Tochigi-Ji-Guide in English
Central Tochigi Area
featuring urban-style tourism and rich greenery
This bustling transportation hub of Tochigi, located in the center of the prefecture, includes Utsunomiya, known as a city of gyoza and cocktails and as the base of Tochigi sightseeing, Nikko Sugi (Japanese cedar tree) Avenue and Imaichi, a renowned soba (buckwheat noodles) producing site. Urban tourism, nature and historic resources are well blended here.
Sightseeing spot navigation
Utsunomiya Gyoza
Utsunomiya, which boasts Japan’s largest consumption of gyoza, has many stores specialized in gyoza that compete with each other in winning more customers. Gyoza has many varieties – fried, steamed and deep fried. It is fun to go several stores to find your favorite taste.
Nikko Sugi Avenue (Imaichi)
About 13,000 Japanese cedars (sugi) dominate along Nikko Sugi Avenue for a total length of 37 km. This avenue has entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest. It was some 380 years ago when the trees were planted. This is the only site in Japan to have been designated by the Japanese Government both as Special Historic Relics and a Special Natural Monument.
Ohya Kannon (Goddess of Mercy)
Ohyaji Temple, built inside a cave that used to be a dwelling in ancient times, was founded by Priest Kobo in 810. Its principal image Ohya Kannon is a 4-meter high Senju Kannon (multi-armed goddess) carved into a rock face. This is Japan’s oldest image of Buddha carved into a rock.
Heiwa Kannon (Goddess of Peace)
This 27-meter high Kannon was carved into a wall of Ohya Stone in hope for world peace. The top of the stairs beside the Kannon offers a panoramic view of Ohya Town over its shoulder.
Ohya Information Center
This museum introduces the history of mining Ohya Stone. The original quarry site underground is approximately 20,000 m2 in area and 60 m at the deepest point. The temperature here is constant at 13°C throughout the year. The powerful, magical atmosphere here is truly overwhelming.
Matsugamine Church
An authentic Romanesque church designed by Swiss architect Max Hinder in 1932. Almost all the exterior and interior walls of this massive structure were made with Ohya Stone. The twin towers on the front side enhance elegant and majestic image of this structure.
Futaarasan Shrine
The city name Utsunomiya comes from this shrine, which has greatly contributed to the prosperity of Utsunomiya. The Futaarasan Shrine has a long history of some 1,600 years. The iron guardian dogs and helmets are treasures both of the shrine and Japan. Many citizens visit this shrine on the New Year’s Day, for the Seven-Five-Three Festival (a festival for children aged seven, five and three) and other important occasions. The approach to the shrine and gate are beautifully lit up in the evening.