Gozeniwa Stone

A Scenic Natural Landmark with Flowing Waters and Seasonal Beauty

A place steeped in Tokugawa Mitsukuni’s legend, worship traditions, and famous autumn foliage

Located in Nakagawa Town, the Gozeniwa Stone is a designated natural monument of Tochigi Prefecture. It is said to have been visited by Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Mito Komon), giving the stone its name. Standing 30 meters high and 70 meters wide, this massive boulder resembles a seated Kannon statue, earning it the name “Great Kannon Rock.” Since ancient times, it has been revered as a place of worship for safe childbirth and family well-being.

The area surrounding Gozeniwa Stone is home to a clear mountain stream, selected as one of the “Heisei 100 Best Waters.” With refreshing scenery that changes across the four seasons, nearby Mt. Nasu and the riverbanks of Shikanoyu provide relaxing walking trails. In autumn, from late October to mid-November, the area transforms into one of the region’s most popular spots for vibrant autumn leaves. The harmony of the red foliage, pristine stream, and majestic rock creates a tranquil yet impressive sight, making it one of the highlights of Nakagawa Town’s natural beauty.

Location Map

Basic Information

Address	Ooyamada-shimogo, Nakagawa Town, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
Telephone Number	0287-92-5757（Nakagawa Town Tourism Association）
Price	Free
Time	Late October to mid-November (peak autumn foliage)
DIRECTIONS	From JR Ujiie Station, take a bus bound for “Bato Shako” (approx. 60 minutes). After getting off at the terminal, take a taxi for about 10 minutes to reach Gozeniwa Stone.
Map Code	222 640 602*62

Central Area

Utsunomiya, the most populous city in Tochigi, is about an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, and serves as a major transportation hub for the different regions of the prefecture. In addition to being known for its famous Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), Utsunomiya is called the “city of jazz and cocktails”, as there are numerous venues for hearing live jazz music, and the bartenders are quite skilled, so there are plenty of options for enjoyable nightlife.