Things to do in May 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in May near Tokyo? May is a great time to visit Japan with flowers, spring events, and pottery fairs.
Tochigi Prefecture
Travel Guide
Why Visit
Tochigi Prefecture is located North of Tokyo between the Tohoku region and Tokyo metropolitan area with Gunma Prefecture on its west, Ibaraki Prefecture on its east, Saitama Prefecture on its south.
It is home to Nikko (World Heritage) and Nasu (Royal Resort) mountains in the north offering many nature & culture activities as well as Onsens (hot-springs) to relax in. It is also home to Mashiko an internationally known pottery town and Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga. There are also many breweries promising visitors a satisfying stay.
Explore Tochigi Prefecture (Towns & Cities)
Nikko Area
Yunishigawa & Oku-Kinu
Kinugawa Onsen & Kawaji Onsen
Nikko (Central Nikko Area)
Oku-Nikko
Nasu Area
Nasu-Shiobara City
Nasu Town
Mahsiko Karasuyama Area
Mashiko Town
Nakagawa Town
Nasu-Karasuyama City
Motegi Town
Ashikaga Oyama Area
Sano City
Oyama City
Tochigi City
Ashikaga City
Utsunomiya Area
Kanuma City
Mibu Town
Utsunomiya City
Itineraries (Model Routes)
Experience Water's blessing and Wellness
Experience Tochigi's countryside and culture
Enjoy a day out in Mashiko pottery town!
Two-Days in Mashiko Enjoy the countryside!
Must See Must Visit
Tours, Travel Planners & Private Guides
A Touch of Japan
Plan your perfect trip to Japan with a fully curated journey, crafted around your pace, passions, and style.
Things to Do in Tochigi Prefecture
Nikko Natural Science Museum
Visit Nikko Natural History Museum, conveniently located near Lake Chuzenji, to discover the fascinating natural wonders and rich history of Oku-Nikko through engaging exhibits.
NAOC
Come cycle with us in the Nikko World Heritage area, and experience history and culture, meet locals, and see rice fields. In winter, we have exciting snow bike rides in Oku-Nikko!
Yagan Railway
Discover the hidden gems of Tochigi with the Yagan Railway. Hike through the stunning Ryuokyo Gorge, indulge in the famous onsen of Kawaji, Yunishigawa, and Shiobara, and be mesmerized by the ever-changing vistas from your train window.
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.
Ichigo no Sato
Visit one of the largest strawberry picking farms in Japan and enjoy fresh fruit picking all-year-round. You can pick peaches and grapes when strawberries are not in season. Don’t miss the shop, cafe and restaurant which all offer delicious menus with fresh seasonal fruits!
Michinoeki Haga
Take a break and enjoy a BBQ at Michinoeki Haga! This rest area has hassle-free BBQ and an Onsen (Hot Spring) as well as a restaurant, bakery, a local produce shop as well as a play area for children.
Carry Express (Charter Bus)
Imagine having your own private bus to explore Japan’s hidden gems and famous sights with friends or family.
We offer buses with comfort and convenience, perfect for making a memorable Japan journey.
THE DAY aozora PROJECT
Take a mountain e-bike or hiking tour to patrol the forest and learn how locals are preserving the area so they can live in harmony with wild animals such as monkeys, deers and bears. By joining the tour, you will be helping locals and animals live side-by-side and may even see some wild-animals!
shiobara viva
Join a unique walking tour of the great outdoors led by Ann-chan, a delightful guide who has been to 30 countries.
You can combine walking tours with open-air hot springs, agriculture experiences, kimono experiences, calligraphy, and more.
Edo Wonderland
Come time travel to Samurai roaming Edo-period Japan!
You can transform into a ninja, samurai, or townsperson for an immersive experience, or enjoy the day as a time traveler visiting Edo.
Kitrip Nikko
Join Rieko on one of Kitrip Nikko’s tours through Nikko’s outdoors to have a truly local experience. Unique tours include incense making to harvesting Ice from frozen lakes. See website for more.
Ashikaga Flower Park
Internationally known for their spectacular wisteria display and winter illuminations, Ashikaga flower park is beautiful to walk around at all times of year. Their 8 seasonal flower displays are ever changing and with lots to see you could easily spend a few hours here enjoying the flowers and taking lots of photos.
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’.
Ride Experience
Experience our incredible cycling tours, tailor-made for everyone, from novices to seasoned cyclists. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mother Nature as you pedal your way through awe-inspiring landscapes.
Silk Travel
Discover Japan with Silk Travel. Ask for tailored travel experiences in Japan for a size group size of 2 to 27 people.
Watanabesahei Sake Brewery
Founded in 1842, Watanabesahei Sake Brewery is a traditional sake brewery in Imaichi, Nikko. They run a popular English brewery tour almost every day, and have a nice shop. Why not come to see a working sake brewery and learn how sake is made?
Katayama Sake Brewery
Katayama Sake Brewery is a very small, family-run sake brewery founded in 1879. Located near Watanabesahei in Imaichi, Nikko, it has a brewery shop to buy sake. Every drop of sake is gently made by hand, with the sake-pressing process alone taking three days!
Tonoike Sake Brewery
Established more than 80 years ago, Tonoike Sake Brewery is a traditional Sake brewery popular with overseas visitors. Visitors can drop by or book a tasting tour.
(Open 365 days)
Shimazaki Sake Brewery
Known as the ‘Cave Brewery’, we are a family-run sake brewery that produces award-winning aged sake. Come and visit the cave on our open-days or book a special tasting tour by our brewery owner.
Yoshimura Strawberry Park
One of the most popular strawberry picking locations in Japan. Popular with overseas visitors and suitable for children. Online booking available.
(Season is from Dec to early May)
Wakayama Farm
Experience traditional Japan in Japan’s largest bamboo forest! Stroll through the bamboo groves, capture precious memories with photos, and enjoy a Kimono experience. Exciting bamboo-themed activities for kids too! Don’t miss the impressive view that rivals Kyoto!
Akechidaira Ropeway
Enjoy breathtaking views of Chuzenji Lake, Kegon Falls, and Mount Nantai.
Shoai Samurai
Visit Shoai Samurai for a unique, eco-friendly Japanese culture experience.
Try traditional indigo dyeing (Aizome) and support the local community. Create your masterpiece while making a positive impact!
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Meet diverse animals, enjoy thrilling shows, and see learn about animal conservation.
Popular areas such as, “Asia Forest”, “Tropical Forest”, “Aqua Stage” and “Sky Stadium” are great for both children and adults.
Popular areas such as, “Asia Forest”, “Tropical Forest”, “Aqua Stage” and “Sky Stadium” are great for both children and adults.
Our Visits
Places to Stay
Akasawa Onsen Ryokan
Visit our cosy Onsen (hot spring) Inn with friendly cats. From newly refurbished western style rooms to traditional tatami rooms as well as glamping & cabin stays. Vegan and vegetarian meal options are available. Groups are also welcome. Ask about optional tours to Aizu.
Kanahan (Ryokan)
Make your stay in Japan special. Visit this family-run ryokan with a history since the Edo period. Its been carefully renovated keeping the original building and feel. Some meals on the menu were even created based on old documents from Edo-period. (Baths are all private)
Hatcho-no-yu
Located in Nikko National Park, ‘Haccho no Yu’ is said to be the last hidden hot spring near Tokyo. At an altitude of 1,400 meters, surrounded by wildlife, enjoy our locally sourced meal and open-air baths beside a waterfall. Our winter snow activities are also highly recommended.
Kinugawa Park Hotels
Just minutes from Kinugawa Onsen Station. With scenic river views, delicious food and amazing hot spring baths, our hotel is great for family vacations and getaways.
Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
Visit us for a relaxing stay at our log cabin-themed hotel by Lake Chuzenji. We are known for our French cuisine rich heritage and onsen (hot spring) relaxation.
Nikko Kanaya Hotel
Welcoming overseas VIPs for the last 150 years. Come immerse in our rich heritage amidst Nikko’s majestic landscapes. UNESCO World Heritage sites are very close.
Sansuikaku (Ryokan)
Indulge in luxury and Japanese tradition at a high-end Japanese inn near the Nasu Imperial Villa. Immerse in their healing hot spring with 1,400 years of history. Read more to create cherished memories and experience a heartwarming stay!
Iizukatei Hotel
Discover Japan at Iizukatei, a 200-year-old cultural heritage property turned hotel. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and spacious rooms. Rooms are well-equipped with ample amenities, a full bathtub, and cooking facilities. Meet locals, savor seasonal dishes, and relax in the Japanese countryside.
Nasu Village
Looking for a holiday home to rent?
Check out Nasu Village in the Nasu forest. There are 20 cottages suitable for couples, friends & families or larger groups. All houses come with free Wi-Fi, a BBQ space and cooking equipment. Read more to find out more.
Check out Nasu Village in the Nasu forest. There are 20 cottages suitable for couples, friends & families or larger groups. All houses come with free Wi-Fi, a BBQ space and cooking equipment. Read more to find out more.
Tours
Photos
