Tochigi Prefecture, Japan

#summervacay #tochigi Tochigi Prefecture, Japan: ⸻ 🌍 Location & Basics • Landlocked prefecture in northern Kantō, ~100 km north of Tokyo. Capital: Utsunomiya (~500,000 people) with prefecture population ~1.9 million . • Geography: flat southern plains; mountainous north including Nikko, Nasu, Shiobara . • Area: ~6,408 km² . ⸻ 🏰 History & Culture • Former Shimotsuke Province, established as Tochigi Prefecture in 1873 . • Ashikaga Gakkō in Ashikaga is the oldest school building in Japan (founded ~9th century) and is a National Historic Site . • Nikkō’s UNESCO complex (Tōshō-gū, Futarasan, Rinnō-ji) declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 . ⸻ 🌄 Natural Beauty & Attractions • Nikkō National Park: home to Lake Chūzenji, Mount Nantai, and lush cedar-lined avenues (longest in the world at ~35 km) . • Kegon Falls (97 m): among Japan’s top 100 waterfalls and especially stunning in autumn and winter . • Mount Nasu (~1,917 m): active volcano with hiking trails, ropeway access, hot springs & ski resorts . • Soothing onsens in Shiobara, Kawaji, Kinugawa, etc. . • Romantic Road: scenic 320 km drive linking Tochigi to Nagano, best enjoyed by car . ⸻ 🎨 Arts, Traditions & Events • Mashiko Pottery: rustic Mashiko-yaki tradition, hands-on workshops, and major fairs . • Tochigi leather: renowned since 1937 for vegetable-tanned leather goods . • Regional festivals: Nikko’s Yayoi Festival, Thousand Samurai Parade; Nasu’s horseback archery events . • Ashikaga Flower Park: famous for spectacular wisteria displays in late spring . • Rich silk traditions in Yuki and cannabis history museums . ⸻ 🍽️ Food & Agriculture • Leading producer of strawberries (“Strawberry Kingdom”): home to varieties like Tochiotome, Sky Berry, and Tochihime; strawberry-picking December–May . • Utsunomiya: known nationwide for tasty gyōza dumplings . • Also famous for Sano ramen, dairy products (2nd after Hokkaido), kanpyō gourd strips, and lemon milk drinks . Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Attraction Name + Highlights 2. Attraction Name + Highlights 3. Attraction Name + Highlights [Must-Try Food] 1. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish 2. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish 3. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish [Accommodation ] Recommended Area for Accommodation Hotel Name Hotel Address [Photo Spots] 1. Photo Spot + Description 2. Photo Spot + Description 3. Photo Spot + Description [Tips]