15 Popular Date Spots in Tochigi: A Special Time Surrounded by World Heritage Sites and Spectacular Scenery

This museum presents the history of Oya stone quarrying and offers tours of an enormous underground quarry. Step inside the vast space, and you will be greeted by cool air and an extraordinary sight.
The interior is illuminated and also hosts art exhibitions, projection mapping, and other events.
It is an atmospheric setting for an escape from everyday life.

Dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo shogunate, this shrine features an array of lavish buildings. As you walk through the grounds, the architecture and ornamentation reveal the depth of Japan's history and culture.
A highlight of any tour of the World Heritage Site Shrines and Temples of Nikko, the complex comprises 55 magnificent buildings, including 8 National Treasures and 34 Important Cultural Properties.
Take your time exploring the ornate shrine buildings and immersing yourself in this historic setting.

This flower park is a pleasant place for a leisurely walk among seasonal blooms. The scenery changes with the seasons, creating a relaxing setting for spending time together.
At Ashikaga Flower Park, visitors can see seasonal flowers arranged around 8 themes: Early Spring, Spring Flower Festival, The Tale of the Wisteria, Rainbow Garden, Blue & White Garden, Flower Fairies on the Water, Purple Garden, and Flower Fantasy. Stroll through the expansive grounds and spend time surrounded by nature's colors.

This scenic driving route winds along mountain roads surrounded by Nikko's natural landscape. New views open up around every curve, providing a pleasant drive to share together.
One particular highlight is the view from Akechidaira Observation Area, reached by taking the ropeway from Akechidaira along the Second Irohazaka Winding Road.
The memorable scenery found at stops along the way is part of what makes this route special.

Located 1,269 meters above sea level, Lake Chuzenji is one of Japan's highest lakes. Time seems to move gently amid the natural surroundings at the foot of Mount Nantai.
A walk along the lakeshore is pleasant, but a sightseeing cruise is another recommended way to appreciate the views. Seeing the expansive landscape from different perspectives is one of this destination's pleasures.

Fed by the waters of Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls is one of Nikko's most iconic waterfalls. The powerful view from the observation deck conveys the immense scale of nature.
The water plunges 97 meters down a sheer cliff, offering both natural force and striking beauty.
Watching the cascading water together while surrounded by its resonant sound is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This approximately 3 km canyon between Kinugawa Onsen and Kawaji Onsen is lined with unusual rock formations and enormous boulders.
Points of interest along the maintained nature trail include Nijimi Falls, where a vivid rainbow appears on sunny days, and the unusually shaped potholes known as Kameana.
Walk through canyon scenery that changes with the seasons and take in the powerful natural landscape.

This museum's stone buildings and stained glass create an atmosphere reminiscent of another country.
St. Raphael's Chapel is especially notable, with stained glass covering an entire wall. Regular pipe organ performances add to its solemn atmosphere.
Soft light surrounds you as you walk through the museum, providing a quiet retreat from everyday life.

This zoo is approximately 10 times the size of Tokyo Dome and is home to around 600 animals.
The grounds are divided into 2 areas, Kingdom Town and Kingdom Farm, with the free Wan Nyan Bus providing transportation between them and access to a variety of animals.
Animal Stadium and Aqua Stage also feature performances by fur seals and other animals. Exploring the expansive grounds and seeing the animals up close is sure to become a special travel memory.

Located at an elevation of 1,048 meters, this observation deck overlooks the Nasu mountain range and the Kanto Plain. The sweeping views and clear air create a refreshing sense of openness.
On June 1, 2010, it became the 100th location in Japan to be registered as a Lover's Sanctuary by the 18th Lover's Sanctuary Selection Committee.
With panoramic views of the Nasu mountain range and Kanto Plain, it is an open setting for sharing a special moment together.

Known as Japan's oldest school, this historic site is also recognized as a Japan Heritage property. It is now open to the public, allowing visitors to see where students once studied.
Take a leisurely walk together through buildings and gardens restored to their mid-Edo-period appearance.

This sightseeing boat offers views of Tochigi's townscape while traveling along the Uzuma River in a small wooden boat.
The approximately 30-minute cruise follows a 300-meter round-trip route between Koraibashi Bridge and Setogawara Park. From the water, passengers can leisurely admire the distinctive scenery of the Storehouse District, where traditional warehouses evoke the Edo period. Let the gentle current carry you as you share a quiet moment together.

This farm is home to an expansive bamboo grove, providing a quiet setting surrounded by nature. Walking among the tall, straight bamboo feels like stepping away from everyday life.
This extraordinary and impressive bamboo forest has frequently served as a filming location for movies and commercials. A walk through the tranquil grove offers an escape into another world.

This museum occupies part of the former home of Shoji Hamada, a designated Living National Treasure.
Spread throughout the spacious garden are 5 buildings, including an Oya stone storehouse, a thatched-roof house, and a climbing kiln, each with a different atmosphere and exhibits.
Spend a peaceful time exploring the gardens and buildings while viewing Hamada's works and the objects he collected from around the world.

This representative local railway of Tochigi connects Shimodate Station with Motegi Station.
Steam locomotive trains pulled by a C12-class engine operate mainly on Saturdays and Sundays. The sight of the powerful locomotive running with its whistle sounding and steam billowing is captivating even for those who are not railway enthusiasts.
Take a leisurely train journey together while admiring the peaceful countryside through the windows.

This flower park is filled with seasonal blooms.
At Flower Fantasy, an illumination event held around fall, the park takes on a different appearance from the daytime and offers an escape from the ordinary. The event has been selected by the Night View Convention & Visitors Bureau as one of Japan's 3 Major Illuminations, creating a mysterious world woven from flowers and light.

Situated halfway up Mount Orihime, this shrine overlooks the city of Ashikaga from its grounds.
At night, the main shrine building is illuminated, creating a calm setting for a peaceful visit. Together with the neighboring Orihime Park, it was recognized in the 10th Japan Night View Heritage awards and is one of the area's highlights.
Spend a relaxing moment together admiring the illuminated shrine building and the city lights spreading below.

Located in central Utsunomiya, this hilltop park is easy to visit.
It features the 89-meter Utsunomiya Tower, which offers panoramic city views, as well as a large playground complex, go-karts, and animal enclosures.
City lights stretch out below the observation deck, providing a relaxed setting for enjoying the night view. Spend a quiet moment together gazing at the softly glowing cityscape.

Located on the 15th floor of the Tochigi Prefectural Government Office, this restaurant serves local ingredients alongside panoramic views.
From its glass-walled interior on the top floor, 65 meters above ground, diners can look out over central Utsunomiya. The menu focuses on Japanese cuisine made with ingredients from Tochigi Prefecture. Open views accompany lunch, while city lights provide the backdrop for dinner, making it suitable for anniversaries and other special occasions.

This restaurant occupies a renovated storehouse built from stacked Oya stone more than 70 years ago.
It serves an array of creative Japanese dishes. The menu incorporates local ingredients and regional brands such as Tochigi Wagyu beef, Tochigi Shamo chicken, and Nikko Salmon. For dinner, guests can choose from 3 plans ranging from a prix fixe menu to a full-course meal.
Relax over your meal and let your time together unfold naturally.

Located on the top floor of Hotel Higashinihon Utsunomiya, this teppanyaki restaurant offers a special dining experience in a refined setting.
Seated around the grill, guests can savor high-quality teppanyaki while watching the chef's lively preparation up close.
Dishes made with carefully selected ingredients such as Tochigi Wagyu beef make this a fitting choice for anniversaries.

This resort complex in the Nasu Highlands has 9 distinct lodging facilities spread across its expansive grounds. Options include guest-room buildings surrounding a central pool and freestanding cottage-style accommodations, allowing guests to choose the style that suits their stay.
There are 3 hot spring facilities exclusively for overnight guests. Soak in the open-air baths and bathing facilities while relaxing together in a resort atmosphere.

This hot spring hotel stands beside the Kinugawa Gorge and provides a tranquil stay surrounded by nature. Its buffet featuring local ingredients is also well regarded and is one of the pleasures of staying here.
The large public baths contain 10 types of tubs, where guests can enjoy hot spring bathing and saunas while looking out over the Kinugawa Gorge. Take your time over the hot springs and meals while enjoying each other's company.

Established in 1888, this long-standing hotel has a rich history in Kinugawa Onsen.
Its hot spring facilities are extensive, with the rooftop garden open-air bath on the hotel's 13th floor drawing particular attention. Located at the highest point in Kinugawa Onsen, it offers a refreshing soak with views of the surrounding mountains and townscape.
The buffet and kaiseki cuisine featuring ingredients from Tochigi are also highly regarded, making the hotel well suited to anniversaries and special occasions.