Tochigi’s Unmissable Adventure Destinations

Every fall, visitors flock to Tochigi Prefecture to experience the stunning koyo (autumn foliage) in Nikko. Located less than two hours from Asakusa on the Spacia X, many people opt for a day trip to Nikko to visit main attractions like the Shinkyo Bridge and Toshogu Shrine. However, the prefecture offers so much more than these popular spots. From historic sites and natural science landmarks to artisan workshops and thrilling outdoor activities, adventure in Tochigi can be found at every turn.

This guide highlights some of Kanto’s best-kept secrets with five action-packed destinations that prove you need more than one day to experience Tochigi.

Nikko

Photo by: Jessica Saabor Toshogu Shrine dates back to the 1600s.

Nikko, the largest city in Tochigi, is famous for its wood crafts, yuba (tofu skin), and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The most renowned is the Toshogu Shrine, an intricate complex dating back to the 1600s. Fascinatingly, this is also the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate known for reunifying Japan.

History isn’t all that you can find in Nikko. Catch a shuttle bus with Naoc from Nikko station to arrive at the outdoor adventure base. Naoc offers breathtaking seasonal activities for children and adults, like summer canyoning and winter snow bike tours. Experiences can be booked up to one day in advance with English, Spanish, and Japanese-speaking tour guides. Situated in the Tochigi Nature Reserve, Naoc provides gorgeous views of crystal-clear water and untouched mountains as the backdrop for your action-packed adventure day.

Oku Nikko

Photo by: Jessica Saabor See a close-up view of the waterfall.

Just west of central Nikko lies Oku Nikko, a relaxed town and scientific hub. A must-see here is the Kegon Falls Elevator, which takes visitors 100 meters down for a close-up view of the waterfall.

This engineering marvel has been in operation since the 1930s and is located just a short distance from the Nikko Natural Science Museum. The museum is innovative, interactive, and multilingual, with exhibits on the region such as the volcanic eruption from Mount Nantai that created Lake Chuzenji.

Today, Lake Chuzenji is a spectacular area with its own modern history of yacht clubs and ambassador summer homes. It is a picturesque destination all year round, with the surrounding foliage changing with the seasons. See vibrant greens in summer, striking autumn reds, and white snow-covered winters.

Drive 10 minutes north and you’ll arrive in the Senjogahara Marshland. Located within Nikko National Park, this area connects Lake Chuzenji with Yumoto Onsen is ideal for exciting nature hikes. Senjogahara has 360-degree mountain range views, including the perfect Mount Nantai viewing point. You can also put your wildlife knowledge to the test by looking out for signs of local animals like serow, deer and martens.

Nasu Highlands (Nasu Shiobara)

Photo by: Jessica Saabor Zip through the trees.

Nasu Highlands (Nasu Shiobara) is a paradise for adventurers of all ages. It offers lush forests, mountaintop ski resorts, and picturesque farmland. The area can be explored on foot or as part of a personalized cycling tour led by locals at Outback Tours. If cycling isn’t your thing, Outback Tours also arranges bespoke experiences like volcano cooking, firefly tours and tree climbing with locations only known to those living in the area.

For a truly unique adventure, stop by Gyro Ride Park in Nasu-Shiobara City, a glamping site named after its patented Gyro vehicles. These scooter-hoverboard hybrids let riders glide through the forest and are suitable for anyone over five years old. Beginners are welcome, and there are routes for all skill levels.

After zipping through the trees at speeds of up to 20 km/h, relax at Gyro Ride Park’s outdoor Takibi Cafe. The friendly staff will teach you how to make a fire, roast coffee beans and smoke your own charcuterie board featuring dried meats, cheese and quail eggs.

Mashiko and Kanuma

Photo by: Jessica Saabor Choose a mug, bowl, plate, or cup to personalize with a glaze.

Heading toward the Tochigi/Ibaraki border, you’ll find Mashiko. This nationally renowned pottery village draws artists from across Japan to perfect their craft and showcase their creations. The town has a quirky charm, with ceramics and handmade souvenirs available on each corner. Be sure to stop by a local soba restaurant for lunch to try the regional specialty.

No visit to Mashiko is complete without trying pottery yourself. After exploring the expert pieces for sale at the Mashiko Ware Pottery Center, take a pottery painting class. Choose a mug, bowl, plate, or cup to personalize with a glaze, then get painting.

Your creation will be fired in one of Mashiko’s distinctive, hobbit-hole-like kilns. These amazing structures are all built by hand and carefully tended by local potters. Once ready, the pottery center will arrange international shipping to send your masterpiece home.

Photo by: Jessica Saboor Camp under the stars.

After unleashing your creativity, take a one-hour drive to Kanuma for sweeping views of Tochigi’s scenic forests and mountains. Enhance the experience with an exciting night at Snow Peak Kanuma Campfield & Spa and enjoy tebura (come as you are) camping. All you need to bring are toiletries and a change of clothes—Snow Peak provides everything else. You can also unwind with a luxurious onsen in the heart of the countryside.

Utsunomiya

Photo by: Jessica Saabor Explore an expansive and beautifully maintained bamboo forest.

Utsunomiya is often seen as just a stopover city when in reality, it has so much excitement to offer. Just 30 minutes from the city center by bus or car is Wakayama Farm, an expansive and beautifully maintained bamboo forest.

This 24-hectare family-owned farm presents guests with scenic forest paths, night illuminations, and overnight bamboo camping. You can even dig up your own take no ko (bamboo shoots) to eat or create a bamboo lamp using traditional wood-carving techniques.

Back in Utsunomiya City, it’s time for a gyoza party. Utsunomiya is famous for its deliciously delicate gyoza dumplings with thin wrappers filled with flavorful pork, chives, and other fillings. The city is home to over 300 gyoza restaurants, each offering its own take on this beloved dish.

To try a variety of gyozas from different restaurants in one place, head to Kirrase 来らっせ. This gyoza restaurant is underneath a Don Quijote, a popular Japanese discount retail chain. Kirrase collects gyozas from various local restaurants, offering a unique opportunity to taste the city’s best all in one spot.