What Is Tochigi Prefectural Central Park? Located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a prefectural urban park developed that brings together“Water, Greenery, and Culture.” Within the park are four ponds—Chinshō Pond, Shōwa Pond, Omokage Pond, and Mutsubi Pond—each creating its own distinct scenery that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The park was developed as part of a commemorative project celebrating the 50th anniversary of Emperor Shōwa’s reign, with construction beginning in 1977 and the park opening in October 1982. It is a charming place where open landscapes and cultural facilities coexist in perfect harmony. Here, we’ll introduce the park’s highlights, ways to enjoy it in each season, photo spots, and the attractions of the nearby Tochigi Prefectural Museum—all in a gentle, easy-to-read tone. Highlights of Tochigi Prefectural Central Park Photo: Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ● Sunken Garden (Western-style Garden) Located at the park’s entrance, the Sunken Garden is designed in a “sunken” style, with the ground level slightly lower than its surroundings, creating an open view that extends toward the sky. Inspired by European garden design, it features beautiful seasonal flowerbeds and tree-lined walkways, offering a refreshing space where visitors can feel the changes of the seasons. Depending on the time of day, the light changes dramatically—bright and vibrant at noon, then softly tinted with orange hues in the evening. With many benches available, it’s a place where you’ll want to take your time and relax. ● Shōwa Pond and the Great Fountain Shōwa Pond, located in the center of the park, is its symbolic feature. The wide water surface reflects the sky and changes expression with the wind. The large fountain that shoots up about 20 meters high is quite dynamic, and on sunny days, the water sparkles beautifully in the light. Walking paths encircle the pond, and visitors can be seen jogging, reading on benches, or simply relaxing. The sound of the fountain acts as a soothing natural background, creating a peaceful atmosphere. ● Japanese Garden (Mutsubi Pond and Shōkei Bridge) At the back of the park lies the Japanese Garden, a tranquil area where nature and serenity harmonize beautifully. At its center, Mutsubi Pond reflects maple trees and pines on its calm surface, especially stunning in autumn when the colorful leaves are mirrored on the water. Many photographers visit during this season to capture the scene’s quiet beauty. The garden’s symbolic Shōkei Bridge crosses the center of the pond, and the view changes depending on where you stand. The plants and stone arrangements are perfectly balanced, making it a popular spot for photos. The sounds of wind and water resonate through the garden, creating a calm and peaceful environment that feels far removed from the city. ● Omokage Pond (In front of Tochigi Prefectural Museum) Omokage Pond, located in front of the Tochigi Prefectural Museum, is the most serene of the park’s four ponds. The building and surrounding trees are beautifully reflected on its surface, changing expression dramatically with the seasons and weather. In spring, the soft green of new leaves brightens the area; in summer, the shadows deepen; in autumn, colorful foliage paints the water; and in winter, the crisp air and clear reflections create a tranquil beauty—perfect for those who enjoy quiet moments in nature. Enjoying the Park Through the Four Seasons Photo: Cherry Blossoms at Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ● Spring As spring arrives, the park begins to bloom with color. The flowerbeds in the Sunken Garden are filled with cheerful blossoms, while cherry trees around Shōwa Pond create soft pink reflections on the water, forming a scene unique to springtime. In the Japanese Garden, the fresh green maples sprout new leaves, filling the area with a vibrant energy that lifts your spirits as you stroll through. ● Summer During summer, the trees are at their greenest, and the shade throughout the park provides a pleasant coolness. Around Shōwa Pond, breezes flow easily, and in the evenings, the air becomes refreshingly cool, making it a great time for a leisurely walk. The spacious lawns are popular for picnics and relaxing under the trees, offering the laid-back atmosphere of summer. Photo: Autumn leaves at Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ● Autumn Autumn is one of the most popular seasons at Tochigi Prefectural Central Park. The paths are covered with colorful foliage, creating a beautiful “tunnel of autumn leaves.” At Mutsubi Pond in the Japanese Garden, the reflections of the leaves are especially stunning, attracting many photographers. At Shōwa Pond, the combination of the fountain and autumn colors creates a scene that is both dynamic and serene. The flowerbeds in the Sunken Garden also bloom with autumn flowers, filling the park with a warm and calm atmosphere—perfect for a stroll. ● Winter In winter, the structural beauty of the gardens is most visible. In the Japanese Garden, the bare branches and stone arrangements stand out clearly, creating dramatic contrasts. At Omokage Pond, the crisp winter air enhances the reflections, and on clear mornings, the water surface mirrors the sky like glass. It’s an ideal time to quietly enjoy nature’s stillness. What Can You See at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum? The Tochigi Prefectural Museum, located adjacent to the park, is a comprehensive museum showcasing the prefecture’s nature, history, and culture. Its exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including: ・Historical materials related to Tochigi Prefecture ・Specimens of plants, animals, and minerals ・Exhibits on ancient ruins and folk culture ・Artifacts related to crafts and fine arts ・Special and seasonal exhibitions The museum offers something for visitors of all ages. In addition to the indoor exhibits, the surrounding walking paths are also worth exploring. Many trees are labeled with their species names, allowing visitors to enjoy a casual nature walk while learning about the local flora. Together with the serene Omokage Pond, the area offers a unique blend of “nature and culture” in one visit. Best Photo Spots Photo: Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is full of “photo-worthy” views. Each season offers different scenery, making it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts. ● Sunken Garden Great for wide-angle shots that include the open sky. The flower colors change dramatically with the seasons, so every visit feels fresh and new. ● Shōwa Pond (Great Fountain) The mood of the pond changes completely depending on the time of day—morning, midday, or evening. The reflection of sunlight on the water and the golden glow at sunset are particularly beautiful. ● Mutsubi Pond (Japanese Garden) Especially popular during autumn, when still days allow the colorful leaves to reflect perfectly on the water. It’s a spot filled with classic Japanese charm. ● Shōkei Bridge Standing at the center of the bridge gives you a perfectly balanced view on both sides, ideal for capturing the depth and harmony of the garden. ● Omokage Pond Known for its calm reflections of trees and buildings, this spot offers a quiet beauty that changes with the weather and seasons. ● Tree-Lined Paths The paths circling the park transform completely with the seasons—especially in autumn, when they become a stunning “corridor of red leaves.” Access ・By train: About 15 minutes by local bus from JR Utsunomiya Station or Tobu-Utsunomiya Station. Get off at “Chūō Kōen / Hakubutsukan-mae.” ・By car: Parking available (arriving early is recommended during busy times). Basic Information ・Address: 2-50 Mutsumichō, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture ・Opening Hours:　March–September: 5:00–20:00　October–February: 5:30–18:00 ・Closed: Open year-round ・Admission: Free Official Website Summary Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a beautiful urban park where four ponds and a blend of Japanese and Western gardens create a rich, scenic landscape. With cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene stillness in winter, each season offers its own distinct charm. Autumn is especially breathtaking, with reflections of colored leaves and a tranquil garden atmosphere that soothes the heart. It’s a place where you can enjoy both nature and culture—take a leisurely walk and experience the beauty of the changing seasons.

The Oya History Museum in Utsunomiya, Tochigi: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Oya History Museum] A 6-minute tour of another world in Tochigi: The Oya Stone Mining Site 4K" (【大谷資料館】栃木にある異世界6分ツアー 大谷石採掘場跡 4K), was uploaded by "Tourist Attraction Japan." The Oya History Museum is located in a mysterious underground space with vast stone structures that are illuminated. In the video, you can see the beautiful 4K footage showing what resembles an underground temple. When lit up, the quarry ruins become an artistic space. Take a moment to check out the video that condenses some of the best parts of the Oya History Museum into just 6 minutes of footage. Learn About the History of Oya Stone Mining at the Oya History Museum! Photo：The Oya History Museum, Utsunomiya, Tochigi Oya stone, mined mainly in Oya, Utsunomiya, in Tochigi Prefecture, became known throughout Japan when it was used as a building material for the former Imperial Hotel. At the Oya History Museum, visitors can learn about the history of Oya stone in the exhibition room on the ground level and at the Oya Stone Mining Site. Oya stone is made of hardened volcanic ash and pumice rock fragments. It is softer and easier to process than other stones, and was mainly used as a building material because of its excellent fire resistance. Mining began in the mid-Edo period (around 1700-1800 AD). At first, mining was conducted during the off-season, but by the Meiji era (1868-1912), had become a full-fledged industry. Later, mining was done by hand until the 1950s, when it was successfully mechanized. The Oya History Museum is a valuable place where visitors can actually see and learn about the history of Oya stone mining, including the changes in the mining process throughout the years. The Oya History Museum, a Filming Location for Japanese Movies and TV Dramas Photo：Illuminated Oya stone at the Oya History Museum, Utsunomiya, Tochigi The Oya stone Mining Site has been the filming location for many Japanese dramas, movies, and music videos. Popular films include Rurouni Kenshin, Assassination Classroom, and the Kamen Rider series, and dramas such as "The Brave Yoshihiko And The Seven Driven People." It has also been used for shooting music videos for musicians, such as the Japanese rock duo B'z. Here are some of the various highlights of the Oya History Museum: ●It's a Space Reminiscent of an Underground Temple Descending the stairs from the entrance to the basement, visitors will find a 20,000-square-meter space which looks like an underground temple from a science fiction movie. ●Recreation of the Hand-Digging Era With Dolls The museum uses realistic dolls to recreate the hand-digging mining that was conducted from the Edo period (1603-1868 AD) until the introduction of machines in 1955. ●Holes With Light Coming in From the Ground During the mining process, holes were drilled to check the digging position from the ground. The light shining through these holes is as artistic as calculated lighting. ●Mining Ruins Resembling Murals The patterns of the mining ruins on the walls are like contemporary artwork. The walls are also used for concerts and other events. The space surrounded by Oya stone is said to have excellent acoustics. ●Fantastical Lighting Artworks and art objects using lighting are exhibited in the mining site, and art exhibitions are held on occasion as well. In addition, the site offers a variety of other ways for visitors to enjoy their visit, such as exploration events in collaboration with the "Made in Abyss" anime series. When visiting, visitors should be sure to wear warmer clothing. The temperature at the mining site can be as low as 10-11°C even in the summer, so be sure to prepare a jacket. Reservations, Admission Fees, and Time Required to Visit the Oya History Museum Photo：Oya History Museum, Utsunomiya, Tochigi You might be wondering, "Do visitors need a reservation to enter the Oya History Museum?" Well, as it turns out, reservations are not required for regular tours. Since there are only stairs to go underground, wheelchairs and baby strollers are not permitted to enter the museum. For those who have difficulty walking, a golf cart service is available to guide visitors, but please contact the Oya History Museum directly for details due to restrictions, such as limited weekday hours and the need for advance reservations. Also, please note that permission for taking cosplay photos is not received via reservation, but through application and permission, and there is a fee for this service. Admission to the Oya History Museum is 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students), and free for preschool-aged children; group discounts apply for groups of 20 or more, with the price reduced to 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children. The average time required to visit the Oya History Museum is about 40 minutes. If you want to take your time while taking pictures, it's recommended that you expect to spend around 60 minutes here. Visit ROCKSIDE Market After the Oya History Museum for Lunch at a Café On the grounds of the Oya History Museum, there is a café-restaurant called ROCKSIDE MARKET. After a leisurely stroll through the underground mining site, be sure to stop by. Upon entering the stylish restaurant, you'll find dynamic vases made of hollowed-out Oya stone, plants in Oya stone pots, accessories, and other items for sale. The lineup includes unique Oya stone products made by artists based in Tochigi. These souvenirs are a great way to commemorate your visit to Tochigi. A popular menu item is a galette made with ingredients from Tochigi Prefecture. There are both dessert galettes and meal galettes, which are perfect for lunch or afternoon tea. Gelato, available in several flavors, is also popular, so be sure to give it a try. There are other stylish cafes around the Oya History Museum as well, so have a look around if you're looking to grab a bite to eat after learning about the history of Oya stone. Things to Do Near the Oya History Museum After visiting the Oya History Museum, consider checking out one of these tourist attractions located nearby: Oya Temple This Buddhist Temple in Utsunomiya, Tochigi is famous for its relief carvings which are done on the faces of the stone cliffs in the area. The temple is believed to have been founded by the famous Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 810 AD. Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed: Thursdays (open on national holidays), December 26-31 Admission Fee: Adults: 500 yen, Middle school students: 200 yen, Elementary school students: 100 yen (Discounts available for groups of 30 or more) Heiwa Kannon Heiwa Kannon is a large Buddhist statue of Kannon (Avalokitesvara, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy). The statue, which stands nearly 27 meters tall (88.5 feet), was carved completely by hand over a period of 6 years from 1948-1954. The name means "The Peaceful Goddess of Mercy." Hours: 24 hours Closed: Always open Admission Fee: Free Summary of the Oya History Museum in Utsunomiya, Tochigi The Oya History Museum can be accessed from JR Utsunomiya Station by local bus. It's a popular spot where many Japanese Instagrammers come to take photos. Children can enjoy exploring the underground temple-like mining site as though they've wandered into another world. If you're traveling to Tochigi, be sure to add the Oya History Museum to your itinerary! 【Official Website】Oya History Museum 【TripAdvisor】Oya History Museum

Nikko-Nasu, Tochigi: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Summer] Tochigi Japan in 8K - Nikko, Nasu / Tochigi" ([Summer]Tochigi Japan in 8K - 日光・那須／栃木), was uploaded by "Genuine Encounters Tochigi" (本物の出会い栃木). It's a promotional video that introduces Nikko and Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture in Japan's Kanto region. Please take a look at the beautiful footage of Nikko and Nasu, which is filled with the charms of the area. The Nikko-Nasu Area The Nikko-Nasu area is located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture and is a tourist destination blessed with abundant natural beauty, including plateaus and mountains. There are many wonderful sightseeing spots in Japan, and Nikko and Nasu are among the most attractive tourist destinations in Japan. There are hot springs all over the area as well, so staying at a hot spring hotel is highly recommended. Families with children can also enjoy the area's theme parks and places for interacting with animals. Kinugawa Onsen, Kegon Falls, and Other Popular Sightseeing Spots in Nikko, Tochigi Photo：Akechidaira Ropeway, Nikko, Tochigi The video begins by showing a magnificent verdant green landscape. This is Nikko's Akechidaira Observatory. This is followed by the beautiful Kegon Falls. Nikko has many waterfalls, among which Kegon Falls is the most famous. In the video, you can see an aerial view of Kegon Falls and Ryuokyo Gorge. The road with a series of sharp curves is called 'Irohazaka.' The road itself has a total of 48 curves, making it quite scenic when viewed from above. [Video] 0:10 - Kegon Falls [Video] 0:14 - Irohazaka [Video] 1:28 - Ryuokyo Gorge Kinugawa Onsen is the most famous hot spring in Nikko. It is a clear, colorless, tasteless, odorless, alkaline simple hot spring that is gentle on the skin and safe for everyone from children to the elderly. At Kinuko no Yu, you can also enjoy a footbath. [Video] 0:35 - Kinugawa Onsen/Kinuko no Yu Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a Historical Tourist Attraction in Tochigi, Japan Photo：Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage Site in Tochigi Prefecture Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a World Heritage Site home to numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Built in 1617, the shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The five-story pagoda, unusual to find at a shrine, is decorated on all four sides with animals of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. The "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" monkey sculpture is also famous. Among other things, the representative power spot, Yomeimon Gate, also called "Nipporimon," is a must-see for its intricate carvings, which one could look at all day long and not get tired of it. [Video] 1:17 - Nikko Toshogu Shrine Nasu Highland, the Killing Stone, Nasu Highland Park, and Other Sightseeing Spots in Nasu, Tochigi Photo：A farm and blue skies in the Nasu Highlands In the video, tourist spots in Nasu are shown one after another, including Nasu Highland, the Killing Stone, and Shika no Yu, the oldest hot spring in Tochigi. In addition, there are many family-friendly spots in Nasu, such as Nasu Highland Park, a leisure land surrounded by nature, Nasu Animal Kingdom, where you can enjoy interacting with animals, and Nasu World Monkey Park. Nasu Highland is also beautiful. At Nasu Heisei no Mori Forest, viewing the beautiful autumn leaves makes for a relaxing stroll. Going down to the foot of the mountain, you can also visit Sessho-seki (the Killing Stone) and Nasu Onsen Shrine. Yuba, Nasu Wagyu, and Other Local Delicacies One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is tasting the local cuisine. We recommend trying Jingo-yaki from Nasu, yuba and soba noodles from Nikko, and Nasu Wagyu beef steaks grilled over a powerful flame! Check them out in the video. [Video] 1:00 - Jingo-yaki (Miyajima Tsuribori-en (みやじま釣堀園)) [Video] 2:13 - Nasu Wagyu Beef (Teppan Steak Kiku (鉄板ステーキ　きく)) [Video] 3:39 - Yuba Cuisine (Nikko Yubamaki Zen (日光湯波巻き 全)) Lake Chuzenji and Mt. Chausu – Two Places with Enchantingly Beautiful Scenery Photo：Autumn leaves at Lake Chuzenji, Nikko National Park, Tochigi The video moves from Nasu Highland and the mysterious skyline of Senjogahara to Lake Chuzenji. Located at the entrance to Oku-Nikko, Lake Chuzenji is a lake located inside Nikko National Park. Riding the Nasu Ropeway, the majestic scenery of Nasu unfolds below you, and since the ropeway takes you up to the 8th station, Mt. Chausu is a great place for families to enjoy hiking. Mashiko Ware – A Unique Pottery With a Rustic Feel Mashiko Ware has been produced in Tochigi Prefecture since the Edo period (1603-1867). It's characterized by its rustic appearance and has many fans. The video shows a craftsman spinning a potter's wheel. Dokutsu Sake Brewery, Kita Onsen Ryokan, Nasu Shrine... Nikko & Nasu, 2 Historical Towns Dokutsu Sake Brewery (Shimazaki Sake Brewery) uses a former wartime factory as a sake brewery. The inside of Dokutsu is kept out of the light and the temperature is as low as 10 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for storing local sake and wine. In the Nikko and Nasu areas, there are many other places of historical interest, such as Kita Onsen Ryokan, where you can bathe with tengu masks, Nasu Shrine, Oya History Museum, and Ashio Copper Mine. Tochigi is also known as a town of historical storehouses. Nikko and Nasu Promotional Video Summary Photo：Kinugawa Onsen While it's easy to visit on a day trip after a drive, we recommend staying overnight in the Nikko and Nasu areas, which offer plenty to see and do. In Kinugawa Onsen, there are many tasteful inns such as Kaniyu (加仁湯), Sanraku (山楽), Nanaeyae (七重八重), and Wakatake no Sho (若竹の庄). For the best deals, you can also look for hotels where with coupons. There is a rusk shop in Nasu that has good reviews, so consider stopping by if you're looking for souvenirs. In addition to standard tourist attractions such as Kegon Falls, Momijidani Suspension Bridge, and Senjogahara, British Embassy Villa Memorial Park and Italian Embassy Villa Memorial Park are great for photography! Be sure to visit them. Nikko and Nasu are home to magnificent and beautiful natural landscapes that seem to go on forever. We hope that people around the world will discover the charm of the Nikko and Nasu areas. 【TripAdvisor】Nasu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1121057-Nasu_machi_Nasu_gun_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html