Exploring beyond Tokyo is easy. Did you know convenient highway buses take you directly from the main international airports to Utsunomiya city? Once you’re out of the capital, places like Utsunomiya, which has a lot of culture, are more affordable, and the crowds are smaller.
Cheaper than Tokyo for shopping and stays
A more authentic Japan, away from the crowds
Written by Célestin Hanatsuka-Poon
The first time I came to Japan, I went to Utsunomiya to visit some relatives before even visiting Tokyo and that wasn’t how I imagined Japan! I got to visit the capital eventually, but having spent my life in large European cities myself, it was as busy as I had imagined it initially, with everyone in a rush despite me being there on holiday. While I love Tokyo, I enjoyed the quieter side of Japan that felt like an actual break, and I thought many would share the same sentiment.
It’s no surprise that Tokyo is the most expensive city in Japan, due to the large influx of tourists, but also because salaries are generally higher in the capital.
Prices will drastically go down as you move away from Tokyo for food, entertainment and stays.
Utsunomiya is the largest city closest to Tokyo (omitting cities in Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama which are part of the greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area) and it is only one hour away from Tokyo (via Shinkansen, no change from Tokyo), or about three hours away from either Haneda or Narita airport (via highway bus).
It really is one of the “hidden gems” in the region. Tourists are mostly locals, and it’s only recently come to the attention of international audiences.
Eating out? Crowned the “capital city of gyoza”, and it’s quite a statement, considering how popular those dumplings are in the country, Utsunomiya boasts over 300 speciality gyoza restaurants. I like a challenge, but it’d be impossible to try them all in one trip, so be sure to consult our gyoza guide to make the most of it.
If you’re into nights out, Utsunomiya is also the city of cocktails and jazz. A wonderful combination. Home to world-famous jazz musicians such as Sadao Watanabe and Haruhiko Takauchi, there are events throughout the year starting at 1,000 yen.
Bartenders from Ginza, Tokyo’s hippest place for bars and cocktails, come to Utsunomiya for training. Here, you get to experience the masters’ quality at an affordable price… and Ginza can get very, very expensive. I speak from experience. Some bars have rarities with selections of 20+ year-old whiskies, unusual spirits from around the world, or even the legendary Domaine Romanée-Conti red wine. There’s an option for every budget.
For last-minute shopping, you’re only one short ride away on the brand-new Utsunomiya Light Rail Train (LRT) to one of the prefecture’s largest shopping malls, Bell Mall, known for its bells and… alpacas.
Convinced? Read on to plan your trip here!
If you want to come to Utsunomiya right after landing, you can. With direct shuttles to and from Narita and Haneda airports, you can skip Tokyo altogether. The shuttles stop at every terminal and connect you to the West exit of Utsunomiya Station, with plenty of hotel options.
Hop by the bus counters from any Haneda or Narita airport terminal, and you’ll find Maronie-Go. A bus will take you to Utsunomiya in under three hours. The highway bus is never too crowded, as there’s usually plenty of seats and plenty of space for your luggage. It is also conveniently equipped with a toilet.
The bus runs every hour or so, and you can buy tickets from the airport vending machine or directly at the staffed bus counter. You can find more information on the Limousine Bus Official Website here (Haneda Airport – Utsunomiya) (Narita Airport – Utsunomiya) .
You can head back to the airports as easily as well!
From the train gates inside the station, take the West Exit facing the Tourist Information Centre pictured below.
Walk through JR Utsunomiya Station past the tourist information centre, elevated on the second floor. Exit the building on the west side, and look left, and you’ll see THE KNOT Hotel. Head toward the hotel; the bus stop is conveniently located right in front of it. It’s very hard to miss!
You can buy tickets online up to five minutes before departure. You can pay by credit card or at any convenience store. Just show the barcode to the cashier to pay.
Be mindful of timing, as the bus usually arrives and departs on time. It’ll never depart late from Utsunomiya. Arrive 10~15 minutes before departure to allow time for loading and boarding.
For more information about the booking and the timetable, please check the official Limousine Bus website(Haneda Airport – Utsunomiya) (Narita Airport – Utsunomiya).
If you want to head back to Tokyo instead, Utsunomiya is the final stop for regular trains, so it’ll be easy to get a seat for you and your luggage. The line connects you directly to popular Tokyo locations such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, or even Yokohama City, Kamakura, and Odawara further south on the same JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
You can also take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo, or, if you want to continue your adventure, head north toward Sendai. Japan is your oyster!
Utsunomiya is only 50 min from Tokyo by the Shinkansen!
Utsunomiya is a great base for exploring the countryside and the Tohoku region.
Utsunomiya offers direct buses to Narita and Haneda airports so no need to worry about changing trains etc.
check the bus timetable online
Book at least 10 minutes before boarding
Enjoy shopping in Utsunomiya