Three-day Japanese cultural experience – Gozen-ryori, steam locomotives, and pottery.

Since its debut as the nation’s first local line in 1912, the Mooka line has operated daily. Two models of Mooka steam locomotive run on weekends and holidays when many tourists come to see them working as they have for 100 years. In spring, the railway track is almost wrapped in pink cherry blossoms and the ground a shade of yellow with the spreading rapeseed field. The colour contrast attracts many photographers.

Okashitsukasa Beniya Miyake, a traditional Japanese confectionery store, is popular for its cute and beautiful sweets.
Their jouyo nerikiri (a type of Japanese confectionery), made with carefully selected ingredients and crafted by skilled artisans, is incredibly popular for its elegant flavor and charming appearance.As it often sells out quickly, we recommend visiting the store early.
Please try these confections that the artisans have put their heart and soul into creating.

Try your hand at hand building and wheel-throwing with guidance in English. Lessons are offered to one group at a time, ensuring the ultimate private pottery experience.（Please make reservations via our website)

Mashiko is dotted with a number of relaxing cafés serving treats and drinks in Mashiko-ware. Many of these cafés are off the beaten path, so they often go unnoticed by those who haven’t done their research.

The Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art features works by the late Mr. Shoji Hamada， who was a designated Living National Treasure， as well as works by other ceramists associated with the town of Mashiko.

On the same site， there are also the Sasajima Kihei Hall， which has permanent exhibitions of works by the printmaker Kihei Sasajima， who studied under Shiko Munakata， and the Mashiko Arts & Crafts Residence， which hosts artists-in-residence from all over the world as part of an international exchange program.

Shoji Hamada’s House， which has been designated as a Cultural Property by the town of Mashiko， includes a reconstruction of the climbing kiln that Mr. Hamada used.

You can also pick a cup you like and enjoy tea or coffee at salon located on the premises of the museum.
There is also a museum shop in the salon where you can buy Mashiko pottery and more.”

The History of Utsunomiya Castle

Utsunomiya Castle is believed to have been originally built by the legendary Japanese warrior Fujiwara no Hidesato. During the medieval period, it served as the stronghold of the Utsunomiya clan for generations.

After the Utsunomiya clan was stripped of its land by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Utsunomiya Castle became the residence of fudai daimyō (samurai families who had pledged loyalty to the Tokugawa clan before the Battle of Sekigahara) during the Edo period. The castle also played an important role as a key stopover point for Tokugawa shoguns traveling to Nikkō Tōshō-gū to pay their respects.

In 1868, the castle was engulfed in the flames of war during the Boshin War, a conflict between the new Meiji government forces and the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate. Most of the original structures were destroyed in the battle.

Today, the castle ruins have been transformed into a historical park, with efforts focused on reconstructing parts of the Edo-period (1600–1867) main keep (Honmaru) to preserve its legacy.

Utsunomiya’s Earliest and Most Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

From March to April, Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park is adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms. The season begins in mid-to-late March with the early-blooming Kawazu-zakura, followed by Somei Yoshino, Shidare-zakura, and finally culminating in the Oyama-zakura in mid-April. For a full month, visitors can immerse themselves in a breathtaking sea of pink petals.

During cherry blossom season, the park hosts the Utsunomiya Sakura Festival, featuring stage performances, local street food stalls, and festive activities in addition to stunning cherry blossoms. This makes it one of Utsunomiya’s most renowned hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.

The bars in Utsunomiya are run by highly skilled bartenders who have won prizes at cocktail competitions in Japan and overseas. Enjoy a special cocktail available for a limited time using the strawberries of Tochigi Prefecture which has had the largest output volume of this fruit in Japan for over half a century.

Savor the colors， flavors and aromas in Utsunomiya at night. Please enjoy Utsunomiya – city of cocktails.☆

Experience Oya’s usually inaccessible underground stone quarry on a special underground cruise that takes place in total darkness .
（Please make reservations via our website)

“Otono-sama” (Lords’) cuisine and “Ohime-sama”(Princess’) cuisine are based on the menus of the Edo era’s Daimyo (feudal lords). Enjoy recreations of these foods that have been adapted over 200 years and made with a unique diversity of ingredients. This cuisine is highly regarded for its healthy ingredients and playful presentation. It’s currently offered at 12 restaurants in the town of Mibumachi renowned for developing a rich menu over three years.

The Mibu-machi Toy Museum provides displays of model trains on an elaborate landscape diorama along with a model train driving experience. 18 world heritage sites including temples and shrines of Nikko are placed on the N-gauge (25m2) diorama. The driver’s seat on the HO-gauge (37m2) provides excellent views, and is equipped with a sound system to give visitors a realistic railway experience.

The museum has an interactive app-based game, which you can unlock fun quizzes and characters on your device. Collect answers and points within the specified time limit to break the hidden seal in the castle! The app is the perfect way for the whole family to play and learn about the museum.