Utsunomiya! Explore the city's must-see spots as well as the temples and shrines of Nikko, a World Heritage Site

Visit this well-known Japanese World Heritage Site; the magnificent carvings will take your breath away!

The Shrines and Temples of Nikko are registered as a World Heritage Site. The most famous of these is Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was built in 1617 by the second Tokugawa shogun, Hidetada, as the Toshogu Shrine. Later, during the Great Reconstruction of the Kan'ei Era by the third shogun, Iemitsu, it was rebuilt into the magnificent shrine complex seen today.

There are 55 buildings on the heavily wooded grounds, including 8 National Treasures and 34 National Important Cultural Properties. After passing through the stone torii gate, the first structure to come into view is the five-story pagoda on the left. The current pagoda was rebuilt in 1818 by Sakai Tadayuki. A central pillar added to increase earthquake resistance is visible within the first floor.

Cool water flows unceasingly from the drinking fountains found near the five-story pagoda.

After passing through admission, we enter through front gate and see the Shinkyusha (sacred stable).
The upper part of the building is decorated with richly colored carvings; eight carvings depicting monkeys satirize human life.

Discover the famous Three Monkeys; see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil! They are said to express childhood before we develop good judgement.

The dazzling Yomeimon Gate is a symbol of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. There are 508 carvings depicting historical anecdotes and children's games. This gate is also known as the “all-day gate” because a visitor will never be tired of looking at it.

The Karamon Gate, which appears beyond the Yomeimon Gate, was apparently only accessible to shoguns and daimyo of a certain rank (omemie) or higher during the Edo period, who were granted the right to have an audience with the shogun. Although it is generally closed, the gate is open for major festivals.

The Sleeping Cat on the eastern corridor from the main shrine to the rear shrine is said to have been created by the master craftsman Hidari Jingoro, who worked during the Edo period. This carving is said to have been inspired by “Nikko”—sunlight—as it depicts the cat napping in the sun surrounded by peonies.

Try your luck with the Three Monkey Fortune for 200 yen at the shrine office near the sacred stable. Since the fortune slip has been blessed, keep it safe and take it with you in your wallet or train pass case.

The inner guard house offers charms with designs based on the Three Monkeys. The cute miniature sculpture Three Monkeys charm (left) for 300 yen is popular as a charm for good health and as a souvenir of your visit to Nikko. The Three Monkeys charm featuring the three poses (see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) is 700 yen per charm. This great charm includes four wishes: good health, good luck to ward off evil, traffic safety, and academic success.

Wish for good luck and a good match from the deity Okuni-sama at one of the many lucky spots!

Said to have been founded by Shodo Shonin in the Nara period, this ancient shrine boasts a history of some 1200 years. The main deity enshrined here is Onamuchi-no-Mikoto , also known as Okuni-sama, and is worshipped as the god of matchmaking.

Found in front of the worship hall is the golden Good Luck Hare. The white hare that appears in the myth “White Hare of Inaba” in the Kojiki (An Account of Ancient Matters) is a sacred entity that connected Onamuchi-no-Mikoto and the Princess Yakami. A ball of lapis lazuli is held in its little paws.

The sacred tree known as Meoto-sugi (husband and wife cedar) stands near the hall of worship. And near this tree is a heart-shaped stand for tying fortunes.

The hall of worship and the main hall on the temple grounds can be visited free of charge, but an admission fee is required to visit the shrine garden beyond these. Many buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties can be found in the shrine garden, and you can offer your prayers at the closest point to the main hall.
The Daikokuden Hall is dedicated to Okuni-sama, so try waving one of the small mallets and wish for good luck.

We tried our hand at the good luck ring toss. Throw three rings; if even one lands right, you are sure to have good luck!

Three springs—wisdom, sake, and youth—appear from the Futara Reisen (sacred spring), found on the shrine grounds. It is said that drinking this water will bring you wisdom, youth, and cure any eye ailments.

Bring the cool, crisp sacred spring water to your lips and wish for rejuvenation. At the nearby rest area Azumaya, enjoy matcha and coffee made with this sacred spring water.

In one corner, we found a sacred tree passage where visitors can experience the power of a 550 year-old sacred tree. Go through the hollow part of the sacred tree and ring the bell to remove impurities and wish for a good match.

The Shinkyo Bridge, found at the entrance to the Nikko mountains, is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property that belongs to the Futarasan Shrine. On the grounds of the Shinkyo Bridge is the Bell of Good Match and the Nadeishi (petting stone) for making your dreams come true. We recommend visiting these lucky spots too.

Perfect for a weekend—enjoy picking strawberries and savor seasonal strawberry sweets!

This strawberry farm is located about a 30-minute drive from JR Utsunomiya Station. Selling strawberries to consumers during the harvest season from November to early May every year, the farm also offers strawberry picking (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only from the end of December to May).

The farm grows three varieties for picking—Tochiaika, Tochiotome, and Skyberry—and you can eat as many as you like for 30 minutes. Each variety is grown in raised beds in its own greenhouse, allowing visitors to enjoy picking them while standing.

Enjoy sweets made with abundant ripe strawberries at the attached cafe and sales counter. The Strawberry Soft Serve (left) is 850 yen and features a glass packed with juicy strawberries. The Luxurious Strawberry Parfait (right) for 1300 yen is an extravagant parfait featuring layers of homemade strawberry jam, sponge cake, whipped cream, and Tochiaika Rare Cheese ice cream.

Enjoy sweet and sour strawberry sweets at the cafe. On sunny days, we also recommend relaxing on the terrace seats.

The sales counter sells freshly picked strawberries as well as original goods such as jams and dressings.
The cafe is open all year round. Depending on the season, sweets featuring seasonal fruits such as peaches and Shine Muscat grapes are also available. Enjoy fresh, Utsunomiya-grown flavors.

The guardian deity of Utsunomiya, affectionately known as Futaara-san

Located almost in the center of Utsunomiya, Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine is a historic shrine built around 1600 years ago. It enshrines Toyokiirihiko-no-Mikoto, the founder of Utsunomiya. As the prefecture's only Myojin Taisha shrine, it is affectionately known as Omyojin-sama and Futaara-san.

The large torii gate rises above Utsunomiya's main street. Visitors must climb 95 stone steps to the grounds. The grounds are surrounded by lush greenery, so much so that you will forget you are in the middle of the city. There is a chozuya (purification fountain) near the shrine gate, so make sure to cleanse your hands before visiting.

The current shrine building was rebuilt over a span from the early Meiji period to the Taisho period, and it is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Tochigi Prefecture.

Enshrined here is the deity Toyokiirihiko-no-Mikoto, who is said to be the god of development that opened the eastern part of Japan. He is also revered as a god of victory in battle due to his military virtue. The shrine is visited by many worshippers because of the wide range of blessings it offers, including good fortune in competitions, career advancement, good luck, and protection from evil.

The fun omikuji fortunes at the shrine are also a must-see. The Happy Gyoza Fortune for 300 yen is a unique fortune that you draw from a frying pan with chopsticks.

This is the Kibuna Fortune for 500 yen. It is in the shape of a Kibuna yellow carp, a traditional local toy from Utsunomiya. Catch one with a traditional paper scoop.

In addition to the main shrine, there are 12 auxiliary and subordinate shrines on the grounds. The ability to pray to so many gods makes this an appealing place to visit. The lush grounds are covered with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Visit the shrine and feel its spiritual power.

Learn about the Lightline and see the future of Utsunomiya!

Have you heard about the Haga-Utsunomiya Light Rail (Lightline) that opened in August 2023? This next-generation light rail transit system (LRT) connects the East Exit of Utsunomiya Station with the Haga Takanezawa Industrial Park, covering a total distance of approximately 14.6 km in approximately 44 minutes. It was the first new tram system built in Japan in 75 years.
Utsunomiya Open Square is a spot where you can learn about Utsunomiya's city planning, including the Lightline.

The Utsunomiya Route Map lets visitors add things they wish existed along the Lightline, as well as spots they recommend other people visit. Lots of unique illustrations color the areas along the line.

There was a luminous and exquisite diorama on display from the venue of the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo Regional Revitalization SDGs Festival.

Visitors can have fun while learning about the mechanisms behind carbon-free transportation running on 100% renewable energy.

In addition to the current line on the east side of JR Utsunomiya Station, the Lightline is scheduled to be extended to the west side the station by March 2036. There is also a space for visitors to write their hopes and thoughts on cards and attach them to a panel.

The bench in the shape of a Lightline car is very popular spot with children. Visitors can even take commemorative photos wearing conductor hats.

Original goods are on sale at the shop area. The vivid yellow Zipper Coin Case (Side) is 660 yen. The LRT Soft Mascot for 600 yen makes a beeping sound when pressed.
The Lightline departs from and arrives at the Utsunomiya Station East stop. Jump on one of the stylish yellow cars and take a trip around the city.

This popular chain of restaurants normally has customers lining up out the door; enjoy Utsunomiya gyoza at this location on the hotel floor!

The Hotel Mets location is operated directly by Utsunomiya Minmin, which first opened in 1958. Utsunomiya Minmin's main location is famous as a long-established restaurant offering Utsunomiya gyoza, with a line constantly out the door. But visitors can enjoy the same authentic gyoza at the Hotel Mets location found on the third floor of JR-East Hotel Mets Utsunomiya.
The Pan-Fried Gyoza (6 dumplings per serving) are 380 yen and feature a crispy and fragrant grilled exterior fried in sesame oil.

The Boiled Gyoza (6 dumplings per serving) are 380 yen and offer a deliciously smooth texture. We also recommend the Pan-Fried Gyoza + Boiled Gyoza + Rice set for 980 yen, which lets you enjoy both types of gyoza.

Here are the Deep-Fried Gyoza (6 dumplings per serving) for 380 yen. Deep fried in 100% sesame oil, you won’t be able to stop eating these light, crispy bites.

Only 25 bowls of the Jaja Noodles for 750 yen are made per day. This is a revived version of a beloved menu item from Utsunomiya Minmin's second location, which was located in the former Sugihara-cho (now Honmachi) area! Mix the meat-miso, green beans, bean sprouts, etc. with the flat noodles before diving in.

The restaurant has 4 table seats and 15 counter seats.

Original seasonings such as Utsunomiya Minmin Chili Oil for 800 yen and Utsunomiya Minmin Vinegar for 350 yen are also sold here. The Utsunomiya Minmin Gyoza Tare Sauce for 680 yen has a refreshing flavor and can be used not only with gyoza but also fried chicken and salads.

Located on the same floor as the hotel reception, you can enjoy authentic Utsunomiya gyoza anytime. The restaurant also serves beer, highballs, and other alcohol beverages, so we recommend having gyoza as a snack over a drink.

Experience the power of the Oya stone mountains as you enjoy art and dining in this space

The Oya Grand Center had its grand opening in January 2026 in the Oya area, home of the Oya stone industry. Originally known as the Yamamotoen Oya Grand Center, the structure was built in 1967. It was later renovated and reborn as an art and dining complex.

Vegetation has grown lush throughout the area over the years, allowing the Oya stone building to harmonize with nature. From the parking lot, we climbed the stone steps among the trees.

At the Oya Grand Center, in addition to the regular Admission Pass, there is a Grand Pass, which includes access to the art spaces. Work by artist YOSHIROTTEN are open to the public in the permanent exhibition area of the art spaces. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience in this fantastic space where colorful digital art is projected in a place where a bath once was.
The outdoor terrace has benches and tables made of Oya stone; all guests are free to relax here.

Next to the terrace stands the Peace Kannon, which was carved to honor the souls of those who died in World War II and to celebrate world peace.

Since the structure was built along the face of the Oya stone mountains, you can see the remains of quarrying in various places.

The second floor is home to the restaurant, patisserie, cafe, and shop area. The patisserie showcase is lined with cakes made with local fruits and seasonal ingredients; these colorful sweets will get you excited.
Pictured here is the Heart & Berry Tochiaika Strawberry Tart for 880 yen.

The Givrée Sakura for 800 yen is a spring-only cake with three layers—cherry blossom flavored whipped cream, rare cheesecake, and baked cheesecake infused with sakura leaves.

The Oya Blend Coffee, blended specially for the Oya Grand Center, for 500 yen, the Coco Farm Winery 100% Grape Juice for 850 yen, and other beverages unique to Tochigi Prefecture are also available. Relax in the afternoon on the terrace looking out at the blue sky and the town of Oya.

Enjoy the finest Western food menu and the “Nirvana” in a historic Western-style stone building

Meiji-no-Yakata is a restaurant found in the former vacation home of F.W. Horn, an American merchant who first introduced the gramophone to Japan. Located near Nikko Toshogu Shrine, visitors can enjoy a meal in a classic space rich in history.
The most popular menu item, the Omelet Rice for 2420 yen, is a dish that exquisitely balanced rich chicken rice, fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth eggs, and a rich demi-glace sauce.

The walls are made using Nikko stone from the Inari River in a technique known as disordered masonry. A building representative of the Meiji period, Meiji-no-Yakata has been designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property.

The building has a retro atmosphere, and you can feel its history here and there, such as in the wall fireplace and chandeliers. The tables feature paper mats that introduce the history of the Meiji-no-Yakata.

The Beef Cutlet Curry for 2970 yen lets you pour the curry roux yourself from the pot. The lightly battered beef cutlet is served with a mellow curry.

Lovely pickled Japanese scallions and sliced pickled vegetables are served alongside the Beef Cutlet Curry.

The sweet known as the “Nirvana” for 660 yen is a Meiji-no-Yakata specialty that uses the highest quality cream cheese from Denmark and a moist cake baked to perfection using carefully selected ingredients, topped with special sour cream. Enjoy the rich cheesecake with the refreshing acidity of sour cream as well as a light lemon fragrance.

Visible through the windows are the trees in the garden. The changing seasons—including the fresh green leaves of spring and the vivid foliage of autumn—make for a relaxing meal. Nirvana, tarts, pudding, and yogurt are sold in the showcase near the entrance. Visitors can take these wonderful traditional flavors with them to enjoy at home.

The famous yuba tofu skin is irresistible; enjoy fragrant handmade soba noodles in a traditional Japanese house

Hotokuan is a soba restaurant found in a traditional Japanese house located in the Suginamiki Koen Park. This is a popular restaurant with a long line at lunchtime. Enjoy flavorful handmade soba noodles made from 80% buckwheat flour (wholly ground Nikko buckwheat).
The highly recommended Tenzaru Soba for 1500 yen comes with sweet potato, eggplant, and other vegetable tempura.

The Yuba Soba for 1400 yen features cold soba noodles topped with deep-fried vegetables, fresh yuba, and grated daikon radish. Enjoy this refreshing dish unique to Nikko. The melt-in-your-mouth texture of the yuba is irresistible.

Zaru soba goes well with the boldly flavored soup. We enjoyed adding the soba water at the end!

Nikko (Imaichi area) is an area associated with Ninomiya Sontoku. This building is a replica of the Hotoku-shiho farmhouse built by Ninomiya Sontoku. Related materials are on display in the restaurant.

Outside is a special place to sit where you can take in the green trees and the sunlight filtering through the leaves. You can eat out here, too.

The Suginamiki Koen Park is a lush green space away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist sights. There is a walking path inside the park where visitors can take a walk while taking in the gurgling stream, a water wheel, and seasonal flowers. Take a walk and enjoy soba in a park where you can experience the history of Nikko!

This is Utsunomiya! Find local souvenirs only available here

Tochigi Grand Marché is a gift shop with 15 well-known Tochigi shops.
Tanbaya Tochigi Meiten offers unique products that can only be found here. The popular Gyoza Lunch Tote Bag for 1650 yen is made of thick fabric and looks so easy to use.

The original Sketchbook for 605 yen (per book) comes in many designs inspired by Utsunomiya and Tochigi, including Gyoza VENUS, LRT train car, and Strawberry versions. The B6 size also makes for a great notepad.

Tochibiyori is a shop that sells famous sweets, local sake, Nikko yuba, and traditional crafts from all over the prefecture. The Kanto Tochigi Lemon Cookies for 540 yen features eight crisp, aromatic printed cookies in a cylindrical package.

You can also buy Nikko Jingoro Senbei from Ishidaya, which has been a popular confection from Nikko since the company’s establishment in 1907. This package featuring illustrations of Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Shinkyo Bridge contains 6 salted butter flavored rice crackers for 378 yen.

The Tamani Hirune for 350 yen made by the Japanese confectionery Hamadaya Honten in Utsunomiya is an irresistible choice for fans of cats (sales will be suspended from July to October). Break it in half and add hot water to create a rich cocoa!

Ichigo no Sato sells sweets and jams made from strawberries harvested at the largest tourist farm in Japan. The baked Castella Cube includes two 2 pieces for 610 yen. These moist cakes come in two varieties, egg and strawberry.

The Premium Skyberry Jam and Ichigo no Sato Handmade Jam are 590 yen each. No preservatives, flavorings, or coloring are used. Enjoy the sweetness and acidity of the strawberries as well as the texture of the fruit itself.
Tochigi Grand Marché is located on the second floor of Utsunomiya Paseo. Just one floor down from the hotel, you can visit whenever you like. Take a look around the unique shops and find what strikes you.

We toured this sake brewery where they make sake even more delicious

Many know there are numerous sake breweries in Tochigi Prefecture given the underground water flowing from the Nikko Mountains. Watanabe Sahei Shoten in the city of Nikko was established in 1842. Visitors can tour the brewery and learn about traditional sake brewing through sake classes.

Our guide was the seventh generation president, Yasuhiro Watanabe . Watanabe Sahei Shoten believes that junmai jozoshu is the original local sake, and about 90% of the sake they produce is junmai jozoshu. Before the tour, we learned about rice-polishing ratios and the flavor of sake, as well as about the manufacturing process.

The cool shikomi-gura (fermentation room) is lined with huge tanks for fermenting and storing sake.

A total of 2.8 tons of water is used for every 2 tons of sake rice, so good quality water is essential. Sake ferments in the huge tanks for 20 to 30 days.

After the tour, it was time for the tasting that we were so looking forward to. Visitors to the brewery can enjoy several kinds of sake, such as their well-known Junmai Ginjo Nikko Homare.

Junmai Ginjo Nikko Homare is made with Gohyakumangoku sake rice produced in Nikko, underground water from the Nikko Mountains, and yeast developed in Tochigi Prefecture. This sake is characterized by its refreshing profile. Enjoy the aroma and taste of sakes such as the slightly dry Junmai Daiginjo Seikai, as well as Kimoto Junmai Sontoku brewed using the traditional kimoto-zukuri method.

They also have local sake and original goods for sale. Junmai Daiginjo Seikai is 1450 yen for 300 ml, and Junmai Ginjo Nikko Homare is 800 yen for 300 ml. These small bottles are perfect as souvenirs.

Karinto made with sake lees are 380 yen. With just the right level of sweetness and their crispy texture, these delights also have the light fragrance of sake lees.

There is so much information you will only hear here, such as how to choose sake, the manufacturing process, and sake-related trivia. During the sake brewing period from November to March, visitors to the brewery can observe the actual brewing process up close and experience sake brewing with their five senses.

See no evil, speak no evil, and turn away? Try these cute baked SOPPO Yaki confections

Located on Nikko's main street, Kumozu Nikko sells a new genre of sweets that is neither Japanese nor Western. The SOPPO Yaki for 400 yen is trending in Nikko, too. The memorable monkey looking away is filled with chunky red bean paste or custard.

The thin exterior is crispy while the inside is nice and chewy. Depending on the time of the year, there are seasonal flavors such as chocolate, so we can’t wait to try those, too.

The thick Kumo no Ue Nama Dora for 600 yen is made by sandwiching whipped cream and gyuhi mochi between dorayaki pancakes. It may look like ice cream at first glance, but it is fluffy whipped cream, and inside is chunky red bean paste. There are three flavors: strawberry, ogura red bean, and matcha.

The Mugikoro for 713 yen (1 box) is a cookie with a new texture that melts in your mouth. There are five varieties: plain, cocoa, matcha, kinako, and strawberry. They make for perfect souvenirs
Stop by on your way to sightseeing in Nikko and satisfy your hunger with their playful take-out menu.

Enjoy an elegant moment in the exclusive lounge—a comfortable space to experience the culture of Utsunomiya

A one-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Utsunomiya Station. The hotel is located on the upper floors of Utsunomiya Paseo, which is adjacent to the station, so even if it is raining or snowing, guests can get to where they are going without getting wet. Plus, check-in is smooth with the automatic check-in machines. It is a perfect base for sightseeing and business.

The hotel offers a variety of room types with a focus on single rooms of approximately 19 m2, as well as Deluxe Twin rooms with bathtubs and separate wash areas, and Residential Twin rooms equipped with kitchens and refrigerators, which are suitable for extended stays. All guest rooms feature Simmons beds and two types of pillows to help guests get the best sleep.

The inside of the hotel is inspired by Oya stone quarries, and an R-CUBE gallery-like space is found at the center of each floor. Each expresses a theme related to Utsunomiya such as “jazz and cocktails” and “cycling” (pictured).

During your stay, we recommend using the exclusive Guest Lounge on the 5th floor. This spacious room offers a range of sofas and chairs, allowing any guest to relax in peace. There are bookshelves along one wall, so take advantage of these and the free coffee and take a break.

LAPIS on the 3rd floor of the hotel is where breakfast is served. The morning breakfast buffet features egg dishes such as fried eggs and scrambled eggs made with Kimi-koishi eggs from Tochigi Prefecture. Enjoy these with gratin or salads made with fresh Tochigi vegetables.

We also found pan-fried gyoza from Aogen, a 380 year-old restaurant in Utsunomiya, and miso soup made with Aogen miso. Enjoy these Utsunomiya flavors together with freshly cooked Tochigi no Hoshi brand rice grown in Tochigi Prefecture.

The homemade French toast made with Kimi-koishi eggs has an irresistible butter aroma. The bread is soaked in a butter made with Kimi-koishi eggs, whose hens eat a carefully prepared feed, and grilled to have the perfect subtle sweetness.

After 11:00, enjoy a lunch menu at LAPIS that includes pastas and galettes, as well as afternoon tea sweets made with seasonal fruits.
The hotel has an Amenity Station with skin care products and bath salts, a coin-operated laundry, and a fitness room (free for guests). Guests can stay in comfort even for extended durations. Enjoy your stay in this space brimming with Utsunomiya culture.