A simple train ride from Tokyo will allow you to enter Tochigi Prefecture, famous for the Toshogu Shrine that holds one of the most famous War Lords of Japan. Tokugawa Ieyasu established the Edo bakufu (military government), which ruled Japan for 250 years.
Nikko City is the gateway to Nikko National Park and all of its beautiful landscapes—mountains, valleys, lakes, marshes and waterfalls. A great opportunity to enjoy the area’s beauty as it changes with the seasons.
The most noteworthy of Nikko’s religious buildings is Toshogu, where Tokugawa Ieyasu was enshrined after his death in 1616. Within the premises you will also see the 3 monkeys, See no Evil, hear no Evil and Speak no Evil.
Also visit very natural locations of Nikko, such as the Kegon Falls. Cascading from Lake Chuzenji at a height of 97 meters, Kegon Falls is ranked among Japan’s three most beautiful waterfalls. Visit the shores of Lake Chuzenji. (Not Include Boat ride). At an altitude of 1,269 meters, Chuzenji is Japan’s highest natural lake, with a 25-kilometer hiking trail along its perimeter.
However, by no means does Tochigi Prefecture stop at Nikko. With only a 30 minute drive you can reach the Hot Springs area of Kinugawa.
Here you can soak in the Hot Springs of the Hotels, but also venture to Edo Wonderland Park and maybe dress up as a Ninja or Geisha and walk the movie set park. Many famous movies have been made here and walking through the park lets you slip back into the Edo Period.
Believe if or not, the Capitol of Tochigi Prefecture is not Nikko, but Utsunomiya City. Arrive into Utsunomiya City and you can transfer to any location in Tochigi Prefecture. Utsunomiya City itself is known for it’s gyoza dumplings, but also the impressive Oya Stone. The Oya Stone Museum is located in an old quarry and you can walk underground in the quarry caves.
Just 1 hour drive from Utsunomiya Station you are in Nasu National Park, and there are some amazing natural sights waiting. If you are active a half day or full day on one of the many hiking courses in the National Park offer some spectacular views.
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets of Tochigi Prefecture is the Wakabayashi Noen Farm where there is a good chance you will have some Japan’s most spectacular Bamboo Forests all to yourself. Many people consider Kyoto to be the capitol of Bamboo, but Wakabayashi Farm has had several movies, Commercials, weddings and so much more performed at this farm. Learning about the different bamboo types and life span is extremely educational and fun.
If you are a lover of Sake, the aging Sake of Koshu can be found here also. Anything from 5 years to 20 years aged Sake can be tasted and purchased. The Shimazaki Brewery have their cellars in caves on the hillside and is the perfect place to age any Sake you decide to buy.