2026 Moka Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

A one-day travel plan to explore Moka City in Tochigi Prefecture! 📍Chaya Amamaki A famous pizza restaurant nestled in the mountains Address: 1234 Kamiooba, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, JP 321-4212 🕰️ Hours: 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays Since the hours are limited, visiting early is recommended! Their pizza crust is crispy and absolutely delicious 😋 📍Ninpei Antique Furniture Store Address: 1095 Aramachi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, JP 321-4305 🕰️ Hours: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Closed on Thursdays A shop where you can purchase antique furniture at better prices than in urban areas The store's atmosphere is also very charming 📍Pejite Address: 973-6 Mashiko, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, JP 321-4217 🕰️ Hours: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Closed on Thursdays A spacious store with a modern Japanese vibe, showcasing works by various ceramic artists Some apparel items are also available 📍Utsunomiya Minmin 🕰️ Hours: 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Closed on Tuesdays When it comes to Utsunomiya gyoza, this is the place to go Be prepared to wait in line, but it's worth it! Enjoy light and crispy pan-fried gyoza and chewy boiled dumplings Moka City and Mashiko Town in Tochigi Prefecture are about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo Definitely give it a visit!

Sisters! When you visit Japan in summer, you absolutely cannot miss the insanely romantic fireworks festivals! 😍 Here’s a roundup of 7 must-visit massive fireworks events in July and August this year, each with over 20,000 fireworks! 💥 Quickly mark your calendar and plan your trip! 1️⃣ 【Hokkaido】Makomanai Fireworks Festival - Sapporo’s summer peak! · 📅 Date: 2025.7.12 | ⏰ Time: 19:50~20:50 · 💥 Scale: A whopping 22,000 fireworks! A visual feast! · Location: Sapporo Makomanai Park Stadium (Minami-ku, Sapporo) · 🚇 Transport: Makomanai Station on the Namboku Subway Line, about a 30-minute walk~ 2️⃣ 【Tochigi Prefecture】Moka Summer Festival Fireworks - Festival vibes at their peak! · 📅 Date: 2025.7.26 | ⏰ Time: Starts at 19:30 · 💥 Scale: About 20,000 fireworks! Super lively! · Location: Moka City Hall East Parking Lot (Aramachi 5191) · 🚇 Transport: Get off at Moka Station on the Moka Railway, just a 15-minute walk, super convenient! 3️⃣ 【Tokyo】Sumida River Fireworks Festival - Tokyo’s summer tradition! A classic must-see! · 📅 Date: 2025.7.26 | ⏰ Time: 19:00 · 💥 Scale: About 20,000 fireworks! Lighting up the Tokyo sky! · Location: Two venues (Under Sakurabashi to above Kototoibashi / Under Komagatabashi to above Umayabashi) · 🚇 Transport: Accessible from Asakusa, Oshiage, Skytree, Ryogoku, Kuramae stations depending on which venue you choose~ (Expect huge crowds, get there early to secure your spot!) 4️⃣ 【Tochigi Prefecture】Ashikaga Fireworks Festival - A romantic riverside date spot! · 📅 Date: 2025.8.2 | ⏰ Time: 19:15~20:50 · 💥 Scale: About 20,000 fireworks! Stunningly beautiful! · Location: Watarase Riverbank (Downstream of Tanakabashi Sports Park) · 🚇 Transport: 5-minute walk from JR Ashikaga Station / 10-minute walk from Tobu Ashikagashi Station, super close! 5️⃣ 【Chiba Prefecture】Makuhari Beach Fireworks Festival - Beach fireworks! Amazing atmosphere! 🌊 · 📅 Date: 2025.8.2 | ⏰ Time: 19:30~20:30 · 💥 Scale: About 20,000 fireworks! Sea breeze + fireworks = perfect! · Location: Makuhari Seaside Park (Mihama Ward, Chiba City) · 🚇 Transport: JR Kaihin-Makuhari Station, 15-20 minute walk to the beach~ 6️⃣ 【Kanagawa】Minato Mirai Smart Festival - City nightscape + fireworks! Super stylish! 🌃 · 📅 Date: 2025.8.4 | ⏰ Time: Starts at 19:30 · 💥 Scale: About 20,000 fireworks! Bursting between skyscrapers! · Location: Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 area (Rinko Park, piers, etc.) · 🚇 Transport: Minato Mirai Line stations (Shin-Takashima, Minato Mirai) or Sakuragicho, Yokohama stations, 10-20 minute walk, super convenient for dining and strolling! 7️⃣ 【Yamanashi Prefecture】Shinmei Fireworks Festival - Stunning echoes in the valley! · 📅 Date: 2025.8.7 | ⏰ Time: Starts at 19:15 · 💥 Scale: About 20,000 fireworks! Romantic by the Fuefuki River~ · Location: Fuefuki Riverbank (Downstream of Sangun Bridge) · 🚇 Transport: 10-minute walk from JR Ichikawa-Daimon Station to the riverside! 💡 Tips: People! So! Many! 👫👬👭 Remember to check transport and seating info in advance, and get there early! Check the official website for the latest times and locations; bad weather may cause rescheduling. Bring picnic mats, snacks, water, and wear your beautiful yukata 👘 for an amazing atmosphere! This summer, bring your most important people and watch an unforgettable fireworks show! 🎇✨ Let’s go!!

This shrine is located in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, about a 10-minute walk from Moka Railway's Kugeda Station. According to the shrine's records, it is said that the deity was divided from Miyajima in Aki and enshrined in the current Koikegafuchi in the 2nd year of Daiei (1522). It is believed that washing money with the sacred water from the waterfall, which springs from deep underground beneath the main shrine, will increase financial luck, bring prosperity in business, and even heal illnesses. 📍 Be careful as the road in front of the shrine is narrow. 📍 The first parking lot next to the shrine is small. 📍 There are three parking lots available. For more detailed information, please check the website or Instagram.

Right next to the loud and crowded street of Dotonbori, just a few steps away from the neon signs and endless stream of tourists, Hozenji Temple is hidden away in a tiny nook on an intersecting alley. It's easily overlooked amid the whirlwind of lights and commotion. The temple is quite small, almost miniature compared to other Japanese shrines, but that is exactly where its main charm lies. It feels as though it got lost among the modern buildings, yet it has perfectly preserved its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Admission to the temple is free. For those who collect temple seals, you can purchase a goshuin—a traditional souvenir featuring calligraphy and the temple's official seal, which serves as a beautiful memento of this cozy spot. Hozenji Temple is the perfect place for a quick stop, where you can briefly forget that you are in the very center of a bustling city and simply enjoy a moment of silence and harmony. Address: 1 Chome-2-16 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka

🍓 Highlights & Recommendations for Twins Farm Moka Strawberry Farm Indulge in authentic, exquisite strawberries at this incredibly satisfying farm that will fill both your stomach and your heart! Fun Strawberry Tasting!: Enjoy the luxury of tasting and comparing several varieties of fresh, juicy strawberries, including the classic "Tochiaika" and rare varieties like "Royal Queen" and "Yotsuboshi". Great for Families with Kids: The clean, barrier-free greenhouses make it super easy to navigate with a stroller. Plus, there's a sports park with a large playground right next door, making it the perfect spot for an active, fun-filled day out! 📍 Address: 2436-1 Kobayashi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture 🗺️ Access: [By Car] About a 15-minute drive from the Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway🚗 (Free parking available, making it a great pit stop for a road trip!) [By Train] About a 10-minute taxi ride from Moka Station on the Moka Railway

Visited "Michi-no-Eki Ninomiya" in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture🚙💨 It's a roadside station along National Route 294😁 Speaking of Moka City... It's a place closely associated with Ninomiya Sontoku‼️ Of course, there was a bronze statue of "Ninomiya Kinjiro"😁 Inside, you'll find local vegetables and fruits (like Moka-grown melons🍈), a bakery with freshly baked bread🍞, and more😁 Given their status as Japan's No. 1 strawberry producer‼️, there was an impressive lineup of strawberry sweets that make perfect souvenirs💦 What really caught my eye among them was the "Strawberry Curry🍛" It's apparently exclusive to Michi-no-Eki Ninomiya😅 Strawberries in curry⁉️ I can't even begin to imagine how that tastes😅 I didn't quite have the guts to try it, so I passed on buying it💦 It seems you can order it at the dining area in the back of the store🍴 If you're curious, definitely give it a go‼️ Craving something sweet...😅 I spotted a gelato shop right at the entrance, so I treated myself to some😃✌ They had a massive variety of just strawberry gelato alone‼️ I went with the "Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake" flavor✌ You can get it in a cup or a cone❣️ It had a rich strawberry🍓 flavor perfectly balanced with a distinct cheesecake taste. So incredibly delicious😋 Probably because it's been getting warmer lately... There were quite a few people enjoying some gelato😁 Someday, I hope to gather the courage and take on that "Strawberry Curry🍛"😅

The 2026 Jingtou Park Rose Festival will be held from May 9 to May 31, 2026, at the Rose Garden in Jingtou Park, Tochigi Prefecture, in the Kanto region. During the event, the park is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The 4,200-square-meter rose garden will be filled with vibrant and fragrant roses, creating a feast for both the eyes and the nose for visitors. A highlight of this festival is the "Special Shop," where visitors can purchase rose seedlings and enjoy food and drinks supplied directly by local farmers and flower markets. This offers a unique opportunity for visitors to take home the beauty of the festival while savoring local flavors. The event attracts a large number of visitors from both inside and outside Tochigi Prefecture and is a lively gathering for rose enthusiasts and families. Participants can immerse themselves in the stunning rose scenery, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, and experience the charm of seasonal flowers. The festival provides an unforgettable venue for photography, leisurely strolls, and connecting with nature. If you love flower exhibitions and local culture, consider visiting Jingtou Park during the Rose Festival for a delightful spring outing.

The Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in early April. Roughly 200 Yoshino cherry trees burst into vibrant bloom, beautifully framing both banks of the river. During the festival, paper lanterns are illuminated, casting a magical reflection of the night cherry blossoms on the water's surface. The lit-up cherry blossoms at night are an absolute must-see. Basic Information Address 4172-1 Daimachi, Moka City (Along the Gyoya River) Access Approx. 10-minute walk from Moka Station (Moka Railway) Approx. 10 minutes from Moka IC (Kita-Kanto Expressway) Contact: Moka City Tourism Association 0285-82-2012 Facilities Parking lot and public restrooms available Parking Adjacent... 8 spaces (Free) Kubo Memorial Tourism and Culture Exchange Center / Moka Cotton Hall Shared Parking Lot: 5-minute walk 20 spaces (Free)

#hellohalloween If you’re looking for a relaxing autumn stroll surrounded by nature, Igashira Park in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture is a hidden gem. This expansive park is massive—about 20 times the size of the Tokyo Dome! In autumn, the trees slowly turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, making it a perfect destination for leaf-peeping and casual walks. One of the highlights? It’s a haven for birdwatchers! The park is known as a wild bird sanctuary, with many species visiting throughout the year. Whether you’re into photography or simply want to enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, this place offers a refreshing break from city life. The spacious walking paths, quiet atmosphere, and beautiful seasonal colors make it an ideal spot for a laid-back afternoon in the fall. 📍Igashira Park, Moka, Tochigi #AutumnVibes #HiddenJapan #NatureWalk #BirdWatching #TochigiTrip

💞Recommended reason: The fantastic view will warm your heart.

Located in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, known as the "Strawberry Town," Roadside Station Ninomiya is one of Japan's leading roadside stations focused on strawberries. The biggest draw of this roadside station is the abundance of fresh, high-quality Tochigi strawberries available year-round (especially during peak season), and the delicious original sweets made with these strawberries that draw many visitors. 🍓 The facility boasts a "Strawberry Information Center" introducing the history and varieties of Tochigi strawberries, as well as a "Strawberry Exhibition Greenhouse" showcasing various varieties during the season. The love for strawberries is overwhelming. In winter, bright red, sweet strawberries such as "Tochiotome" and "Tochihime" are sold at bargain prices, and their high quality has been praised by word of mouth as "outstanding quality." 👏 In addition, the sweets workshop's "Strawberry Premium Roll Cake," "Strawberry Gelato," and "Strawberry Cream Puffs" are so popular that lines often form before the store even opens. The roll cake, in particular, is so full of strawberries that it draws gasps of surprise! In addition to strawberries, the farm stand also offers fresh, locally grown vegetables and local specialties, and you can enjoy a meal in the food court. The roadside station's unique menu has also featured unexpected combinations, such as "strawberry curry." This roadside station is a delight, offering new discoveries every time you visit. 📍Address: 2204-1 Kugeta, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-4521 🕰️Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (may vary seasonally) Closed: Third Tuesday of each month (closed the following day if it falls on a public holiday), New Year's holiday (December 31st - January 2nd). #0YenTravel2025Autumn

Today, June 29th, 2025, is a very lucky day for financial luck, as it is the overlapping of three auspicious days: "Kimi no Hi", "Ichiri Manbai Hi", and "Dai Ashita". The super lucky action on this day is to visit a shrine that worships Benzaiten or a snake. If you want to maximize your benefits, be sure to visit. Also, if you visit a shrine that worships Benzaiten or wash your money at Zeniarai Benten on these days, your financial luck will skyrocket. I recommend going to Zeniarai Benten on a day when your financial luck is likely to increase (*^^*) The last time I went, there was no incense burner, but this time there was incense burning! I washed my money after purifying myself! For this Benzaiten item, don't use the washed money, but keep it in your wallet! You might get a boost in financial luck☺️#WhiteSnakeBenzaiten #TochigiTourism #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

Every year, I visit the shrine where Japan's greatest god Ebisu is located for the first time in the New Year.

#aprilblooms The main temple of the Shinshu Takada School, Senju-ji Temple, is a historic temple founded by Shinran Saint, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect. It is called "Takada Honzan" with familiarity. Located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, there are many national treasures and important cultural properties in the vast precincts. The Mieido Hall and Nyoraido Hall, which are designated as national treasures, are particularly the masterpieces. The Mieido is a huge wooden building that was rebuilt in 1666, and is the size of the top five in the country among the national treasure wooden buildings. A wooden statue of Saint Shinran is enshrined, and when you step into the hall, you will be captivated by the golden pillars, peony sculptures, and gorgeous ceiling paintings. There is a luxurious yet majestic atmosphere, so that the heart can be washed.

Moka Station 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 A station on the Moka Railway Moka Line. If you look closely, you'll notice that the building is designed in the style of a steam locomotive. Nearby is the SL Kyuroku Museum, which displays the 9600-type steam locomotive "Kyuroku" and the old passenger car "Suhafu 44." If you're a train lover, this is the place to get excited. There is also a community bus that circulates around the city center, starting from Moka Station. It's called the "Strawberry Bus" and is wrapped in a cute design. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥLocation: Moka Station ꕥAddress: Daimachi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏 Wakabayashi entrance → approx. 21 minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #Moka city #sl

Moritetsu Shrine 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 A shrine located in front of Moka Station. When the Moka Line was constructed, the shrines to Kumano Gongen, Inari Myojin, and Hachimangu, which were on the railway premises, were demolished and rebuilt. It is now believed to be the guardian deity of the railway. A fine wisteria has been planted next to the shrine. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Moritetsusha ꕥAddress: Daimachi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏 Wakabayashi entrance → approx. 21 minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #Moka city #shrine #shrine tour

📍【Tochigi】 / Cherry blossoms in full bloom and a cute bridge⸝⋆⸝⋆ \ Mooka Ten Thousand Cherry Blossom Festival~ The green bridge is cute☺️🌸 As it is a waterside park, carp are swimming and there is a spring-like scenery There is a row of cherry trees and a promenade, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure. How about a cherry blossom viewing spot next year? ◌◍┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⿻*.· 🏡-𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠- 𖠿: Gyōyagawa Waterside Park 〠: Daimachi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢/2024.04 🅿︎Available ⿻*.· ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈◌◍ #Sakura2024

Born in 1912, the Moka Railway is Japan's first regional railway. Many railway enthusiasts flock to see the steam locomotive that still runs in its original form from a century ago. As a small railway that connects Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures, it remains an active part of local residents' lives to this day. However, what really puts the small city of Moka in southern Tochigi Prefecture in the spotlight is the annual cherry blossom festival held each spring. During the festival, not only is there about a kilometer of cherry trees adorning the area around Kita-Moka Station, but there are also fields of rapeseed flowers that elevate the scenery. This street, known as SL, Cherry Blossom, and Rapeseed Flower Street, presents a spring tableau with a yellow carpet of rapeseed fields and cherry blossoms as the backdrop. The sight of the SL train slowly passing by, creating a fleeting yet enchanting scene, is not only moving but also a must-capture subject for photography enthusiasts at least once in their lifetime. Moka Station (Moka Eki) Address: 908-10 Kumakura-cho, Moka-shi, Tochigi-ken

The shrine is surrounded by a pond, and as you enter the sacred area, you will see not lion dogs but lion snakes🐍⁉️ in proper harmony. Long ago, in a grove of trees🌳, it is said that there were two white snakes that would appear when something good or bad happened. At the back, there is holy water that springs from underground. It is said that the water increases financial luck, so worshippers visit the shrine to receive this blessing. The very long-handled sieve used to purify money is very impressive! ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: White Snake Benzaiten ꕥAddress: 2-63 Kugeta Nishi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚉Kugeda Station →🚶♀️About 7 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #besttrip2023 #White Snake God #Shrine tour #Shrines and temples #Improve your luck with money

Omae Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture. When you enter the shrine grounds, the overwhelmingly eye-catching sight is the statue of Ebisu, said to be the best in Japan. At Omae Ebisu Shrine, the young shrine of Omae Shrine, you will find a large statue of Ebisu! By visiting this shrine, not only will you be granted financial luck, you can also draw holy water! In particular, by placing something important in the golden kettle and ringing the bell 🛎, it is said that you can receive the divine blessings of Ebisu☺️ There have even been reports of people winning large amounts in the lottery! The dragon🐉🐉 sculpture on the main shrine is also amazing🙏 ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Omae Shrine ꕥAddress: 943 Togo, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚉Kita Moka Station →🚶♀️About 15 minutes walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #besttrip2023 #Shrines and temples #Shrines touring #Tourist spots #Improve your luck with money

#freehotelstay

The day I went on a day trip to Tochigi happened to be the day of the fireworks festival, so I went there 😇 According to advance information, about 250,000 people would visit, but it wasn't as crowded as I thought, and I was able to see the fireworks beautifully even without paying for a seat!!! What surprised me was that there were people carrying the mikoshi during the fireworks festival, and surprisingly many people were looking at the mikoshi 👀 I haven't been to many festivals where mikoshi are carried, so it was fun to see them up close 🏮 The fireworks didn't go up at the same time, but instead went up alternately on the left and right, so I felt a little disappointed, but it was beautiful because I could see them without being blocked by tall buildings 🤤 There were also many stalls, so I'd like to go at a time when I can enjoy the festival next year 🥳 ---- 📍Where to see the fireworks East side of Moka City Hall, Gogyo River 👣 Moka Railway 15 minutes walk from the east exit of Moka Station 🎆Fireworks display time 19:30-21:00 🚗Parking lot 4,000 free spaces. · You can see information on available and full spaces on the official website!!! It is unclear what will happen next year, but please check the official website. · --- #TochigiTourism #MokaCity #FireworksDisplay #Festival #Fireworks #Tochigi #777

It's a cheerful and rare railway that runs once an hour. Passengers were happy to wait for more than 20 minutes. You can pay the fare either in advance or after the ride. But Suica doesn't work there. The problem is that you need cash. Even if you want to exchange money, the convenience store is a bit far from Shimodate Station, where the train departs. The New Diary in front of the station is mysteriously only open in the morning. Oh, there was a Daily Yamazaki, and it was a nice store that was above average. They didn't sell alcohol though (lol)

Wow, I was shocked to see a D51 outside of Yamaguchi. Its appearance is overwhelming. It looks like it has been in service for a long time, so I imagine it must be pretty crazy on weekends. Even the station platform has that motif. I've been living in Kanto for two years, but I never thought there would be a town like this. The feel of the town is just like that, and by the way, the Mooka Railway only accepts cash, so if you're brave enough to take the train, don't forget to stock up on Soseki-sensei. It takes a while to get change for Ichiyo-san or Yukichi-san (lol).

The weather is cool, it's comfortable to sleep, it's just the right amount of cold, the food is delicious, it's perfect for relaxing, whether you come as a group or alone, it's soooooo awesome. #TravelingAbroad #SleepingChillAtBeautifulAccommodation

travelling is the best medicine😘 #happynewyear