Tochigi Hotels

The picturesque prefecture of Tochigi, located centrally on Japan’s island of Honshu, is a natural geologic wonderland, filled with lush rivers, forests and mostly extinct volcanoes. The nearby Nikko National Park is dotted with mountainous peaks such as Mount Nantai, an ancient Japanese home of the gods, a favourite destination for hikers wanting to explore the region. Mount Nasu, in the northeast section of the park, consists of five separate peaks, at least several of which are scalable, and one, Chausu Peak, which is currently active. Many travellers visit the Futarasan Jinja Shinto and Nikko Toshogu Shrines in the area, which are marked as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city of Tochigi is a slowly expanding metropolis that has absorbed many of its surrounding villages as more people have migrated to the area since the 1950s, and the adventurous traveller will find a diverse range of things to see and do from the culturally modern to the legendary and ancient. The Bandai Museum in Tochigi City is dedicated to all forms of manga and popular culture. There are many local markets, museums and traditional Japanese shops, making a holiday in Tochigi an interesting, fun and relaxing experience.

When To Go

Tochigi has a moderate climate, though it’s subject to mild extremes. In summer the average highs range between 26-29°C (79-84°F) though some days can be colder. In winter the averages range between about -2-10°C (28-50°F) and snow falls a few days out of the year. Precipitation is quite high in summer with up to 220 mm (8.7 inches) in the peak of the wet season, but it dries up over the winter period from December-April to an average of about 40 mm (1.6 inches). The best time to explore this beautiful place is in May when the Fuji blooms are out, but this is also peak season, and the attractions in the city can become crowded.

• Temperatures average around 26-29°C (79-84°F) in summer and -2-10°C (28-50°F).

• Tochigi’s peak season is in May, but the scenery is very beautiful in winter.

• Summer precipitation is high, so if you’re visiting then, prepare for thunderstorms.

Getting There

Tochigi is accessible from Tokyo via rail on the Ryomo and Tobu Nikko lines, both accessible via shuttle, taxi, bus or rental car from Tokyo International Airport. There are car rental offices in Tochigi but it may be more prudent to drive from the airport, as there are taxis and a local intermittent bus service, but beyond that public transport is quite limited. Hiking, walking and skiing are the main ways to see the many attractions in the Nikko National Park, and there are tours and walking trails available to various peaks, lakes and shrines in this picturesque and exciting area.

• Tochigi is accessible by rail from Tokyo via the Ryomo and Tobu Nikko lines.

• Buses and taxis are available for travel within Tochigi Prefecture, though bus services are intermittent. Car rental recommended.

• Walking, hiking and skiing are the best way to see the Nikko National Park.

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