The encircling areas of Tokyo supply loads of selection in relation to day journeys from the capital. Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama all have nice locations inside 60-90 minutes travelling distance and Ibaraki prefecture (notably Tsukuba metropolis) is definitely simply 45 minutes from Akihabara. What to do although whenever you really feel you’ve coated a lot of what these prefectures supply? The reply is Tochigi. Nikko is probably the most well-known attraction after which there’s Kinugawa Onsen too. Important metropolis Utsunomiya is legendary for its gyoza dumplings however this record, in no explicit order, is all concerning the much less well-known sights within the area.
1. Pyramid Onsen, Nasushiobara.
The inexperienced bushes surrounding this constructing clearly reveals you haven’t slipped right into a portal and been transported to historic (and even trendy) Egypt. You possibly can really keep at this old-style scorching spring as 30 rooms can be found for visitors. Extra particulars right here
2. Oya Kannon & Oya Historical past Museum, Utsunomiya.
It is vitally uncommon to seek out an inland city constructed on a mountain of stone as they’re normally discovered on the coastlines and valleys of Japan brought on by earthquakes or volcanoes. That’s not the case although for this Tochigi-town within the north-west of Utsunomiya which is the guts of Oya stone manufacturing quarried completely on this space. Two sights in a single space as there’s the 27 metre excessive Heiwa Kannon Statue and a beautiful museum. Extra particulars right here
3. Nasu Conflict Museum, Nasu.
Teddy bears, hashish, stained glass, basic vehicles, trick-art and toys are only a few eclectic examples of what could be seen in specialist museums on this fashionable getaway vacation spot. There may be additionally what’s billed as the one battle museum in Japan the place the reveals are mainly one man’s private assortment. Extra particulars right here
4. Tobu World Sq., Kinugawaonsen Ohara.
Japanese folks appear to at all times giggle after I point out this place. They could not regard it too extremely which is a disgrace because the work which has gone into these scaled down fashions of the unique world wonders is unbelievable and deserves appreciation. Extra particulars right here
5. Miroku Daikannon, Nasu.
A big 23 metre excessive pale mint inexperienced kannon statue fabricated from copper. This was constructed by non secular company Miracle Love as a result of it’s……await it…… “the land of geothermal power for purification of the evil of mankind.” Nope, I’ve not bought a clue both! Extra particulars right here
6. Osaki Jinja Shrine, Mōka.
Ebisu; one of many seven fortunate gods is the god of fishermen, love and financial fortune. This shrine was really well-known for a collection of circumstances just a few years again the place the individual praying for cash right here has then gone on to win some sort of lottery. The 20 metre excessive statue of Ebisu with a koi carp in a single hand and his rod within the different is a unusual sight. Extra particulars right here
7. Shin Meidaijingu Shrine, Nasu.
This gigantic golden god statue is hidden away and positioned a 20 minute stroll away from the principle avenue of Nasu! Go around the again of the statue and it’s attainable to go inside the place a carry goes as much as a few flooring. One shows some reveals and the opposite is a video room with an outer door taking you to an altar and subsequent to that may be a small staircase that goes as much as the highest of that rock-face behind the golden determine. Extra particulars right here
7. Nasu Masks Museum, Nasu.
This place has very a lot closed down because the proprietor was very outdated. Climb by way of the overgrowth and beneath a bit of rope and you’ll attain the doorway although! It’s not simply masks however numerous tin lids have been used to make robots and different decorations. A really quirky sight which has simply been left deserted. Extra particulars right here
9. Mōka Station, Mōka.
The station that appears like a prepare is a big 4-storey constructing and just a little overwhelming for such a small metropolis within the coronary heart of a strawberry-producing area. The constructing contains an remark deck on the fourth ground and a neighborhood data centre on the bottom ground. Preserved locomotives are exhibited each inside and outdoors the station, and on weekends the road operates a service for vacationers utilizing C11 and C12 class steam locomotives. Extra particulars right here
10. Saimyoji, Mashiko.
A small complicated that includes about half a dozen buildings (in addition to all the standard temple fixtures and fittings reminiscent of stone lanterns, statues and so forth) with probably the most distinguished and symbolic one being the three storied pagoda which was constructed within the sixteenth century by Mashiko Iemune and it’s a mixture of Chinese language (third ground) and Japanese (floor ground) kinds. Enmado; the corridor that was inbuilt 1714 after which rebuilt in 1743 is a formidable sight with its easy wood construction and thatched roof. Extra particulars right here
Bonus: Tochigi Inexperienced Stadium, Utsunomiya.
It’s custom to incorporate a soccer stadium because the bonus for such listings posts as I’m at all times eager to advertise dwell sport. There’s a free shuttle bus from Utsunomiya station on match days. This can be a rectangular formed floor which is the house of J2 aspect Tochigi SC. Extra particulars right here
Click on right here to learn ‘TF Prime 10……Different Sights In Saitama Prefecture’
Click on right here to learn ‘A Day In Utsunomiya (Tochigi Prefecture)’
Click on right here to learn ‘Prime 10 Day Journeys Past Kanagawa, Saitama & Chiba’
Click on right here to learn ‘Tokyo Daytripper: An Deserted Masks Museum, A Tiger Bus, A Santa Store & A Cheese Backyard!’
