Things to do in Kuki – Nearby Tokyo Interview
Nearby Tokyo talks to Kuki city’s local tourist office about things to do in the area, including their famous lantern festival as well as their Iris, lavender and cosmos flowers.
Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi
ミツマタ群生地 (茂木町）
Witness an amazing sight of Mitsumata (paper bush) in morning sunlight.
Last updated by Angus M
on September 2, 2024
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
DATE
2024
: 9th March (Sat) to 7th April (Sun)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2024-03-09
TIME & SCHEDULE
First Bus 7:30 am - Last Bus 3:00 pm (every 30 min)
- The route to the forest is protected, so visitors are encouraged to walk from the parking lot close by or to take a shuttle for 100 yen from the Iisato Sakagawa Kan (いい里さかがわ館) parking lot.
(Buses return from the forest from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm every 30 min)
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2024-03-09
COST
Entry: 500 yen per person (An environment protection fee)
*Free for junior high school students and younger
Cash only
*Information last checked on 2024-03-09
How to enjoy the Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi
Picturesque scenery
(Insta worthy!)
Walking in Nature
Fun for the family
Romantic Date
Fun for a group of friends
Girl's Day Out
Solo Traveler
Enjoy 1-3 hours
💫 Step into a Fairytale: Experience Enchanting Mornings in the Paper Bush Forest ✨
✨ Discover this paper bush (Mitsumata) forest, where early mornings reveal a spectacle of vibrant yellow blossoms.
🌅 From mid-March to early April, the forest comes alive with these luminous blooms, and the morning sun casts a mystical glow on the flowers, creating a striking contrast against the dark cedar trees. 🌲 Don’t miss this tranquil haven, offering an immersive experience amidst nature’s artistry.😍
🥾 Visit this living fairytale, a serene retreat where nature’s harmony resonates with every step.
What else to do near the Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi
- Eat
- Try the delicious Yuzu Ramen famous local ramen
- Culture
- Take a ride on the Steam Train
- Visit Mashiko Potttery town
- Attractions
- Mobility Resort Motegi offers an Outdoor park with nature and zip lines for families and Honda Car Museum, Racing Circuit, Glamping site.
Honda Collection Hall
Newly renovated in 2024, the Honda Collection Hall is a must-visit museum for travelers interested in cars, motorcycles, racing machines, and the innovation and history of Honda. Visitors can now see a model of the ‘HondaJet Elite II’ and try out ‘UNI-ONE’.
Places to EAT in Motegi Town
Places to STAY in Motegi Town
Hotels (Western Style)
There are two new Western-style Hotels (Fairfield by Marriott and Mobility Resort Motegi Hotel) in Motegi and other budget-style Business Hotels in Motegi.
Glamping & Camping
This area is rich in nature and has a few glamping and camping sites such as Showa Furusato Mura and Mori to Hohshizora no Camp Village.
Access
(How to get to Mystical Mitsumata Forest in Motegi)
How to get there
Public Transport
2 hrs 30 min from Tokyo (taking the Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus from JR Utsunomia Station.
*The Bus only runs on Sat, Fri and National Holidays during the season. Please see ‘Access from Tokyo’ below for details.
Car
2 hrs 15 min from drive from Tokyo.
Location & Address
Address
Iisato Sakagawa Kan
いい里さかがわ館
362-1 Ii, Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Pref. 321-3626, Japan
栃木県芳賀郡茂木町飯362-1
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via JR Utsunomiya Station (Total from Tokyo 2 hrs 30min)
– 2024 Information –
Take the Shinkansen (Bullet train) from Tokyo to JR Utsunomiya station (50min from Tokyo) and use the Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus (ミツマタ特急バス) to Iisato Sakagawa Kan (いい里さかがわ館) bus stop. From there there is a shuttle bus to the forest.
*Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus runs on 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 23rd, 24th of March only.
*Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus costs 1,120 yen for an adult and 560 yen for a child each way. (The shuttle bus to the venue is another 100 yen pp.)
*Bus Departs JR Utsunomiya Sta (bus stop ) ONLY once a day at 8:45 am
*There are no other public transport routes.
*The Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus back to JR Utsunomiya Station leaves Iisato Sakagawa Kan at 2:00 pm
*For 2024 official Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus information, see here.
Via Nanai Station (Total from Ueno 3hrs 10min)
– 2024 Information –
From JR Ueno station, take the JR train to Oyama Sta and change to the JR Mito Line. Get off at Shimodate Sta and change to the Moka Line, and get off at Nanai Sta. From there, change to the Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus (ミツマタ特急バス) to Iisato Sakagawa Kan (いい里さかがわ館).
*Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus runs on 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 20th, 23rd, 24th of March only.
*Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus costs 320 yen for an adult and 160 yen for a child each way. (The shuttle bus to the venue is another 100 yen pp.)
*Bus Departs Nanai Station (bus stop ) once a day at 9:20 am
*The Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus back to Nanai Station leaves Iisato Sakagawa Kan at 2:00 pm
*For 2024 official Mitsumata Tokkyu Bus information, see here.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Tomobe IC on Kita-Kanto Expressway (2hrs 15min)
Approximately 2 hr 30 min (126 km) via Jyoban Expressway & Kita-Kanto Expressway from Tokyo. It’s a 30-minute drive from Tomobe IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway (toll road).
Parking :
Mitsumata Parking Lot / No.1 & No.2 parking lot (MAP *Around here)
In 2024, you can now park closer to the venue. However, please note that the roads are narrow and some are unpaved. *Camper vans and other large vehicles cannot park here.
Iisato Sakagawa Kan (いい里さかがわ館) (MAP)
You can also park here. You will need to take the shuttle bus or hike to the venue.
*Hiking from Iisato Sakagawa Kan: From Iisato Sakagawa Kan to the forest where Mitsumata grows is about 4km one way. You will be going through Tatsuzawa forest road (辰沢林道) and then a hiking trail. You can take the shuttle bus there or back if you want.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event, please contact the Motegi Town Tourist Association directly.
Tel: +81 (0)285-63-5644
Websites
Motegi Town Tourist Association Website (External Link – Japanese)
Disclaimer: NearbyTokyo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information by researching and contacting event organizers. All information on the page is provided in good faith. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, or availability of any information found here. Readers are encouraged to verify any information with official sources.
