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

I went to the Oasis Poppokan in Shimotsuke City Tourist Information Center, which is right outside Koganei Station in Tochigi Prefecture! It's collaborating with the anime Sakura no Chikai, and there were lots of autographs and merchandise on display! They also had related merchandise for sale. It also still functions as a tourist information center, offering bicycle rentals and free materials! #freespot

I visited "Yakushiji Hachimangu" in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture‼️ I heard this shrine is also known as "Yakushiji-go Chinju Hachimangu"😁 It's right next to the ruins of Shimotsuke Yakushiji, with Raiden Shrine situated right beside it. As I passed through the torii gate, I saw stone lanterns lining both sides of the path leading all the way to the worship hall... I couldn't help but let out a "Wow~‼️"😅 It has such a sacred vibe, truly a breathtaking approach‼️ "Yakushiji Hachimangu" is... Apparently registered as a Designated Tangible Cultural Property of Tochigi Prefecture😁 Founded around 875, this is one of the most prestigious and historic shrines in Shimotsuke City‼️ Such a historic shrine⛩️, right‼️ You can really feel the history of how deeply the locals have cherished it over the years😁 Walking further down the path, a magnificent main shrine building stood with an incredible presence✨ It was so striking that my immediate thought was "Amazing‼️"💦 The shrine building is painted black, which makes for a very rare exterior😁 When you think of shrines, red or natural wood colors usually come to mind😅 The black-painted shrine building exudes a massive, profound weightiness‼️ It's absolutely breathtaking❣️ Surrounded by nature and enveloped in a sacred atmosphere, I had such a precious time there❣️ "Raiden Shrine" is right next door...😁 And of course‼️ I paid my respects there as well😃✌

I took a trip to visit "Shimotsuke Yakushiji Temple" in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture 🚙💨 Founded in 680‼️ It's a temple with quite a rich history‼️ To distinguish it from the Yakushiji Temple in Nara, which was built around the same time, the one in Shimotsuke Province is called "Shimotsuke Yakushiji." 😁 In 1339, Takauji Ashikaga renamed it Ankokuji‼️ Following a major restoration in 2017 (the Heisei Great Repair) that included the main hall, temple gate, monks' quarters, the principal image, and the Buddhist statues, the temple's original name, Shimotsuke Yakushiji, was restored in 2018. 😁 I was totally blown away by the majestic presence of the main hall‼️ Inside, the "Nade Yakushi Nyorai" was seated imposingly. 😁 According to the chief priest... It is said that rubbing the Buddha statue will heal whatever ails you‼️ I immediately took the opportunity to give the Buddha a respectful rub myself. 🛐 There’s also a bamboo grove on the grounds, where the breeze felt amazing❣️ I also spotted the "Shimotsuke Yakushiji Temple Ruins." 😁 I had such a peaceful and relaxing time at this historic temple❣️

I took a drive 🚙💨 down to Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, to visit the Shimotsuke Hoshinomiya Shrine. Also known as the "Totoro Shrine," it's a beloved local spot deeply cherished by the community ⛩️😁 I was actually a bit surprised to spot Totoro right by the shrine's entrance 👀‼️ This massive Totoro statue was originally built for a local scarecrow festival, but it stuck around and now greets everyone who visits ❣️ When I was there 🚙💨, a few other people had also come to pay their respects 😁 It's a bit of a trek from the nearest train station 💦 Surrounded by nothing but endless rural fields ‼️ Yet, it’s so well-loved that locals still make the trip out here to pray 😁 Inside the shrine grounds, I also found *Yumefukujin* (the God of Dream Fortune) 😁 *Yumefukujin* is said to be the incarnation of a *baku* (a mythical tapir) that devours bad dreams and misfortune, bringing good dreams and happiness instead. Between Totoro and *Yumefukujin*... I’d say this shrine is packed with blessings sure to bring you lots of happiness 🍀‼️ Tucked away in the back of the grounds is the *Asunaro Ryujin Mihashira* (Sacred Pillar of the Asunaro Dragon God) 😁 The tradition here is to tie a wooden wishing plaque and a "wish-granting string" to the pillar. It’s said that when the string naturally unties itself, your wish will come true. The vibe here shifts into a truly mystical atmosphere, and plenty of people had left their wishes behind. Shimotsuke Hoshinomiya Shrine is an incredible spot surrounded by peaceful countryside ‼️ Why not take a break from your busy daily life and stop by to recharge your spiritual energy?

I visited "Shimotsuke Yakuyoke Daishi" located in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture🚙💨 The official name of Shimotsuke Yakuyoke Daishi is "Jieizan Kezoji"‼️ It's a temple of the Shingon sect😁 It's a historic temple founded back in 1282‼️ In 1334, it became the main prayer site for the lord of Koyama Castle, serving as a central place of worship for the local area throughout its history‼️ Also... They are apparently involved in cat rescue activities, establishing a "Nyan-nyan Hall" on the grounds where many cats live, and even offering cat god goshuin (temple stamps)😁 That explains it‼️ While taking a stroll around the temple grounds, I could hear cats meowing from somewhere😸 Along the road at the entrance to the parking lot, there were red and white "Maneki-neko" (beckoning cats)😸... I was wondering why there were beckoning cats there⁉️😅 Now I know it's because they run cat rescue activities and truly cherish cats😁 It makes total sense‼️ They also provide memorial services for pets and offer amulets to pray for pet safety😁 Hydrangeas were blooming on the grounds, and I felt so incredibly peaceful after my visit😁

I visited "Michi-no-Eki Shimotsuke" located in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture🚙💨 The location is along New Route 4❗ I visited in the afternoon🚙💨 but... The parking lot was pretty packed with cars🚙😅 I barely managed to park my car🚙💦 Inside the store, freshly picked local vegetables🌽 and souvenirs are lined up‼️ At this time of year, it's definitely got to be "corn🌽"❣️ When you think of Tochigi, "Lemon Milk" is famous, right😁 Not only do they have the actual Lemon Milk‼️ There are lots of sweets from the Lemon Milk series, making it fun just to look around🤣 Perfect for Tochigi souvenirs😍💓💓 Kanaya Hotel Bakery was selling cookies and bread🍞, but the bread was almost sold out💦 There's also a factory-direct sale of senbei🍘, where you can buy delicious-looking rice crackers at affordable prices😁 What caught my attention was... The exclusive Baumkuchen only available at "Michi-no-Eki Shimotsuke"‼️ It has a bit of a stylish vibe, and I thought it'd make a great souvenir for someone special😃✌ The freshly baked bakery🍞 inside the store‼️ Chewy textured "Tofu Donuts🍩"😋 They had 4 different flavors, and all of them looked delicious😁 Unfortunately... When I visited🚙💨, I was totally stuffed since it was right after lunch🍴😣💦 Next time I visit🚙💨, I absolutely want to buy and eat those "Tofu Donuts🍩"😃✌

Having lunch at "Restaurant Kurai" in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture☀️🍴 I came here quite a while ago, but suddenly had a craving for their "Offal Set Meal" and decided to visit🚙💨 I think it used to be called "Kurai Livestock" a long, long time ago... It was supposed to open at 11:00‼️ But... Even though I arrived at 10:50, there were already over 10 cars in the parking lot😅 Actually, it was already open💦 The restaurant has both table seating and tatami mat seating‼️ The tables were completely full🈵️ There were only a few tatami seats left😅 It felt like playing musical chairs to secure a spot👊✨ The only choice here is the "Offal Set Meal"‼️ I placed my order the moment I sat down🆗️‼️ Just a few minutes later, the "Offal Set Meal" arrived😁 The offal dish features various parts like liver and tongue, all richly seasoned‼️ This flavor is seriously addictive😁 There's a container of "garlic🧄" on the table, and dipping the offal in it to your liking makes it absolutely incredible~😍💓💓‼️ It really, truly is so addictive🤣 It was so delicious that I just kept eating in total silence😅 It's located right along National Route 4🚙💨 However, there are no signs or landmarks, making it pretty easy to miss😅 The building itself just looks like a regular house... Please be careful not to drive right past it🙇💦💦 Just in case, here's the address... 2438 Koganei, Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture

I'd heard of "Tenpyo no Oka Park" before, but I'd never actually been there... I found out it's a famous spot for cherry blossom🌸 viewing, so with the beautiful weather, we hit the road!🚙💨 Even though it was a weekday, there was quite a crowd‼️ The park was bustling with people enjoying the cherry blossoms🌸🍶✨—some brought their own bento boxes, while others munched on yakisoba and fried chicken from the food stalls.😁 The grounds of Tenpyo no Oka Park feature several historical sites... These include the Shimotsuke Kokubunji Temple Ruins (a temple built in 741 during the Nara period ), the Shimotsuke Kokubunji Nunnery Ruins, and the Shimotsuke Fudoki no Oka Museum‼️ I was especially looking forward to seeing the "Usuzumi Zakura" (Pale Ink Cherry Blossom), but the flowers🌸 were already gone, leaving only fresh green leaves.😭 It seems we were a little too late.😭 Such a bummer‼️ To lift our spirits, we took a quick break at a traditional Japanese house cafe.💦 I ordered a "Sakura🌸 Soda" at a shop called "10Picnic Tables" right next door.✌ Customers who buy something there can relax inside the traditional house‼️ Missing the Usuzumi Zakura was a shame, but sipping on a "Sakura🌸 Soda" while gazing at the other cherry blossoms🌸 made for a wonderful viewing experience❣️

#springtravel Really nice place. We were a little late, but still able to see yaezakura. We did not go around the entire park, buy it is really beautiful. There are many food stalls on the other side of the park. On the other side, there is a couple of restaurants - one I think is for take out and the other is where you can order and stay. There are some tables and chairs, and parasols nearby. There is also a vast field of dandelions to your left upon entering the park.

Domestic Travel Record Located in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture, this community park is owned by Shimotsuke City. The buildings are inspired by the German Lechtingen Town Hall, and in 1975, Shimotsuke City became a sister city with Steinbrücken Village in Germany, where the Grimm Brothers were born. Inside the park, you can find materials related to Germany and the Grimm Brothers, as well as Grimm's books and research papers. The park also hosts family-friendly concerts and storytelling events. During the Christmas season, local volunteers set up handmade illuminations. The venue features a gingerbread house inspired by 'Hansel and Gretel' and illuminations themed around 'Sleeping Beauty,' creating a magical atmosphere that is beloved by the locals. For more details, please check the website.

#DomesticTravelRecord Here is an introduction to recommended spots for eating around Tochigi ✈︎ ────⟢⋮✈︎ ────⟢⋮✈︎ ────⟢⋮✈︎ ─── ◼︎Matsugamine Coffee Building 103 Grimm's Forest This cafe is located in Grimm's Forest Park in Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture When you enter the forest from the parking lot, you will see a dome-shaped building on the other side that is modeled after the gingerbread house from the Grimm fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. ◼︎Wakatake no Mori Cafe&restaurant A cafe located in Wakatake no Mori Wakayama Farm in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture With the concept of "farm food made from local ingredients," the restaurant offers a menu that makes the most of the deliciousness of ingredients grown with care by people living near the farm · Nikko Kanaya Hotel The oldest existing resort hotel in Japan, located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture One of the signature dishes, the "Taisho Croquette," made using an old-fashioned recipe, is recommended An elegant croquette made with carefully prepared béchamel and fine breadcrumbs · Teppanyaki Valon About a 1-minute walk from Tobu Utsunomiya Station in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture A teppanyaki restaurant that grills Kuroge Wagyu beef delivered directly from the farm and fresh fish and vegetables purchased from Tsukiji in a spectacular manner · fudan cafe Fudan Cafe About a 15-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture A recommended cafe for breakfast from early morning until 10:30am There are more than 10 types of breakfast menu, from French toast to daily sandwiches and Japanese menu items · Steak House Juraku Main Branch A steakhouse in Nasu-machi, Tochigi Prefecture As it is a restaurant run by a butcher, you can enjoy Nasu brand wagyu beef at a reasonable price #Tochigi #TochigiTrip #TochigiTourism #TochigiCafe #Cafe #CafeHop #DomesticTrip #GirlsTrip #SoloTrip #TochigiGourmet #Gourmet #GourmetTrip

Shimotsuke Hoshimiya Shrine 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 In the second year of the Daido era (807), Asukai Gyobukyo, a descendant of Fujiwara no Kamatari no Kunitada, lived here as a pioneer, and called the area Miyauchi in the dry area of ​​Koyama-no-go, where he enshrined Iwasaki-no-kami and Nesaki-no-kami. A "golden mole" was discovered at this shrine in the past. In the precincts, there is a "Asunaro Dragon God Pillar" based on an ancient Japanese myth in which a mole wishes to become a dragon and fly in the sky. Currently, the mole is stuffed and displayed at the shrine office on Saturdays and Sundays. ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Shimotsuke Hoshimiya Shrine ꕥAddress: 1530 Shimofuruyama, Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture ꕥAccess: 🚌🚏 Wakabayashi entrance → approx. 21 minute walk ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #0 yen travel autumn #shrine #shrine tour #shrine worship

📍【Tochigi】 / Shimotsuke City Endless rows of cherry blossom trees ⸝⋆⸝⋆ \ In the grounds of Sugata River Amenity Park, cherry trees are planted along the river, and when they are in full bloom, you can see a wonderful view. It feels great to take a walk under the rows of cherry blossom trees early in the morning. There are also weeping cherry trees blooming on the road, so you can enjoy two types of cherry blossoms. ◌◍┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈⿻*.· 🏡-𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠- 𖠿: Sugata River Amenity Park 〠: 1119-1 Ishibashi, Shimotsuke City, Tochigi Prefecture 🅿︎Available 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢/2024.04 ⿻*.· ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈◌◍ #Sakura2024