
Most Scenic Road Trips in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
1. Nikko National Park Drive
A scenic route that takes you through the beautiful mountains and lakes of Nikko National Park, with stunning views of Mt. Nantai.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
- Historical Sites: Includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.
- Outdoor Activities: Allows for hiking, trekking, and scenic walks along the way.
2. Oshuzan Onsenkyo Drive
A scenic drive through a valley filled with hot spring villages, offering peaceful and relaxing views.
- Hot Spring Villages: Provides an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) at multiple locations.
- Scenic Valleys: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Relaxation: Perfect for a peaceful and relaxing road trip.
3. Kasumiga-Tera Drive
A scenic drive that takes you through the beautiful forests surrounding Kasumiga-Tera, a historic Buddhist temple complex.
- Historical Significance: Home to numerous historical structures and artifacts.
- Natural Beauty: Features a beautiful forested area with a variety of trees and wildlife.
- Spiritual Experience: Provides a peaceful and spiritual experience for visitors.
4. Utsunomiya City Loop Drive
A scenic drive around Utsunomiya city that takes in the sights of the downtown area and the surrounding mountains.
- Cityscape Views: Offers views of modern and traditional architecture in the city.
- Mountain Vistas: Provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Local Culture: Allows you to experience the local culture and cuisine of Utsunomiya.
5. Shiobara Coastal Drive
A scenic drive along the coast of Shiobara, offering beautiful views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs.
- Coastal Views: Provides breathtaking views of the sea and the coastline.
- Seafood Cuisine: Allows you to sample fresh seafood from the local fishing villages.
- Historical Sites: Includes historical sites such as the Shiobara Castle Ruins.
6. Utsunomiya-Oyama Drive
A scenic drive up Mt. Oyama that offers panoramic views of Utsunomiya city and the surrounding mountains.
- Mountain Views: Provides stunning views of the mountains and the city below.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking opportunities to reach the summit of Mt. Oyama.
- Shrine Visit: Allows you to visit Oyama Afuri Shrine, a famous shrine dedicated to agriculture.
7. Kegon Falls Drive
A scenic drive that takes you to the stunning Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls.
- Natural Beauty: Features a breathtaking waterfall and surrounding forest.
- Scenic Elevator Ride: Offers an exciting elevator ride to get a closer look at the falls.
- Historical Sites: Includes nearby Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Ashio Gorge Drive
A scenic drive through the picturesque Ashio Gorge, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Natural Beauty: Features a beautiful gorge with diverse flora and fauna.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Ashio Copper Mine, a historic site related to Japan's industrial history.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers hiking opportunities along the gorge and surrounding mountains.
9. Utsunomiya-Ashikaga Drive
A scenic drive that takes you from Utsunomiya to Ashikaga, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
- Rural Scenery: Offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life.
- Tofu Production: Allows you to visit tofu factories and learn about this essential part of Japanese cuisine.
- Historical Sites: Includes Ashikaga Gakuin University, a prestigious university with a beautiful campus.
10. Utsunomiya-Kurohime Drive
A scenic drive that takes you through the picturesque Kurohime area, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Natural Beauty: Features a beautiful forested area with a variety of trees and wildlife.
- Onsen Town: Offers opportunities to visit traditional Japanese onsen towns.
- Rice Paddy Fields: Provides views of traditional rice paddy fields.
11. Utsunomiya-Ikaho Drive
A scenic drive that takes you to the hot spring town of Ikaho, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Hot Spring Town: Allows you to experience traditional Japanese onsen culture.
- Natural Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Ikaho Gakkou, a historic school that has been converted into a hotel.
12. Utsunomiya-Kinugawa Drive
A scenic drive that takes you along the Kinugawa River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
- River Views: Offers stunning views of the Kinugawa River.
- Historical Sites: Includes the Edo Wonderland, a theme park that recreates the atmosphere of the Edo Period.
- Local Culture: Allows you to experience local culture and cuisine along the drive.
13. Utsunomiya-Yunishigawa Drive
A scenic drive that takes you through the beautiful Yunishigawa Onsen area, offering peaceful and relaxing views.
- Hot Spring Villages: Provides an opportunity to experience traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) at multiple locations.
- Scenic Valleys: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Relaxation: Perfect for a peaceful and relaxing road trip.
14. Utsunomiya-Kisarazu Drive
A scenic drive that takes you from Utsunomiya to Kisarazu, offering beautiful views of the Boso Peninsula.
- Coastal Views: Provides breathtaking views of the ocean and the coastline.
- Seafood Cuisine: Allows you to sample fresh seafood from the local fishing villages.
- Historical Sites: Includes Kisarazu Maritime Park, a historical maritime park with exhibits about the area's history.
15. Utsunomiya-Toroku Drive
A scenic drive that takes you through the beautiful Toroku area, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Natural Beauty: Features a beautiful forested area with a variety of trees and wildlife.
- Outdoor Activities: Allows for hiking, trekking, and scenic walks along the way.
- Local Culture: Allows you to experience the local culture and cuisine of the area.