The Charm Woven by Nature and Culture in Kanuma City

Located in the central-western part of Tochigi Prefecture, Kanuma City is a wonderful town where nature and culture harmonize. With excellent access from Tokyo, this area is perfect for day trips, captivating visitors with its rich forest resources and beautiful clear streams. Kanuma is also famous for its woodworking industry with a historical background, and its techniques are still proudly passed down in the region.

The Fusion of Woodworking and Traditional Culture

In this town, traditional woodworking techniques that have continued since the Edo period are alive, with crafts like “Kanuma Kumiko” being representative examples. The advanced technique of assembling without using nails attracts many tourists and designers. Additionally, during the autumn festival, carved floats parade magnificently through the streets, and the powerful spectacle overwhelms viewers.

The Natural Beauty of Each Season

Kanuma City offers ways to enjoy each season. In summer, river play and camping are popular, while in autumn, activities like leaf peeping thrive. The pure flow of “Oashi River” and the surrounding waterfalls are worth visiting all year round. In this way, the land of “Kanuma” itself offers many attractions, providing people with tranquility and inspiration.

The Geographical Charm of Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture

Located in the central-western part of Tochigi Prefecture, Kanuma City is a region where rich natural environments and culture blend. Adjacent to Utsunomiya City and Nikko City, it has excellent access and is conveniently located within 100 km of Tokyo. Kanuma City boasts rich forest resources, and the beautiful scenery created by the clear streams flowing from its mountains is a characteristic feature. This natural environment nurtures diverse agricultural and forestry products, allowing enjoyment of the beauty of each season.

The Nature of Oashi River and Its Surroundings

Kanuma City is home to “Oashi River,” one of the leading clear streams in the Kanto region. This river originates from the direction of the Kofunegahara Plateau, where the Nishizawa and Higashizawa merge. There are about 20 large and small waterfalls, with the large waterfall upstream being particularly impressive. Moreover, this area is popular with many tourists and local residents for water play in summer and enjoying autumn leaves.

A Post Town Conveying History and Culture to the Present

Kanuma City flourished as a post town leading to the World Heritage site of Nikko. Due to its historical background, it was bustling with craftsmen involved in the construction of Toshogu Shrine during the Edo period. Even today, streets and buildings that reflect this legacy are scattered throughout the city. Additionally, it is known as the “Strawberry City,” where old and new charms coexist.

Traditional Craft “Kanuma Kumiko”

Kanuma City is known for its high woodworking skills. “Kanuma Kumiko” is a technique of assembling wood without using nails, and the beautifully intricate works attract many fans. This traditional technique is passed down to the present day and is further evolving through fusion with new designs.

Woodworking and Modern Art Projects

In Kanuma City, which has developed as one of Japan’s leading woodworking areas, high-quality products are created by various specialists and skilled craftsmen. Projects like “ART369” produce original products through collaborations with designers from inside and outside the city, gaining attention for their texture and design.

“Kanuma Buttuke Autumn Festival” and Carved Floats

The annually held “Kanuma Buttuke Autumn Festival” is the region’s largest festival, showcasing the unique culture of carved floats. These floats utilize advanced woodworking techniques, and their intricate carvings are worth seeing.

Tourist Facilities and Craft Experience Spots

In Kanuma City, there are facilities like the “Home of Wood Traditional Craft Museum” where you can experience traditional crafts. At such facilities, you can also try craft experiences, creating your own souvenirs. Additionally, unique cafes and restaurants are scattered throughout the city, ensuring visitors never get bored.

Summary: A Place with Nature, History, and Culture

Kanuma City is a charming town that leverages its abundant natural resources, beautiful scenery, and diverse cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy unique experiences, landscapes, and gourmet delights that can only be found here. Once you visit, you’ll be drawn into its profound charm.

Want to Know About the Charms of Kanuma City! What Tourist Spots Are There?

Kanuma City hosts a festival where you can enjoy the luxurious floats known as “carved floats,” which have continued since the Edo period and are designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the nation. In addition, stylish cafes and confectionery shops are scattered throughout, captivating visitors. At the “Home of Wood Traditional Craft Museum,” you can also experience making “Kanuma Kumiko” coasters, boasting a 400-year tradition. It’s recommended as even beginners can participate with ease.

Why Is Kanuma City Called the “Town of Woodworking”?

During the construction of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, many craftsmen gathered in search of high-quality wood, leading to the flourishing of woodworking industries such as furniture and lumber in Kanuma City. This tradition continues today, with active regional activities like the “Amazing Woodworking Project of Kanuma.” In this project, locals and designers collaborate to develop new products.

How Can I Access Kanuma City?

Easily accessible from Tokyo, you can take the JR Utsunomiya Line to Utsunomiya Station, then head to Shin-Kanuma Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. Alternatively, if using the expressway, take the Tohoku Expressway to the Tsuga Junction, then enter the Nikko Utsunomiya Road, arriving in about an hour and a half. You can also enjoy a drive with scenic views of abundant nature.

What Are the Highlights of the “Carved Floats”?

Carved floats are characterized by intricate carving techniques and vivid decorations. These floats parade through various parts of the city during the festival period, captivating many tourists. Their grandeur and powerful performances are worth seeing. It’s a unique festival not seen in other cities, so why not visit once?

Can You Enjoy the Natural Environment?

Yes, Kanuma City is a nature-rich area surrounded by forests. Beautiful mountains and many rivers flow in the northwest. You can enjoy seasonal landscapes, making it perfect for hiking and picnics. Additionally, the area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds and insects, making it an ideal place for nature observation.

What Local Gourmet Foods Are There?

While gyoza is famous throughout Tochigi Prefecture, dishes using locally grown vegetables and fruits are also recommended. Moreover, stylish cafes offer sweets made with local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy fresh and delicious cuisine. You won’t have trouble choosing local specialty souvenirs either.

A Compact Introduction to the Charms of Kanuma City

Kanuma City, located in the central-western part of Tochigi Prefecture, is a region with unique charm where nature and culture harmonize. With good access from Tokyo, this town is suitable for day trips, adorned with rich forest resources and the beautiful clear stream “Oashi River.” The natural beauty of each season also attracts visitors.

Renowned for its woodworking skills, Kanuma City is home to traditional crafts like “Kanuma Kumiko.” This technique has continued since the Edo period, and the works created by skilled craftsmen are supported by many tourists and designers. Additionally, the annually held “Kanuma Buttuke Autumn Festival” features carved floats parading, and their grandeur overwhelms viewers.

Historically, it developed as a post town leading to the World Heritage site of Nikko, bustling with many craftsmen. The remnants of this history are still vividly present in the streets and buildings. Furthermore, the city is dotted with craft experience spots and unique cafes and restaurants, offering diverse ways to enjoy. Visitors can indulge in unique experiences, landscapes, and gourmet delights that can only be found here.

Kanuma City boasts geographical convenience and rich cultural and natural heritage. Once you visit, you’ll be drawn into its profound charm.