Koiwai Farm
The farm covers a vast area at the foot of Mt. Iwate, spanning Shizukuishi-cho and Takizawa city, and is involved in a variety of businesses, including dairy farming, forestry, food, and tourism.
I got to see a historic old barn and even caught a sheep show! After walking around the huge farm, the fresh milk and soft serve ice cream tasted absolutely amazing. Such a special treat!
Oirase Stream
Oirase Stream, a renowned tourist attraction awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, stretches approximately 14 kilometers from the shores of Lake Towada at Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. It's a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, celebrated for its waterfalls, clear streams, giant rocks, and steep cliffs.
Oirase Stream stays cool even in summer, making it perfect for a refreshing walk in the woods!
There's a path along the river, so I definitely recommend taking a stroll. It's a place you'll want to visit again and again.
Tamagawa Onsen
Tamagawa Onsen has the strongest acidic spring in Japan, known as “the therapeutic hot water.” From the source spring called “Ofuki,” 98°C hot water gushes out 9000 liters / min. It is by far the biggest hot spring.
This is Japan's most acidic hot spring. You should try it at least once in your life! The minerals are so strong that if you put your face in or rub your skin, it can sting a lot. It's a one-of-a-kind experience you can't get anywhere else! Just a heads-up, your skin might feel tingly, especially your backside, so be careful.
Nasu-dake (Mt. Chausu)
Located at the northernmost tip of Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu-dake, also known as Mt. Chausu, is the highest peak in the Nasu Mountain Range. It is one of the most famous active volcanoes in the Kanto region, with white smoke continuously rising from its crater. The main fumarole is located on the western slope, where the sound of roaring steam fills the area.
You can take the ropeway most of the way up, so it's an easy hike. No need for serious climbing gear.
The view from the top is stunning, so if the weather's good, definitely give it a try!
After working up a sweat, I recommend stopping by a hot spring on your way back!
Ryuokyo Gorge
A nearly 3km-long gorge stands between the small hot spring resorts along a river, Kawaji Onsen and Kinugawa Onsen. 22 million years ago, a volcano in the ocean belched up rocks which got gradually eroded by Kinugawa River into the current shape. As the name suggests, the powerful scenery looks like a dragon twisting around, impressing visitors.
There's a fantastic scenic spot just a short walk from the station!
After exploring the clear streams and waterfalls, it's great that you can enjoy local restaurants and souvenir shops around the parking lot.
At Senya, a local eatery, I recommend the yuba set meal and the hearty tempura rice bowl.
Nasu Senbonmatsu Ranch
The 130 year-old Nasu Senbonmatsu Ranch is a historic escape found nestled in the rich natural landscape of Nasu-Shiobara. Bent on its penchant for "coexistence with nature," the ranch spans 834 hectares and takes great care in producing its own feed for approximately 500 dairy cows, ensuring the quality from soil prep and beyond.
I often stop by here when I'm heading toward Nasu-Shiobara. The soft serve ice cream is super milky and smooth—no wonder it's so popular! There's always a line on weekends. It's a really fun ranch where you can interact with cows and goats!
Tokyo Dome City
This is a huge leisure facility complex that is centered around Tokyo Dome, which is famous as a baseball stadium. An amusement park, restaurants, shops and a hotel surround the massive Tokyo Dome.
I went to watch a Giants vs. DeNA baseball game. The energy was amazing since I was sitting on the Giants' side!
But there was a guy next to me who kept heckling the whole time, which was pretty annoying, so I'm giving it 3 stars.
Toneri Park
Toneri Park is blessed with a bountiful natural environment. Within the park grounds, many birds, fish and insects can be observed around the large pond. Also featuring places with trees and shrubs in full leaf, this park is ideal for Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, as well as bird watching.
There's a large pond and sports facilities in this spacious park, making it feel like an oasis in the city. Walking one lap takes about an hour, so it's great for a bit of exercise. There are also dog runs and barbecue areas, so it's perfect for outdoor activities!
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
This tour route goes through the Northern Alps, lined with mountains over 3,000m above sea level, stretching 37.2km, and the difference in altitudes from the foot to the top is up to 1.975m.
The snow corridor, the breathtaking scenery, the trolley buses and cable cars that go right through the mountains—everything here was so exciting and unique. You really can't experience this anywhere else!
Kawazu-zakura blossoms along the Kawazu River
It is known that early blooming cherry blossoms, which begin to bloom in the beginning of February, along the Kawazu River. These cherry blossoms were discovered in Kawazu-cho in 1955 and are called "Kawazu Zakura" now. It is considered as a natural hybrid species between the winter cherry (Kanhizakura) group, which blooms starting from around January, mainly in warm regions, and the wild cherry (Oshima zakura) group, which is a wild species in Japan.
I visited a bit early in the season, so only about half of the cherry blossoms were in bloom. Still, it was totally worth seeing.
The parking lots in the town center get really crowded, so I recommend heading upstream along the river. It's less busy and you can enjoy the flowers comfortably!