Kanuma City
Index
Highlights of Kanuma City
Kanuma City is about 90 min from Tokyo, providing a convenient getaway for those seeking unique cultural experiences such as Bonsai, Sake making, Kumiko wood art, and temple stays in the mountains. Nestled in the central-western part of Tochigi Prefecture, it sits between Tokyo and Nikko, offering an ideal stop for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination.
Kanuma City is a hidden gem for culture lovers, offering many traditional experiences. From the traditional wood carvings that date back hundreds of years to the meticulous art of Bonsai and the exciting UNESCO-registered autumn festival that celebrates the region’s craftsmanship. Kanuma City is also a must-visit destination for sake lovers, as Kobayashi Jozo offers a rare, hands-on sake-making experience that sake enthusiasts shouldn’t miss.
Getting to Kanuma is simple. Take the express train from Asakusa Station to Shin-Kanuma on the Tobu line (or the JR line via Utsunomiya), which takes around 90 minutes. If you prefer driving, it’s a pleasant ride on the Tohoku Expressway, which takes around 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic.
Explore more about Kanuma City and discover its hidden gems below!
Access
From Tokyo
From Airports
Haneda Intl. Airport
Narita Intl. Airport
Main Stations
Videos of Kanuma City
Kanuma x Handwork
Kanuma Autumn Festival
Kanuma Satsuki Bonsai Festival
Mega Bonsai Store : Kanuma Kaboku Center
Things to DO in Kanuma City
Visit Float museum
Visit the Kanuma Festival Float Museum in Japan to admire intricately hand-carved wooden floats crafted for the UNESCO-registered Kanuma Autumn Festival, and discover centuries-old artistry up close.
Experience Bonsai
Immerse yourself in the world of bonsai and learn to create Kokedama by booking a workshop. Also, check the dates for the Satsuki (Azalea) Bonsai Festival, which is the largest in Japan!
Kanuma's Wood Work
Discover Kanuma's renowned woodworking tradition. Browse shops for beautifully handcrafted cups, plates, and other everyday items—each a testament to the city's famous artistry in wood, and all affordably priced.
Sake-Making
Visit Kobayashi Jyozo, a one-of-a-kind brewery in the mountains, repurposed from a former elementary school to revive the area. Guests can enjoy an off-limits sake-making experience, a rare chance to make sake in Japan.
Kanuma Kumiko
Why not try making Kanuma Kumiko while you are in Kanuma? It's a beautiful traditional wood craft that doesn't use nails or glue to create! Visitors can enjoy making useful items such as small wood coaters.
Furumine Shrine
Furumine Shrine is a 1,300 year old shrine where ancients monks trained. Shodo Shonin, a monk who trained here is said to have discovered Nikko, Mt. Nantai, and Lake Chuzenji. The Shrine also has a popular beautiful Japanese garden.
Kanuma Kaboku Center
Visit Kanuma Kaboku Center to explore bonsai and rare plants, join Kokedama workshops, and shop for Japanese gardening tools and ornaments. Don’t miss the Kokedama ice cream dessert!
Maenikko Brewery
Maenikko Brewery is one of the few sake breweries in Japan that offer guests an authentic hands-on sake brewing experience.
Silk Travel
Discover Japan with Silk Travel. Ask for tailored travel experiences in Japan for a size group size of 2 to 27 people.
Learn more about places to visit in Kanuma City
EATING in Kanuma City
Japanese Food
Kanuma’s city center has many restaurants offering a wide variety of Japanese dishes such as Soba, Udon, Rice bowels, Sushi and Izakaya style dishes.
Western Food
There are many western style restaurants (almost any type) around the center of the city so there is no shortage.
Vegetarian / Vegan
Some restaurants in Kanuma offer vegetarian options.
Shumai (Dim Sum)
Kanuma City is famous for Shumai, a type of steamed dumplings (dim sum), stuffed with meat or seafood and vegetables. You can find many places that have shumai on their menu.
Places to STAY in Kanuma City
Camp Sites
Kanuma city is rich in history and has many camping and glamping sites.
Hotel (Western style)
Most western style hotels are business style hotels located near the stations in the center of the city.
Temple Stay
Furumine Shrine offers Shukubo (Shrine/Temple Style) for travelers looking for a unique experience.
Top EVENTS around Kanuma City
Day trips from Kanuma City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
