Tochigi in Four Days: World Heritage, Hot Springs & Cultural Charms

In the morning, travel from Tokyo Station to Nikko by JR or Tobu Railway express train (approximately 2 hours). Begin your visit with World Heritage sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Futarasan Shrine (a guide can be arranged upon request). For lunch, enjoy Nikko’s specialty, yuba cuisine. In the afternoon, take a peaceful stroll around Kanmangafuchi and the row of Bake Jizo statues, a quieter area with fewer tourists. Spend the night at a high-quality hot spring inn in Nikko Onsen, where you can unwind in a relaxing open-air bath.

In the morning, cross the Irohazaka Pass and head to Oku-Nikko. Visit Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, then enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant. In summer, treat yourself to shaved ice made from natural ice. In the afternoon, take a light hike through Senjogahara (a guide is available) and stop by Takio Shrine, known for its serene, moss-covered approach. In the evening, stay overnight at an inn in Yumoto Onsen, famous for its sulfur springs, and unwind in the peaceful natural surroundings.

Start your day in Utsunomiya with a visit to the awe-inspiring underground quarry at the Oya History Museum, a unique space carved from ancient stone. For lunch, treat yourself to a gyoza-tasting adventure at one of the city’s famed dumpling spots. In the afternoon, continue to Kanuma and immerse yourself in the elegance of Kanuma Kumiko, a traditional woodworking craft. As evening falls, make your way to Tochigi City to unwind at a temple-style inn and savour a thoughtfully prepared dinner featuring seasonal, local ingredients.

Begin your day with a peaceful stroll along the traditional storehouses lining the Uwa River, or opt for a relaxing boat ride. Then, explore seasonal blooms and spiritual sites like Taihei-san Shrine and the picturesque Hydrangea Hill. For lunch, unwind at a cosy machiya café or a local eatery serving regional flavours. In the afternoon, return to Tokyo from Tochigi Station—a scenic journey of about 90 minutes.