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  • Suggested Itineraries
  • Central Area

Gyozas and the Underground World of Utsunomiya (2-Day Trip)

A bicycle-friendly city, Utsunomiya is notable for its stonework and gyoza. Less than an hour from Tokyo on the Shinkansen.

Schedule

Day 1

Tokyo Station

  1. ↓ 48 mins by JR Tohoku Shinkansen
  2. Utsunomiya Station
  3. ↓ 30 mins by bus(Bound for Tateiwa)

Oya History Museum (Ohya)

  • Time Required: 1 hour
1

The old underground quarry is called “Unknown Space”

The old mining site of Utsunomiya’s famous,Oya Stone,has now been turned into a historical museum. The exhibition features the long history of the mining since the 17th century,with many materials on display. The underground cavern,covering 20,000 sq. metres,is large enough to fit a baseball field.

With a fantastic atmosphere reminding visitors of the ruins of Ancient Rome.It is used in various scenes such as movie shooting, music videos shooting, weddings, concert, etc. due to its mysterious scenery.

  1. ↓ By bus(Bound for Utsunomiya Station)

Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine

2

The city of Utsunomiya developed around the shrine

The history of the Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine dates back 1,600 years when the shrine was dedicated to the founder of Utsunomiya,Toyoki-Irihiko-no-Mikoto. Most of the festivals held in the city are related to this historic shrine. Many people come to the shrine on special occasions such as New Year and Shichi-Go-San seasons. The illuminated gate and approach to the shrine are an incredible evening sight. The shrine is also home to some nationally important works of art.

  1. ↓ 2 mins by foot

Utsunomiya Gyoza Dumpling

  • Time Required: 3 hours
3

Eat gyoza in Utsunomiya, which is gyoza capital of Japan!

“Utsunomiya Gyoza” is an important part of the culinary culture of Utsunomiya City. The city has over 300 Gyoza restaurants,and people enjoy queuing in front of their favourite restaurants. These eateries compete in creating unique recipes to be recognised as “one of the best” Gyoza in the city,with all sorts of ingredients and cooking methods. Go from one eatery to another like the locals do,and sample some of thier wide selection! You can even join Gyoza-making classes led by veteran lecturers. Gyoza-related goods are also popular as souvenirs.

Hotel

  • Time Required: Stay one night in Utsunomiya
4
You can find accommodations on the websites below.There are many affordable hotels in Utsunomiya.

Day 2

Miya Cycle Station(Rental Cycle Shop)

  • Time Required: 1 hour and 30 minutes (Cycling around town)
5

Tour Utsunomiya by renting bicycles from this shop that also offers tourist information.
http://miya-cyclestation.jp/

  1. ↓On foot
  2. Utsunomiya Station
  3. ↓By bus(Bound for Romantic Village or Sannodanchi)

Michi-no-Eki(Roadside Rest Stops) Utsunomiya Romantic Village

  • Time Required: 2.5 hours
6

Sample and compare a great variety of local beers!

This Roadside Rest Stops offering a farming and forest experience, dog park, hot spring, pool, and accommodation. Tochigi Prefecture has the largest production of two-rowed barley – an ingredient used to make beer. Romantic village’s brewery has a full lineup of beers including staple original beers, the Mugitaro brand, and Gyoza Roman, a beer that pairs well with Gyoza .Be sure to try a freshly brewed one!

  1. ↓ By bus(Bound for Utsunomiya Station)

Four Seasons Bamboo Forest Wakayama Farm

7

Wakayama Farm is a farm where bamboo has been cultivated with the aim of pesticide-free and organic farming for approximately over 80 years. The 24-hectare bamboo forest on this farm has also been used as the location for various movies and commercials.

In addition to taking a stroll through the bamboo forest,you can pick bamboo shoots in spring,pick berries in the summer and search for chestnuts in the fall.

During the winter season, they light up the bamboo forest on the weekends. You can take for a walk in the bamboo forest and enjoy beautiful illumination.

  1. ↓ By bus
  2. Utsunomiya Station
  3. ↓ JR Tohoku Shinkansen

Tokyo Station

Location Map

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