A guide to Tochigi Prefecture, Japan: Places to visit and things to do

Weekend trips from Tokyo have become a norm for travellers feeling overwhelmed by Japan's bustling metropolis. 

Once you get your flight to Tokyo from Singapore, you will be able to build a small holiday period with plenty of activities. 

It also doesn't hurt that there are so many places in the Kantō region accessible via an easy shinkansen (bullet train) ride. 

You can enjoy Japan's gorgeous countryside, fascinating history, and regional food specialities this way. One of them is the Tochigi Prefecture (Tochigi-ken). 

Its capital city Utsunomiya is only 50 mins away from Tokyo or Ueno station via the JR Tohoku line. The trip is also covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Whether you're looking for a fulfilling day trip or an entire weekend away from Tokyo, there's plenty to see, do, and eat across this prefecture. Here are five places that we're definitely making pit stops at on our next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun:

Utsunomiya: A gyoza-filled Tokyo getaway

Known for its gyoza, the capital city of the Tochigi prefecture hosts more than 50 different eateries boasting a colossal variety of these delicious dumplings. For the best experience, have them with a local craft beer designed to pair with gyoza, aptly named the Gyoza Roman.

After you've filled your belly, waddle over to the Oya History Museum, a mining museum built inside a stone quarry. Prospect the rich history of the quarry itself and also enjoy art installations frequently featured in the museum. Don't forget to stop by the Romantic Village to stock up on fresh local produce.

Nikko (Nikkō): Explore Tochigi's Unesco Heritage Beyond Tokyo

Nikko is home to many temples and shrines, but if you only have time for one, make its the Toshogu Shrine. Intricate wood carvings and ornate architecture is the name of the game at this Unesco World Heritage site. 

One can easily spend an afternoon gawking at the majesty of Yomeimon Gate.

For breathtaking mountainscapes and lake views, check out Nikko National Park, which is home to one of Japan's three most beautiful waterfalls, Kegon Waterfall. 

The waterfall is also connected to the scenic Lake Chuzenji. Visit in mid to late October to watch autumn's descent upon all these beautiful sights. Afterwards, kick back and relax in the hot springs of Yumoto Onsen.

Getting here: From Utsunomiya, the journey to Nikko is 45 minutes on the JR Nikko Line.

Ashikaga (Ashikaga-shi): Wisteria blooms worth the weekend trip from Tokyo

To many, the Ashikaga Flower Park has become synonymous with imagery of blankets of white, yellow and purple wisteria flowers. 

Stroll through an 80-metre tunnel of white wisteria and wander about the 150-year-old, 1000 square metre flower trellis. 

Plan your trip in the first two weeks of May to witness the wisteria in full bloom. 

Alternatively, visiting in winter means you'll get to enjoy the brilliant light displays in the park at night. 

Other attractions worth visiting in Ashikaga include the annual harvest festival in November. You can also visit the oldest school in Japan, Ashikaga Gakko.

Getting here: from Utsunomiya, it's a 30-minute ride to Oyama Station on JR Utsunomiya Line. Transfer to the JR Ryomo Line and get off at Ashikaga Flower Park Station.

Nasu (Nasu-machi): Onsens and Animals

One of Nasu's biggest highlights is the Nasu Animal Kingdom. It is home to over 600 animals — from rabbits and alpacas to flamingoes and seals. 

Those who find the petting zoo experience too cliched can watch the capybara chill out in their private onsen while soaking their feet. The Nasu Highlands have plenty of human-friendly onsens. 

Most notably, Nasu Onsen is a hot spring resort on Mount Nasudake, which comes with awesome views of the region.

Famous for its succulent Tochiotome strawberries, no trip to Tochigi would be complete without going on your very own strawberry harvest. The best times to go strawberry-picking are between May and June. 

We recommend the Nasu Kogen Strawberry Forest Farm. You can reach Nasu via the JR Tohoku Line from Tokyo.

Getting here: from Tokyo, the direct train to Nasu-Shiobara on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen takes an hour and 10 minutes. From Utsunomiya, it's a 45 minute journey on the JR Utsunomiya Line.

Mashiko (Mashiko-machi): Explore Tokyo's pottery-making neighbour

Known for its own distinct pottery style of Mashiko-yagi, the village of Mashiko is easily explored by rented bicycle. Wander through the maze of pottery shops and watch craftsmen at work in local kilns. 

April and November will see pottery fairs, perfect for souvenir hunting. Don't leave without sampling local sake and strawberry wine at the Tonoike Sake Brewery, founded in 1937. 

From Tokyo, the most convenient way is via the Kanto Yakimono Liner bus, which takes two and the half hours. From Utsunomiya, take the JR Utsunomiya Line to Oyama, transfer to the JR Mito Line for Shimodate, then transfer again to the Moka Railway for Mashiko.

Getting there: from Tokyo, the most convenient way is via the Kanto Yakimono Liner bus, which takes two and the half hours.

 From Utsuminoya, take the JR Utsuminoya Line to Oyama, transfer to the JR Mito Line for Shimodate, then transfer again to the Moka Railway for Mashiko.

Conclusion

From gyoza-fuelled food crawls in Utsunomiya to wisteria tunnels in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture proves that some of the best weekend trips from Tokyo don't require venturing far at all. 

Whether you're chasing Unesco history in Nikko, cuddling capybaras in Nasu, or picking out handmade pottery in Mashiko, this compact prefecture packs in enough temples, hot springs, and regional flavors to fill an entire itinerary. 

All of this is possible within a couple of hours by train. So next time Tokyo's energy starts to feel like too much, let Tochigi be your reminder that a slower, more scenic side of Japan is just a short ride away.

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This article was first published in City Nomads.