Tochigi Prefecture is a fascinating area with spectacular natural scenery, historic sites, and gourmet foods such as Utsunomiya Gyoza (dumplings). In this article, we propose a one-day road trip plan to visit typical tourist spots in Tochigi Prefecture. We will also show you how to access the area from Tokyo and Narita Airport.
Sample course for a road trip in Tochigi Prefecture
This time, we will introduce a road trip that goes around 5 places. This trip will take you from historical facilities to nature and local specialty dumplings in Tochigi Prefecture.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Nikko Toshogu, registered as a World Heritage site, is a magnificent shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. The highlights of the shrine are its gorgeous gold leaf decorations and sculptures such as the three monkeys.
- Address: 2301 Yamauchi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi
- Opening hours: 8:00-16:00 (varies according to season)
- Parking: 600 yen per visit
- Recommended time of year: Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall
- Notes: Early morning visit is recommended due to expected crowds.
Nikko Toshogu Shrine
This 97-meter-high waterfall offers a powerful view. The area around the waterfall is surrounded by forest, and you can feel plenty of negative ions.
- Address: 2479-2, Nakamiya Shrine, Nikko-shi, Tochigi
- Opening hours: 9:00-16:30 (last admission at elevator)
- Parking: 300 yen per parking space
- Fare: 570 yen for elevator use
- Recommended time of year: Cool in summer and beautiful in autumn with the changing leaves.
Nasu Highlands
A refreshing spot where you can enjoy the fresh air along with the highland scenery. The area is ideal for driving and hiking.
- Address: Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi
- Parking: Many free parking lots
- Recommended time of year: Fresh greenery in spring and autumn leaves in fall
- Cautions: Please drive carefully as there are many mountain roads.
Nasu Zoo & Animal Kingdom
An animal theme park for children and adults alike. I have also fed the horses in the past.
- Address: 1042-1 Oshima, Nasu-cho, Nasu-gun, Tochigi
- Open Hours: 10:00-17:00
- Parking: Free parking available
- Fare: Adults 2,400 yen, Children 1,000 yen
Enjoy Gyoza in Utsunomiya City.
Enjoy Utsunomiya Gyoza(dumplings), one of the most popular gourmet foods in Tochigi Prefecture, to end your visit. There are many popular local restaurants. Some restaurants do not have parking lots, so we recommend that you check in advance if there is parking available in the area.
Recommended restaurants
- Utsunomiya Minmin
- yaki-gyoza and mizu-gyoza are popular.
- 360 yen per serving.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298183-d1691153-Reviews-Utsunomiya_Minmin_Honten-Utsunomiya_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html
- Masashi
- simple gyoza with the original flavor of the ingredients.
- Yaki-gyoza 6pcs: 280yen
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298183-d1691548-Reviews-Masashi_Miyajimacho_Honten-Utsunomiya_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html
- Kirasse Honten
- food court with many Utsunomiya gyoza brands.
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298183-d12213957-Reviews-Kirasse_Honten-Utsunomiya_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html
Access Guide
This page shows you how to get to Nikko from Narita Airport or Tokyo to Tochigi Prefecture by car and how long it takes.
Route from Narita Airport
- Route: Higashi-Kanto Expressway → Kita-Kanto Expressway → Tohoku Expressway
- Time required: About 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Points: It is recommended to leave with a full tank of gas.
Route From Tokyo
- Route: Metropolitan Expressway → Tohoku Expressway
- Time: Approx. 2 hours
- Points: Early morning departure is recommended due to expected traffic congestion on weekends and holidays.
Summary
A road trip to Tochigi Prefecture offers a luxurious experience, enjoying the spectacular natural scenery and cultural heritage, and ending with a visit to Utsunomiya to taste the exquisite gyoza (dumplings). Please refer to this article to plan a memorable day!
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