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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
Quick facts
- Region: Kanto
- Capital: Utsunomiya
- Population: 1.9 million
- Climate: Inland
- Cherry blossom (average): 30 March
- No. 1 in Japan: Japan's top strawberry producer for over 50 years running — Tochiotome and Tochiaika varieties. Nikko Toshogu Shrine
⭐ Top sights
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum, decorated with over 5,000 carvings including the 'three wise monkeys' and the sleeping cat.
Ashikaga Flower Park Great Wisteria
A 160-year-old wisteria spreads over a 1,000 m² trellis. Named one of CNN's '10 dream destinations in the world'.
Kinugawa Onsen
Large resort hotels along a river gorge. The gateway to Nikko and Toshogu Shrine
Nasu Onsen
The 1,380-year-old Shika no Yu bath. A highland resort that is home to an Imperial villa
🍲 Local food
Utsunomiya gyoza, shimotsukare, Sano ramen
Shimotsukare is a dish of salmon head, grated daikon and sake lees made for the Hatsu-uma festival
🌸 Flowers & autumn leaves
- Nikko Irohazaka and Lake Chuzenji — Autumn foliage · Mid-October to early November. 48 hairpin bends and Kegon Falls. The range of altitudes stretches the season to a month
- Great wisteria of Ashikaga Flower Park — Flowers · Late April to early May. A 160-year-old wisteria trellis covering 1,000 m². Illuminated at night
🏨 Where to stay in Tochigi
The area around Utsunomiya, the capital, has the best transport links and the widest choice of hotels; a night at a hot-spring town is also worth it.
Other prefectures in the region
Ibaraki · Gunma · Saitama · Chiba · Tokyo · Kanagawa · 47 prefectures
Frequently asked questions
What is Tochigi famous for food-wise?
Tochigi's best-known local dishes are Utsunomiya gyoza, shimotsukare, Sano ramen. Shimotsukare is a dish of salmon head, grated daikon and sake lees made for the Hatsu-uma festival
What are the top sights in Tochigi?
Top picks in Tochigi include Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Ashikaga Flower Park Great Wisteria, Kinugawa Onsen, Nasu Onsen.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Tochigi?
In Tochigi (Utsunomiya), Somei-yoshino cherry trees usually start blooming around 30 March, reaching full bloom about a week later.
