways to reach your destination.
• By Car:
  Enter the Tohoku Expressway via the Metropolitan Expressway and move to your desired tourist spot from each interchange. Especially on weekends, it may be crowded, so it’s recommended to depart with plenty of time.

When is the Best Time for a Day Trip to Tochigi?

Autumn is recommended.

Reasons:

• During the autumn foliage season, beautiful scenery spreads across various places.
• Summer is also popular as a cool retreat.
• In spring, you can enjoy seasonal landscapes such as cherry blossoms and fresh greenery.

Information Sources Useful for Travel Planning

NEXCO East Japan and various travel sites provide the latest information and model courses. Additionally, local tourist information centers offer pamphlets and event information that are useful for your trip. Pre-research will lead to a fulfilling journey.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We hope to assist you in creating a wonderful travel plan.

Rediscover the Charm of Day Trips in Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture is attractive for its easy access, being just a few hours from the city center. Here, historical landmarks, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences await. Spots like “Nikko Toshogu Shrine,” “Kegon Falls,” and “Nasu Animal Kingdom” are particularly popular. The scenery changes with each visit, offering different expressions throughout the seasons.

In Tochigi Prefecture, which can be fully enjoyed even on a day trip, driving is also recommended. Touring scenic points like Senjogahara and “Ashikaga Flower Park” will make your trip even more fulfilling. Additionally, around Utsunomiya City, you can enjoy unique facilities like the Oya History Museum.

Don’t miss the gourmet experiences in this region. There are cafes and restaurants you’ll want to stop by, allowing you to savor the local flavors. By efficiently touring tourist spots using trains or cars, you can gain diverse experiences and new discoveries.

A day trip to Tochigi Prefecture is sure to leave a deep impression and memories with just one visit. Enjoy the journey to tourist spots with different charms in your favorite style.