Tochigi– tax –

Located about 2 hours from Tokyo. Premium ”ryokan” ”Kai” faces the mountain stream of Kinugawa River. The interior is adorned with the traditional craftswork of Tochigi, and has a modern yet relaxing atmosphere. Cherry trees line the front of the great bath where you can enjoy the beautiful blossom while soaking in the hot tub.

Founded in 1860, still continuing ”sake” production in its original location in Oyama-city. Produces trademark labels ”Wakakoma” (with a drawing of a young horse ”wakakoma” on the label) and ”Kanetamaru”. The ”sake” is produced using a traditional method in an old ”kura” warehouse, a building registered as a Tangible Cultural Property.

Premium label ”Matsuno-kotobuki” is made from very soft water, which springs from the mountains backing the brewery. The masterful ”sake” brewing techniques of the ”Shimotsuke” brew masters drives the food culture of Tochigi Prefecture.

A Japanese style inn with only 16 rooms located in the rural mountains overlooking the Kinugawa River. Each room has a private open air bath with hot spring water flowing directly from its source where you can relax and unwind.

”Nikki Club” with its restaurant and spa, is situated in the Yokozawa area, noted for its scenic beauty among the foothills of the Nasu-kogen Highlands. Consisting of various facilities, it is reminiscent of an European art village, and attracts a lot of visitors.

Produces renowned label of Tochigi ”Houou Biden” and ”Bidenzuru”both which boast a rich aroma. Not only ”sake” but ”sake”-based fruit liqueur is also very popular.

Works of the late Shoji Hamada, a Living National Treasure who honed his pottery skills in Mashiko, his work space, and climbing kilns are open to the public. Also on display is a collection of valuable craftwork collected domestically and from abroad by the Hamada, as a reference for future generations.

A museum with numerous paintings and works of calligraphy, including drawings and woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige, and western style paintings by Kiyoo Kawamura. It was built to exhibit the collection donated by the late Tosaku Aoki, and for visitors to become more familiar with ”ukiyoe” and paintings.

Originates from Shihonryu-ji Temple which was started by Shodo-shonin (Saint-Shodo) in the Nara period. In the Edo period,　”Taiyu-in” was built to enshrine Iemitsu Tokugawa, the third ”shogun”. The main hall and ”Sanbutsu-do” were first built in Heian-period. The present buildings were rebuilt in 1645, and is now undergoing ”the Great Heisei Repair” as the oldest wooden structure in east Japan. It is designated as a World Heritage, together with Toshogu Shrine and Nikko Futarasan Shrine.

Produces miso using only domestically cultivated, pesticide-free rice and soybeans, and natural sea salt, and utilizing the natural power of fermentation. Operates ”JOZO CAFE Setsugetsuka by HARUKOMAYA” in Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, where one can enjoy various fermented products.

Town of Mashiko is renowned as the town of ceramics. Visitors can learn the history of ”Mashiko-yaki”, enjoy pottery ware on display, and also experience ceramic making. The museum also collects and displays the pieces from local artists.

A dairy farm where cattle graze freely in the lush forests. Since the spring of 2011, grazing has been temporarily suspended following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, but milk from other cooperative dairy farms and various dairy products are sold at the Shinrinno Bokujo Cafe, or on the internet.

Enshrines Ieyasu Tokugawa as ”Toshodaigongen” to wish peace throughout Japan. In the era of Iemitsu Tokugawa, the third ”Shogun”, it went through ”the Great Kan-ei Reconstruction”, and the magnificent shrines and pavilions were built as we see them today. It is designated as a World Heritage as a part of ”Temples and Shrines of Nikko”.

The oldest school in Japan which is said to have continued from the Muromachi-period until the early Meiji era. It is now open to the public as a cultural facility, and tells the history of learning through its expansive collection of books and historical materials.

A shrine closely associated with the nature of Nikko. Enshrines the gods of Mount Nantai (Mount Futara), Mount Nyoho and Mount Taro. It consists of the main shrine ’”Gohonsha”, ”Chugoshi” shrine by Lake Chuzenji, and ”Okumiya”shrine on the summit of Mount Nantai.