A Little Rewarding Getaway to TOCHIGI

Winter in Tochigi is filled with inspiring places where you can find your way back to you. From beautiful natural scenery and soothing hot springs to strawberry picking and dazzling illuminations, there are countless experiences to help you relax and recharge. Here, we introduce some of the region's most recommended winter destinations, organized by area.Visit these special spots, unwind in the beauty of Tochigi, and enjoy a rewarding getaway that helps you find your way back to you.

5 Must-Visit Winter Destinations in Tochigi
Nikko City: Yunishigawa-onsen Kamakura Snow House Festival
Nasushiobara City: Aozora Project THE DAY
Utsunomiya City: Wakatake no Mori Wakayama Farm
Ashikaga City: Ashikaga Flower Park
Mashiko Town: Strawberry picking at Yoshimura Farm

Snowy scenery and soothing hot springs. Spend winter your own way at Yunishigawa Onsen.

Why not take a break from your daily routine and enjoy a solo winter getaway to Yunishigawa Onsen? Located in the Nikko area, Yunishigawa Onsen hosts its annual Kamakura Snow House Festival this winter. Hundreds of miniature snow huts line the riverbank at Sawaguchi in Yunishigawa, each glowing with a gentle light after dark. Take your time and enjoy the peaceful winter scenery, where pure white snow meets the soft glow of candlelight. After admiring this magical landscape, warm up in the soothing hot springs and let the day’s cares melt away. Slow down, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy a truly special winter escape.

Event period: January 29, 2027 (Fri) ～ February 28, 2027 (Sun)
Illumination hours: 5:30 PM-9:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the event period
Access: From Yunishigawa Onsen Station on the Yagan Railway Aizu Kinugawa Line, take a bus bound for Yunishigawa Onsen for approximately 25 minutes. Get off at the final stop, Yunishigawa Onsen, then walk approximately 5 minutes to the Sawaguchi riverbank.

Based in Shiobara Onsen, Aozora Project THE DAY is a local guide organization offering outdoor experiences set against the beauty of winter’s rural landscapes and snow-covered mountains. Enjoy an e-bike tour or a leisurely walk through the countryside, taking in Shiobara’s rich natural beauty and breathing in the crisp winter air. Along the way, discover the tracks of wild animals in the snow and explore forests wrapped in the quiet stillness of winter. With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll also gain insight into Shiobara’s unique charm and everyday life—experiences that go beyond the usual sightseeing itinerary. These special outdoor activities are a wonderful addition to a relaxing winter getaway, especially when paired with a stay at one of the area’s hot springs.

Main activities: Satoyama guided tours, e-bike tours, morning walks, trekking experiences, and more
Fees: Vary by program. Advance reservations are required.
Access: From JR Nasu-Shiobara Station, take a bus for approximately 60 minutes and get off at Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal. Walk approximately 11 minutes.
*Meeting locations may vary depending on the activity. Please contact the organizer for details.

Enjoy a special, limited-time outdoor experience for all ages, from children to adults! Try driving remote-controlled cars on snow, connect with local residents at Aozora Shokudo, and enjoy a special lunch featuring soba noodles, locally grown vegetables, and more.

Reservations can be made through the dedicated booking link on the Aozora Project THE DAY website.
Event Period: December 2026 - March 2027, on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Dates will be arranged according to participants' preferences.
Time Slots: ① 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM ② 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Meeting Point: Aozora Project THE DAY, 2196-13 Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture
Access: From JR Nasu-Shiobara Station, take a JR Bus Kanto bus to Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal, then walk approximately 11 minutes.
Reservations
Please book through the dedicated reservation link on the Aozora Project THE DAY website.
Note: The reservation page is scheduled to be available from late November 2026. The release date is subject to change.

Step into a Magical Winter World: Bamboo Winter Lights 2026 at Wakatake no Mori Wakayama Farm, Utsunomiya

Located in northern Utsunomiya, Wakatake no Mori Wakayama Farm is a tourist destination open to visitors by a farm that has cultivated bamboo shoots, bamboo, and chestnuts for approximately 100 years. Its expansive bamboo groves cover around 24 hectares and have served as filming locations for movies and commercials. In winter, the bamboo forest takes on a special atmosphere, with crisp air and a sense of tranquility. During this season, the farm hosts Bamboo Winter Lights, a special illumination event available only at this time of year. The 2026 event begins on November 28. As light and bamboo come together in an enchanting display, the forest transforms into a mystical world unlike anything seen during the day. Beneath the clear winter night sky, the illuminated bamboo grove creates a breathtaking scene that has become one of Utsunomiya’s winter highlights.

< Opening Hours>
Weekdays: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Weekends and Holidays: 9:00 AM-8:00 PM (Open until 9:00 PM in June-August)
< Closed> Year-end and New Year holidays
< Admission Fees>
Adults: \900
Elementary and junior high school students: \600
preschool children: \300
Additional Fee for Evening Illuminations:
Adults: +\600
Elementary and junior high school students: \+400
Preschool children: \+200
<Access> From JR Utsunomiya Station, take a bus for approximately 25 minutes and get off at Wakatake no Mori Wakayama Farm. Then walk approximately 4 minutes.

Experience the thrill of light and fragrance with Japan's three major illuminations

Spanning an impressive 100,000 square meters, Ashikaga Flower Park showcases a changing array of flowers throughout the year, with eight seasonal themes offering something new to discover in every season.
Among its highlights is Garden of Illuminated Flowers, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Illuminations, the event has also ranked No. 1 nationwide in an illumination ranking voted on by night-view tourism experts from across Japan. One of the most breathtaking sights is the park’s iconic Great Wisteria, known as the Miracle Great Wisteria, enveloped in a spectacular display of light. Special fragrance effects add another dimension to the experience, making visitors feel as though they are standing beneath a wisteria trellis in full bloom. A special sightseeing campaign, available exclusively during the Winter in Tochigi 2026 tourism promotion, is also planned. Please visit the Special Campaign page for details.

< Admission fees > Vary depending on the season and flower conditions. For details, please check the facility website
< Hours>
[Regular season] 10:00~17:00
[During the Hikari no Hana Garden period] 15:30~20:30 (weekdays), 15:30~21:00 (Sat, Sun, and holidays)
*For other operating hours, please check the facility website.
< Closed> 3rd Wednesday and Thursday of February and December 31 *Other days may be closed for
equipment inspections
< Access> 3-minute walk from JR Ashikaga Flower Park Station

Located in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, Yoshimura Farm is a popular destination for enjoying strawberries at their seasonal best.
From winter through spring, visitors can savor freshly harvested strawberries and sample different varieties in the farm’s greenhouse. The on-site café is also a favorite, serving delicious treats made with generous portions of freshly picked strawberries, including parfaits, smoothies, and lassi. Freshly harvested strawberries are available to purchase as well, making them perfect for souvenirs. For strawberry lovers, this is a destination full of tempting treats and memorable experiences. Why not stop by and enjoy the sweet taste of the season?

Strawberry picking
period:December 1 ~ around mid-May
hours:9:00~16:00 *Ends when strawberries run out
Fees:vary depending on the season. Please check the website for details.
Access: Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Kitayama Station on the Moka Railway.

We look forward to welcoming you to Tochigi this winter. We hope the natural beauty, soothing hot springs, and local culinary experiences will help you unwind, reconnect with yourself, and find your way back to you while discovering what makes Tochigi so special.

Information is accurate as of November 2026.
Details are subject to change without notice.
Events may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
All photos and illustrations are for illustrative purposes only.