Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
1. Utsunomiya Sake Museum
Explore the history and art of sake brewing at Japan's largest sake museum.
- Unique Collection: Houses over 2,000 sake bottles from different eras
- Brewery Tours: Offers guided tours of a working sake brewery
- Sake Tasting: Provides opportunities to taste various types of sake
2. Utsunomiya Ramen Museum
Experience the history and variety of ramen at this unique museum.
- Seven Ramen Shops: Features seven different ramen shops under one roof
- Historical Exhibits: Showcases the evolution of ramen through the years
- Ramen Tasting: Gives visitors a chance to taste regional ramen styles
3. Hassaku Uenoyama
Relax and enjoy fresh citrus fruits straight from the orchard.
- Fresh Citrus Picking: Allows visitors to pick their own citrus fruits
- Citrus Products Shop: Sells a variety of citrus-based products like juice and marmalade
- Restaurant with Citrus Dishes: Offers dishes made with the farm's fresh citrus fruits
4. Kura no Sato Nikko
Visit a traditional sake brewery dating back to 1825.
- Historic Brewery: One of the oldest sake breweries in Japan
- Sake Tasting and Tour: Provides tastings and guided tours of the brewery
- Craft Beer and Liqueur: Offers craft beer and liqueur made in-house
5. Nikko Edo Wonderland
Step back in time at this theme park recreating the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Authentic Replicas: Features replicas of Edo period buildings and streetscapes
- Traditional Activities: Offers opportunities to try traditional activities like kimono dressing
- Food Stalls: Features food stalls offering Edo period dishes
6. Utsunomiya Onsen Town
Relax and rejuvenate at one of Utsunomiya's traditional hot spring towns.
- Historic Onsen: Visit onsens with a history dating back over 100 years
- Relaxation and Healing: Helps with relaxation and healing due to the mineral-rich waters
- Traditional Ryokan: Stay in a traditional Japanese inn for an authentic experience
7. Utsunomiya City Botanical Garden
Enjoy the beauty of over 400 species of roses at this botanical garden.
- Rose Collection: One of Japan's largest rose collections
- Seasonal Flowers: Features seasonal flowers throughout the year
- Restaurant and Gift Shop: Has a restaurant and gift shop on site
8. Utsunomiya City Art Museum
Discover contemporary art in the heart of Utsunomiya.
- Permanent Collection: Features a permanent collection of contemporary art
- Temporary Exhibitions: Hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing various artists and themes
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages
9. Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Visit the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
- World Heritage Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Carved Details: Famous for intricate carvings on its structures
- Spiritual Significance: Is a significant spiritual site in Japan
10. Kegon Falls
Be awed by one of Japan's most stunning waterfalls.
- Three-tier Waterfall: A three-tiered waterfall over 97 meters tall
- Light Show: Evening light show illuminates the falls and surrounding area
- Observation Deck: Offers an observation deck for panoramic views of the falls
11. Lake Chuzenji
Enjoy beautiful lake vistas and nearby hiking trails.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains
- Boat Tours: Provides boat tours to explore the lake
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by popular hiking trails, such as the Omatake Falls trail
12. Ryuzu Fall
Explore one of Nikko National Park's most powerful waterfalls.
- Powerful Waterfall: One of the park's tallest and most powerful waterfalls
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails that lead to other beautiful falls
- Restaurant and Gift Shop: Has a restaurant and gift shop on site
13. Edo Wonderland Nikko
Step back in time at this theme park recreating the Edo period (1603-1868).
- Authentic Replicas: Features replicas of Edo period buildings and streetscapes
- Traditional Activities: Offers opportunities to try traditional activities like kimono dressing
- Food Stalls: Features food stalls offering Edo period dishes
14. Shinkyo Bridge
Cross this iconic bridge over the Daiya River in Nikko.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest bridges in Japan, built in 1636
- Scenic Beauty: Offers beautiful views of the surrounding area and Nikko National Park
- Spiritual Significance: Is a significant spiritual site in Japan
15. Rinnoji Temple
Visit this temple located within the Nikko Toshogu Shrine complex.
- World Heritage Site: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Historical Artifacts: Houses numerous historical artifacts and treasures
- Spiritual Significance: Is a significant spiritual site in Japan