There are still many aspects of Japan's world-class traditional culture that are not well known. Tochigi Prefecture, with its rich natural environment and history, is home to a wide variety of traditional cultures that you have yet to discover.

You can enjoy sightseeing in Tochigi Prefecture on a day trip from Tokyo, but we recommend that you stay overnight in order to fully enjoy Japanese culture, which is fun to see and experience!

Shrines and Temples of Nikko

The "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" registered as World Cultural Heritage consists of 103 buildings (9 National Treasures and 94 Important Cultural Properties) of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine located within the mountain of Nikko.

Architectures such as the gorgeous Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the beautiful vermilion-lacquered wooden bridge which is a part of the Futarasan Shrine at the entrance to Nikkosan Mountain, the Sanbutsu-do hall of Rinnoji Temple which is the largest wooden structure in eastern Japan, and other popular spots continue to attract many people from both domestically and abroad.

Mashiko ware

While designated as a National Traditional Craft, Mashiko ware pottery is mainly used for familiar everyday items and has an unpretentious feel. The reason for this is that the pottery clay produced in the prefecture contains many air bubbles, which makes the pottery thicker.

In addition, a pottery market is held in spring and fall. At the Mashiko Pottery Market, you are able to meet the potters in person, which allows visitors to look at various ceramics while talking face-to-face with the shopkeepers. Please come and feel the warm, plump texture of the pottery.

EDO WONDERLAND

Once you step into this theme park, you can go back in time to the Edo period. Here, visitors can experience the Edo period as it was in real life, as samurai in chonmage hairstyles and town girls in makeup back then appear one after another. Of course, it is also possible to dress up as an Edo person yourself and become a part of the Edo cityscape.

The vast grounds include a powerful ninja show and a theater where you can watch oiran (courtesans) in all their glory, making this a special and memorable experience.

Hot Springs

Tochigi Prefecture is one of the top hot spring kingdoms in Japan with over 600 sources. There are many hot springs of different qualities scattered throughout the prefecture, making it a fun place to visit for a hot spring tour. Here, we will introduce two of the most popular hot springs.

Kinugawa Onsen is a historic hot spring that was once reserved for a limited number of Buddhist monks and special samurai. Ever since it was opened to the public, it has attracted many tourists due to its easy accessibility from Tokyo.

Itamuro Onsen is located deep in the mountains and has been known as a Touji village. “Touji" means to cure illnesses by bathing in hot springs repeatedly. It is a precious hot spring resort surrounded by a rustic landscape created by the protected natural environment.