The capital of Tochigi Prefecture, Utsunomiya City (Utsunomiya-shi/宇都宮市) is located 100 kilometers north of Tokyo and is easily accessed by bullet train or highway. The cultural, political and economic center of the prefecture is home to about 440,000 people. Within the city, “Romantic Mura” features a local brewery where you can enjoy a beer, and a hot spring.
Utsunomiya is the largest city in the northern Kanto district and is the gateway to Nikko, a famous World Heritage site. The city center is within a 15-minute reach by bus, yet the medium-sized two-campus institution is graced with an abundance of tall trees. Every year in October, 300 cyclists from 15 different teams gather at Utusunomiya Shinrin Park just outside the city for the Japan Cup Cycle Road Race. The event attracts participants from more than 10 different countries and approximately 60,000 spectators. Utsunomiya is your gateway to Tochigi. Very close to TOKYO (Only 50minutes by SHINKANSEN). Very convenient to NIKKO and other locations. Utsunomiya offers the best location for your business and leisure needs for the traveler to the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture.
Fig.: Utsunomiya City Tourist Map in English (Click the map for full size map)
Waku Waku Grandy Science Land
20 meter domed ceiling Planetarium presents a beautiful starry night sky and invites all visitors to a wonderful astronomical world. Wind Playground is a nature observation room and a giant water wheel. Ride on various vehicles at Vehicle Plaza such as a mini train(mini EL) that travels around the natural environment or bicycles of various shapes and sizes. Address: 567 Nishikawatamachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0151, Japan Hours: Sunday hours 9:30 am–4:00 pm Tel: 028(659)5555 Fax: 028(659)5353
Website: http://www.tsm.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/?page_id=141
Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine (Futaarayama Jinja)/ Futarasan hall
The shrine has a long history : founded about 1,600 years ago to dedicate the spirit of Toyokirihikonomikoto, the founder of Utsunomiya. People say the name of Utsunomiya is derived from Shimotsuke-Ichinomiya. The City of Utsunomiya has grown and prospered around Futaarayama Woods, and Futaarayama Shrine has been the spiritual center of the daily life of the citizens of Utsunomiya to date. People visit and pray on occasions like New Year’s Day and Shichigosan(the gala day for children of three, five and seven years of age). Students go there to ask for help in their entrance examinations. The gate and approach to the shrine are beautifully illuminated at night. Note that about Futarasan Shrine (Futarasan Jinja) is that it’s not related to its more famous neighbor Futarasan Shrine in nearby Nikko. One is written 二荒山; the other is written 二荒山. Tennou Festival is held from July 15th to 20th The festival of Suga Shrine located in the compound of Futaarayama Shrine is held annually in July. Weeding Ceremonies and Kikusui Festival is held on the last Saturday and Sunday of October This is the main festival of Futaarayama Shrine. Address: 1-1-1 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0026, Japan Tel: 028-622-5271, 028-622-5273 Fax: 028-624-3204
Transit: Tobuutsunomiya Station
Furusato Miya Festival (Furusato miya matsuri)
The first Saturday and Sunday of August. This festival’s main theme is “Encounter & Communication.” It takes place in Utsunomiya’s main street, Odori, and there are many performances like Ohayashi, Mikoshi, parades, dancing, and Taiko. Mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) have an especially powerful atmosphere. In 2 days, about 80 Mikoshi are carried around the streets, and you can see the biggest festival in the North Kanto area. Address: 4 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0026, Japan Tel: 028-633-8766
Website: http://www.miyamatsuri.com/
Utsunomiya Zoo
Address: 552-2 Kamikanaimachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2115, Japan Tel: +81 28-665-4255 Hours: 9:00 am–4:30 pm
Website: http://www.utsunomiya-zoo.com/
Oya stone mines and museum/ OYA Stone Village (Ishi no sato “Oya”/ Oya Shiryokan)
In geological terms, Oya stone was formed by the explosion of a volcano about 20 million years ago. Here is a Stone Wonder Land!! The view from Oya Keikan Park is fantastic. Address: 909 Oyamachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0345, Japan Tel: +81 28-652-1232
http://www.oya909.co.jp/
Tochinoki Family Land Park
Address: 4-1-1 Nishikawata, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0152, Japan Tel: 028-659-1332 Fax: 028-659-1504 Hours: 10:00 am–4:30 pm
http://www.park-tochigi.com/tochinoki/
Utsunomiya Romantic Village (Romantic-mura)
This agricultural park has Romatic Onsen House, Utsunomiya local beer, Shiny Rose Garden, Shiki no Mori, Tsuru no Sato, Herb Farm Kuraingaruden (Residential Garden). Address: 254 Nissatomachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2118, Japan Tel: +81 28-665-8800
Website: http://www.romanticmura.com/
Oya (Ooya) Temple/ Oya Kannon
The oldest carved Buddhist reliefs in Japan. Oya Kannon Kukai founded Oyaji Temple in 810. The main building is in the entranceway to a cave on sheer rock. The reliefs are referred to as Oya Magaibutsu, and are designated as Special Historical Sites and Important Cultural Properties. Address: 1198 Oyamachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0345, Japan Phone: +81 28-652-0128
Link: http://sinn.dip.jp/kesiki/totigi/ooya.htm
Bronze Statue of Three Soybeans Buddha in Zengan-ji Temple
Bronze Statue of Three Soybeans Buddha (Daizu santsubu no kanabutsu) was built in 1735, this great statue of Buddha is popular because it is believed to help you accumulate wealth. Sitting in the compound of Zenganji Temple, this 3.6m high statue is called the Buddha Statue of Tree Soybeans. Address: 1-8-19 Zenganji Minamiodori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0963, Japan Tel: 028-634-7717
Link: http://outdoor.geocities.jp/hpmonda/daibutsu_1.html
Matsugamine Catholic Church (Matsugamine kyokai)
The fine building made of pale green Oya stone is a good accent on the scenic city. A country’s Important cultural assets.
Address: 1-1-5 Matsugamine, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0807, Japan Hours: 8:30 am–8:00 pm – See all Transit: Tobuutsunomiya Station Tel: 028-635-0405 Fax: 028-635-9666
Website: http://www2.ucatv.ne.jp/~matumine.sea/
St. John Church (St. John Kyokai)
Ingenuously beautiful church with the use of Oya stone Both the bell tower and the chapel are made of Oya stone, which give them the beauty of simplicity. A country’s Registered cultural assets. Address: 2-3-27 Sakura, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0043, Japan Tel: 028(622)3853 Fax: 028(666)5768
Website: http://airin.seikoukai.org/
Hachimanyama Park (Hachimanyama koen)
Famous for its beautiful flowers. Utsunomiya Tower and The Suspension Bridge are located inside this park. Address: 5-2-70 Hanawada, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0027, Japan 028-632-2529, 028-622-7035
Website: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/sumai/midorimachidukuri/002066.html
Hanami Cherry blossoms Festival at Hachimanyama Park, Mt. Tagesan And Shinkawa River
Beginning of April, about 830 cherry trees are bloom out all over Utsunomiya, Hachimanyama Park, Mt. Tagesan and Shinkawa River. Cherry blossoms are lighted up at night and you will find many people enjoy eating and drinking with families and friends under beautiful cherry blossoms. Address: 5-2-70 Hanawada, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0027, Japan Tel: 028-632-2529, 028-632-2445
Website: http://www.utsunomiya-cvb.org/sakura/index.html
Utsunomiya Ruins Plaza (Iseki no Hiroba)
Address: 151-1 Kamikakemachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0855, Japan Tel: 028-659-0193
Website: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/bunka/geijyutsu/004567.html
Hotaru no Sato Bonten no Yu Onsen (Hot Springs Spa)
Address: 18-4 Imazato-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0402, Japan Tel: 028-674-8963 Fax: 028-674-8965
Website: http://www.bonten-no-yu.com/
Horse Chestnut Street (“Marronnier” no namikimichi)
An invitingly beautiful street flanked on both sides by horse chestnut trees. They were planted in 1939 and counting 62 at present. The brightly shining green leaves and lovely pink and white flowers decorate Utsunomiya in early summer and when the autumn comes the trees bear nuts. Address: Near NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) Utsunomiya branch,
Shimokogura-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0403, Japan
Geand Spa Nandaimon (a Nandaimon Group Pachinko and General Healthy Institution & Restaurant)
Address: 3-2-18 Imaizumi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0966, Japan Tel: +81 28-622-1126 Transit: Utsunomiya Station
Website: http://www.nandaimon.co.jp/spa/index.php
Utsunomiya Tower
Address: 5-1-1 Hanawada, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0027, Japan Tel: 028-622-7035, 028-624-0642, 0028-632-2529
Website: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/sumai/midorimachidukuri/002066.html
Utsunomiya Peace Pagoda
Address: 795 Nagaoka-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0004, Japan Tel: 028-624-5195
Website: http://nipponzanmyohoji.org/houyou/utsunomiya1604.htm
Tochigi Prefecture Central Park – Chuo (Chuou)
Address: 2-50 Mutsumi-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0865, Japan Tel: 028-636-1491
Website: http://www.t-chuokoen.jp/
Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park (Utunomiya Jyoshi Koen)
Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park is the site of the former Utsunomiya Castle and currently a city rest area.The majority of the Utsunomiya Castle building was burnt down during the Boshin War. During the Edo Period, it was an important point for the northern Kanto area that included the Tohoku region and Nikko. Utsunomiya Castle, which once boasted of magnificence, is now a ruin castle park, an oasis in the city that is cherished by the local citizens. Utsunomiya Castle is named as one of the Seven Great Kanto Castles and is famous as the place where the shogun stayed when he visited Nikko. Most of Utsunomiya Castle was burned down during the Boshin war. The current reconstructions were completed in 2007. The site is host to approximately 120 cherry trees of 4 different varieties which bloom at different times allowing visitors to enjoy a longer than normal cherry blossom season. Address: 1-15 Honmarumachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0817, Japan Tel: 028-632-2985
Utsunomiya City Urban development and Park Management section
Tel: 028-632-2989 Fax: 028-632-5218
Utsunomiya city community development promotion organization
Tel: 028-632-8215 Fax: 028-636-7421
Website: http://www.utsunomiya-jo.jp/index2.htm
The Big Ginkgo (Ooichou)
A precious natural product of Utsunomiya City. This marvelous tree related to the ruins of the castle of Utsunomiya is 400 years old and has been a loyal witness of the long history of Utsunomiya. It is 33m high and its branches spread out 10m eastward and westward and 13m southward and northward, being the welldeserved symbol of Utsunomiya City. Address: Chuo Dori (Central Utsunomiya), 1 Chuo, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0806, Japan
Tel: 028-632-2764 (Utsunomiya Cultural Affairs Division)
Tochigi Prefectual Museum (Tochigi Kenritsu Hakubutsukan)
It is located in Prefectuaral Central Park. This museum uses models of plants in the Nikko district to understand nature easily. They have exhibitions showing the history, animals and plants of Tochigi. The exhibition displays the animals in order of elevation and environment from the 600m elevation of the area around the Shinkyo Bridge to the 2578m elevation of the peak of Mt. Shirane. Address: 2-2 Mutsumi-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0865, Japan Tel: 028-634-1311 Fax: 028-634-1310
Website: http://www.muse.pref.tochigi.lg.jp/
Tochigi Prefectural Museum Of Fine Arts (Tochigi kenritsu bijutsukan)
Address: 4-2-7 Sakura, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0043, Japan Hours: Closed on Monday. Tel: +81-28-621-3566 Fax: +81-28-621-3569
Website: http://www.art.pref.tochigi.lg.jp/en/index.html
Shinohara House (Kyu Shinoharake Jutaku)
This Former Shinohara Family Residence (Kyu Shinoharake Jutaku) is the former residence of one of the old and respectable families of Utsunomiya, the Shinoharas whose history dating way back into the Edo Era, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of good old days of the Meiji Era. A country’s Important cultural assets. Address: 1-4-33 Imaizumi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0966, Japan Transit: Utsunomiya Station Tel: +81 28-624-2200
Website: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/bunka/geijyutsu/002266.html
Sunhills Golf and Resort
Address: 1000 Kamiyokokura-machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2112, Japan Tel: 028-665-4111 Fax: 028-665-4117
Website: http://www.pacificgolf.co.jp/sunhills/
Utsunomiya Museum of Art (Utsunomiya bijutsukan)
It’s located in Utsunomiya Bunka no Mori (Utsunomiya Bunka Center; the foundation of Utsunomiya Museum of Art), and it is a good place to see changes in the seasons. The museum exhibits 20th century art like Magritte and Chagall, and also show posters and furniture made in Western countries. Address: 1077 Nagaokacho Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0004, Japan Tel: 028-643-0100 Fax: 028-643-0895
Website: http://u-moa.jp/
Japan Cup Cycle Road Race
The last Saturday and Sunday of October. The Japan Cup cycling road race (Around Shinrin Park) Men who want to win the cycling race come from all over the world to Utsunomiya. The Japan Cup is a road bicycle racing one-day event held each October in Japan since 1992. The Japan Cup is a popular and early season stop on the UCI Asia Tour and often includes several teams from the UCI ProTour. It is currently part of the UCI Asia Tour. There are hills and hollows for the racecourse, so both riders and viewers will be excited about this race. This is a fantastic event for cyclists around the world. Address: Fukuokamachi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0342, Japan Tel: 028-632-2736 / From Overseas +81-28-632-2736 Fax: 028-632-2740 / From Overseas +81-28-632-2740
Website: http://www.japancup.gr.jp/
Utsunomiya City (Utsunomiya-shi) Tourism Addresses and Links:
Ustunomiya City Hall, Commerce and Tourism Section Address: 1-1-5 Asahi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0818, Japan Tel:028-632-2437, 028-632-2436 Fax: 028-632-5420.
Website: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/kanko/index.html
Ustunomiya Commerce and Tourism Section English Info: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/dbps_data/_material_/localhost/sou…
Ustunomiya Convention & Visitors Bureau Address: 2F, 3-1-4 Chuo, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0806, Japan Tel: 028-632-2445 Fax: 028-636-7421
Ustunomiya Convention & Visitors Bureau Website: http://www.utsunomiya-cvb.org/en/
Guide to Industrial Locations in Tochigi: http://www.pref.tochigi.lg.jp/kogyo/english/index.html
Ustunomiya City Tourist Information Center in JR Utsunomiya Station Address: 1-23 Kawamuko-cho, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0964, Japan Tel:028-636-2177
JR Utsunomiya Station Website: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/stations/e248.html
Tochigi Prefecture tourism organizations Address: 1-1-20 Hanawada, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0027, Japan Tel: 028-623-3213 Fax: 028-623-3942
Website: http://www.tochigiji.or.jp/en-index.html
Utsunomiya City International Association Address: Utsunomiya Omotesando Square Bldg., 5th floor, 4-1-1 Babadori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0026, Japan Tel: 028-616-1870 Fax: 028-616-1871
E-mail: u…@ucia.or.jp
Website: http://www.ucia.or.jp/index_eng.html
Utsunomiya Chamber of Commerce and Industry Address: 3-1-4 Chuo, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0806, Japan Tel: 028-637-3131 Fax: 028-634-8694
Website: http://www.u-cci.or.jp/
Tochigi Industrial Promotion Center Address: 369-1 Karinuma-machi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-3224, Japan Tel: 028-670-2600 Fax: 028-670-2616
Website: http://www.tochigi-iin.or.jp/
Kanto Bus, Main Office(Central City Circulation Bus, Kibuna) KANTOU JIDOUSYA Co.,Ltd. Address: 3-5-6 Ekimaedori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0964, Japan Tel: 028-634-8131 Fax: 028-633-7351
Website: http://www.kantobus.co.jp/
Toya Kotsu Bus, Utsunomiya Sales Office Address: 19-8 Hiraidekogyodanchi, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0905, Japan Tel: 028-662-1080 Fax: 028-662-1113
Website: http://toya108.jp/index.php?id=5
JR Bus Kanto Utsunomiya Office Address: 2-4-20 Ichinosawa, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 320-0047, Japan Tel: 028-648-0489
Website: http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/office/utsunomiya.html
Utsunomiya Station Bus (Yuppi bus service) Address: 3-2-5 Ekimaedori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0964, Japan Tel: 028-632-6110
Website: http://www.city.utsunomiya.tochigi.jp/kotsu/buskotsu/004624.html
