Futaarayama Shrine Tour
Ward Off Bad Luck in Utsunomiya1
Escape the City and Relax at a Forest Campsite
Located in the outskirts of Utsunomiya and hidden just behind a few rows of trees is
Kyoyachaho, a beautiful restaurant offering amazing food, including vegan and vegetarian dishes through various experiences. Visitors can choose to either be catered to inside the stylish restaurant, sit on the terrace, or head over to the campsite to relax for the day.
Try Pottery With One of Utsunomiya’s Expert Artists!
30min bus ride from the center of Utsunomiya is Toyusha (Bus stop: Shiroyamachiku Shimin Center), a small pottery studio bursting with creativity and color, in their own words “creating pottery that coexists with nature”.
Making Traditional Japanese Miso
Located in the heart of Utsunomiya is Aogen Honten, a fermentation specialty store and cafe, with an adjacent classroom where locals can learn how to make their own homemade miso.
Harvest Your Own, Fresh Assortment of the Season’s Local Fruit
Just outside the center of Utsunomiya city is Kogashi Fruit Park which takes great pride and cares with their orchard operations and each season’s new growth. The fruits here are available to pick or buy at the store. They are of impeccable quality and can be purchased at a reasonable price.
Visit a Sake Brewery and Experience the Japanese Countryside!
In the rural Japanese countryside, Inoue Seikichi Sake Brewery is the perfect destination for a sunny day. Visitors can meet the 5th generation owner, taste seasonal, hand-crafted sake, buy a bottle (or two) of your favorite brew to take home, and enjoy a walk in the incredibly picturesque countryside.
Try Ikebana With One of Utsunomiya’s Expert Artist!
Just a short 5 minute walk from the JR Utsunomiya Station, a friendly local by the name of Soga Takeuchi is prepared to share all of the knowledge of Ikebana with anyone willing to learn. She can pick you up from the station if you’re uncertain about navigating the area. Hospitality is at the core of her interactions, aiming to make her students comfortable and at ease for optimal creativity.
Visit the Futaarayama Shrine & Old Shinohara Family House
A quick 5-minute walk from the JR Station, the Old Shinohara Family House gives you a beautiful look into Japan’s recent past.
Rent a Bike and Explore Utsunomiya’s Castle Ruins Park
In recent years, cycling has become a very popular pastime in Utsunomiya. Rent a bike at Miya Cycle Station and visit Utsunomiya’s Castle Ruins Park or the Orion Dori shopping area.
Take a Step Back in Time at Oya History Museum
Oya stone has a vast and varied history. Take a tour of the old mine, where you’ll find that history is written on the walls.