Local Travel Guide of Northern Tochigi
by Melissa B
About this Travel Guide of Northern Tochigi Prefecture
I put together this travel guide of Northern Tochigi Prefecture with attention on those that enjoy art and the outdoors.
Who is this travel guide for?
This travel guide of Northern Tochigi Prefecture is aimed towards the casual traveller of any age, preferably with access to a car.
Total budget?
¥2,000 – ¥3,000 per person
01
Enjoy when
The Falls of Illusion
Yaita Oshiraji waterfall
(Oshiraji no Taki)
(Oshiraji no Taki)
Cool down and be mesmerized by the beautiful colors of this waterfall that change depending on the lighting. It is best to go early on a sunny day to see the array of colors the waterfall offers. On a hot summer day, it is an excellent place to cool down. It’s a little bit rocky, so be careful as you look around and take photos. It’s humble in size and doesn’t require a long trek down to see it.
(Location: Google Map)
02
Enjoy when
A Temple That Inspires
Otawara Ungan-ji Temple
At Ugan-Ji temple, you will immediately notice how peaceful and relaxing the area is. The eye-catching red bridge is perfect for viewing the river and take photos. Surrounded by mountains, it is undoubtedly a place to admire nature. In the summer, there is an assortment of flowers, and in the fall, you can see the leaves change color. This place also has historical importance as it was built in the Heian Era and the famous Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho, visited it.
(Location: Google Map)
02
Enjoy when
03
Enjoy when
Works of Art
Inside a Work of Art
Nakagawa Bato
Hiroshige Museum
Hiroshige Museum
Nakagawa Bato Hiroshige Museum displays a private collection of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige. It seems small at first, but I found myself looking around for almost an hour. In addition to art, there is a display and explanation of the tools used to create a woodblock print. The building, designed by Kuma Kengo, is visually interesting and is surrounded by bamboo. There are a small shop and restaurant. You can enjoy this museum rain or shine! Admission is only 500 yen.
(Location: Google Map)
04
Enjoy when
Memories For A Lifetime
Nasukarasuyama Ryumon Falls
Walk up close to this waterfall and get your feet wet or admire it from afar and feel the mist. The waterfall is not as tall but quite wide, and its flow is surprisingly powerful. It is a nice place to walk around and visit the nearby shrine. Also, it is not too crowded, and there is free parking as a bonus! Best to avoid rainy days as the water level rises and the surrounding area can get muddy.
(Location: Google Map)
04
Enjoy when
My favorite places to eat in Northern Tochigi
American Style Pizza
Nasushio-bara Kuroiso Mad Perros Pizza
A visit to Mad Perros Pizza shop temporarily brought me back to the US. The walls are decorated with cute and fun graffiti-esque wall art that is hard to take your eyes off! They sell pizza by the slice, which is hard to come by in Japan. You can also order a whole pizza to eat-in or take-out. In addition to the classic cheese or pepperoni pizza, they also offer pizza with various toppings like chili beans or jalapeño, to name a few.
(Location: Google Map)
A stylish place to recharge
Nasushio-bara Kuroiso 1988 Cafe Shozo
This two-story cafe doubles as a shop that sells locally made goods and a cafe with a good ambiance. I enjoyed their black tea chiffon cake and their blend of hot coffee. It was a nice place to take a break and have a chat with my friend. They sell some lovely handmade products downstairs, ranging from food and coffee to reusable bags and tumblers. I grabbed a few of their scones and jam before leaving!
(Location: Google Map)
Itinerary (Ideas for a day trip)
Morning (Yaita and Otawara)
- Visit Oshiraji Waterfall (Yaita)
- Make a pitstop at the Yama no Eki (Station of the mountain plateau)
- Head to Unganji Temple (Otawara)
Afternoon (Nakagawa and Karasuyama)
- Drive down to Batohiroshige Museum (Nakagawamachi)
- Walk around Ryumon Falls (Nasukarasuyama)
- Check out the nearby shrines
Evening
- Spend time around Kuroiso Station
- A peak into some nearby restaurants and shops
- Watch a movie at Forum Nasushiobara
Lunch
- Mihara Coffee and Beer (Otawara)
- The restaurant at the Batohiroshige Museum (Nakagawa-machi)
- 1988 Shozo Cafe (Kuroiso)
Dinner
- Mihara Coffee and Beer (Otawara)
- Mad Perros Pizza (Kuroiso)
- 1988 Shozo Cafe (Kuroiso)
Stay
- Ashino Onsen Hotel
- Nasu Mid City Hotel
- Nasuseikoyama Auto Camping
Find out more about Tochigi here!
Local writer: Melissa B
Melissa moved to Japan in 2014 from Boston Massachusetts in the US. She currently works and resides in Tochigi City. Holding a background in art, Melissa is always looking for a good exhibit to see or music event to attend. On her days off, she frequently goes sightseeing to hot-springs, temples and shrines, and unique restaurants.
See all of Melissa’s local guides: Melissa B’s Travel Guides