Visited in October 2020 Urban oasis in the heart of Utsunomiya. Like many shrines in Japanese cities, it's perched on top of a hill and can be reached by climbing a steep stair. There is no lift or escalator of any kind unlike in some downtown shrines elsewhere, so some cautions are needed. One can see down towards the bustling downtown and preserved Utsunomiya Castle some hundred of meters away.

Good place to visit in utsunomiya, japanese style construction of old times. on new year occasion many Japanese people do visit. Sometimes sport events or musical performance organized in front of shrine.

I went to explore since I was in Utsunomiya. It was a nice place but there was so many stairs that I was already tired half way up. Though I was lugging a bunch of camera gear and was tired from traveling. I don’t know much of the history behind this place but known as Omyojin-sama or Futaara-san. With three deities Toyoki-Irihiko-no-Mikoto, Omononushi-no-Mikoto, and Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto being worshipped.

It is a beautiful temple with a good atmosphere.

Whilst the weather was inclement; it was definitely worth the visit to see this shrine - hopefully I can return during spring or autumn.

Beautiful shrine and the most interesting gyoza fortune paper.

Utsunomiya’s main shrine around 5 minutes drive from the station.

Beautiful shrine near to the Utsunomiya station. You can walk to this shrine from the Utsunomiya castle ruins. It is needed to climb many stairs to reach the shrine. Very big torii gate.

wonderful shrine.. 1.8km from utsunomiya station.

Beautiful shrine right in the middle of the Utsunomiya city. Famous for long staircase and big torii gate. There are some snack shops right after entering from the big torii gate where you can sit and enjoy some foods and drinks. Few minutes to Utsunomiya Castle by walk.

I visited Utsunomiya Futaarayma Shrine in March and it was really nice! I came from Nikko by train and the Shrine was close to the Utsunomiya train station and easy to find. The area was really pretty and I would definetely visit again! It didn’t cost anything. Also if you are visiting Nikko from Tokyo by train and you have to stop in Utsunomiya I would recommend you to see the Shrine!

Loved everything about this place. Even our 6 year old and 8 year old loved this place. A must for family with kids and the garden is so beautiful too

If you know anyone who even has a passing interest in carp, then this is an amazing little side adventure to enjoy. The outer garden and pond is in use for seasons outside winter and makes for a perfect backdrop to enjoy watching and feeding the many different varieties of carp. The tour is engaging but entirely in Japanese, so if you don't speak it semi-fluently or have a person or smartphone with a speedy audio translate feature, it may be hard to follow, but there is English text attached to all the displays at the village, so even without the tour you can learn a great deal. The main carp area in the back of the main hall is literally swimming with carp, and the curator encourages you to feed them and gently touch the adult carp. Seeing the many different colors and the stories attached to them was an excellent diversion. Is this an attraction you could build a whole day on? No, but it's an excellent part of a day spent in the Ojiya/Nagaoka area.

I'm glad I went to see this place. I was so amazed by the size of the kois. They were the biggest I've seen. The garden was beautiful too.

The Koi were somenof the most beautiful ones i ever seen and huge too. A very well maintained place. Entrance staff lady was exceptionally polite and spoke some english. The place really give an insight of Koi history with pictures and diagrams. Good place to bring family with kids as well.

We stumbled on this because we were searching for all the Pokémon lid man covers. It was a small but full of information on the Koi and genuinely cool.

Amazing! The entry fee was ¥510 per adult and ¥100 for a small cone of food. It was all so worth it! The small museum is well kept and the English translations are amazing. I had an awesome time learning about the history of koi in the region. My partner and I were also both enamoured with the feeding pond. The fish were so friendly! They give kisses when you feed them and it's unlike anything I've seen before!

One of the Kids friendly place and activities..

I would reconmend anyone to go here wheter you love koi or if you dont! It was SO fun seeing so much koi and you can feed and pet them. Very interactive place and there is a Pokemon Lid in the parking lot and souvenirs. As well as information on the koi. I have never seen so many beautifull koi!!

Good knowledge and variety of Koi fishes. Nice and friendly staff!

(Translated by Google) I participated in the Katagai Festival. It is a festival that has a very quaint and elegant atmosphere that will remind you of the nostalgic atmosphere that you had forgotten. I would definitely like to go again. There are many aspects of this festival that cannot be conveyed in words, so I'm sure everyone has their own opinions, but for better or worse, I feel that it is one of the events that everyone should see first. *The absolute number of parking lots is limited in nearby areas, so even if it says that reservations are not required, we recommend calling each parking lot at least once to confirm. (Original) 片貝まつりに参加させていただきました。 とても趣や風情があり、忘れていた懐かしい空気感を思い出させてくれるようなお祭りです。 またぜひとも行きたいと思います。 このお祭りは、言葉ではとても伝えきれない部分が多い為、感想はそれぞれだとは思いますが、良くも悪くもまずは観ていただきたい行事の1つだと感じました。 ＊駐車場の絶対数も近場に限れば少ないので、予約が必要では無いと書かれていても、それぞれの駐車地に１度は電話して確認することをオススメいたします。

(Translated by Google) 2023.9.10 I've been waiting! Asahara Shrine Sumo Hall The dedication sumo has begun Tournaments, five-man eliminations, etc. It's very interesting 2023.9.9 The votive fireworks will start again this year. Since it's Saturday and Sunday, I'm sure there will be a huge turnout. It happens every year, but it's hot during the day, but it gets chilly at night, so don't forget to bring a layer of clothing. Asahara Shrine dedication fireworks The world's largest four-sized ball Super large star mine It’s the best!(๑•∀•๑)!Amazing! (Original) 2023.9.10 待ってました！ 浅原神社相撲場 奉納相撲が始まりました トーナメントや５人抜き等… とってもおもしろいですよ 2023.9.9 奉納煙火が今年も始まるね 土日だからすごい人出になるんだろうなぁ 毎年のことだけど、昼間は暑いけど、夜は肌寒くなるから羽織る物を一枚持って来るのを忘れずに 浅原神社奉納花火 世界一の四尺玉 超特大スターマイン 最高です!(๑•∀•๑)!すごっ！

(Translated by Google) Seven summers ago, when I was in the second year of junior high school, I visited Ojiya for the first time for an event called Rinkan School. At that time, I heard about the Katakai Fireworks Festival from the people staying at the private lodging house, so I immediately visited there this past September. Ta. I was truly moved by the greatness of the fireworks and festival that I experienced live. (Original) 当時中学2年生だった7年前の夏、林間学校という行事で小千谷を初めて訪れ、その時に片貝の花火祭りをことを民泊の方々から聞いたことがきっかけで、早速この間の9月に訪れました。本当に生で触れた花火と祭りの偉大さに感激しました。

(Translated by Google) A historic shrine that is the venue for the Katagai Fireworks Festival. It's definitely the best. An amazing fireworks festival like no other that began in the Edo period. We will turn everyone's thoughts into fireworks and set them off for two days. The world's largest 4-shakudama fireworks can only be seen here. Speaking of its power, it is also the best in the world! ! ! I would like you to see it up close. *Since I only took videos, the image is of shakudama fireworks. The venue is also unique and has an atmosphere like no other. The restaurants that are open at the fair are also delicious and of a high standard! ! ! It is a one-of-a-kind fireworks festival that cannot be compared, or rather, it would be foolish to compare. It was good to meet. I'm glad I went. I think so from the bottom of my heart. thank you. (Original) 片貝花火大会の会場となる歴史ある神社。 文句無しに最高です。 江戸の頃より始まった他にはない素晴らしい花火大会。 皆の思いを花火に変えて、2日間打ち上げます。 世界一大きい四尺玉花火は、ここでしか見れません。 その迫力と言ったら、これまた世界一！！！ 是非近くで見て欲しい。 ※動画しか撮ってないため、画像は尺玉の花火です。 会場もこれまた独特で他には無い雰囲気です。 縁日の出店しているお店も美味しくレベルが高い！！！ 比較できない、いや、比較するのが無粋に思う唯一無二の花火大会です。 出会えて良かった。 行けて良かった。 心からそう思えます。 ありがとうございます。

(Translated by Google) Asahara Shrine Autumn Festival. Katakai Town Festival is held every year on September 9th and 10th. The fireworks, which represent the feelings of the town, are different from other fireworks and are very moving. Niigata's fireworks are a must-see at least once. (Original) 浅原神社秋季例大祭。 毎年、9月9日10日に開催される、片貝町の祭り。 町の想いが込められて上がる花火は他の花火とは、また違う見方ができ感動します。 一度は見てもらいたい新潟の花火です。

(Translated by Google) This is the fireworks venue for the Katakai Festival, where Japan's largest 4-shaku fireworks are launched. Other than the 4-shaku fireworks and the 3-shaku fireworks, it's not really amazing, but it's a self-paced fireworks display that you won't find at other fireworks festivals. You can also invest money and have your own fireworks launched. The power of the 4-shaku ball at the climax is the strongest. Ordinary fireworks make a bang, but when you get a 3 or 4-shaku firework, you hear a bursting sound that is completely different from traditional fireworks. It's a wonder that can't be explained in words, so please come and see it for yourself. (Original) 日本一大きい４尺玉の花火を打ち上げくれる片貝祭りの花火会場。 ４尺玉と３尺玉の花火以外はめちゃくちゃすごいという訳ではないですが、他の花火大会にはないマイペースな花火大会です。資金を出資して自分の花火を打ち上げてもらう事もできます。 クライマックスの４尺玉の迫力は最強です。 普通の花火はバーンですが３、４尺玉になるとヴァガァ〜ンと今までの花火とは格の違う破裂音です。 文字では説明できない素晴らしさなので是非一を足を運んで体感して見てください。

(Translated by Google) It gets very crowded during the festival period. The fireworks you see here are unlike any other. (Original) 祭り期間中は非常に賑わいます。　ここで観る花火は他とは違います。

It was dangerous to visit in the snow season. The path was covered with knee high snow and there are tracks with no barriers, so if anyone is visiting, do be careful. I came here more because of the Sengoku history, there was nothing much to see except the vast area.

100名城の１つ春日山城に行ってきました。 春日山城は名将・上杉謙信公の居城で、複雑な自然の地形を利用した春日山城の堅固な城塞は、難攻不落の天下の名城と言われています。 また日本五大山城の１つとされることもあります。 春日山城は、石垣がなく、自然の地形と土木工事により巡らせた空堀や土塁などによって多くの曲輪を守っていました。 現在も空堀や土塁、大井戸など山城の特徴が残ります。 また天守閣を持たず、周囲の山々に砦を築いて、より大きな城としての機能を持たせていました。こうした城の造りは、戦国時代の山城としての特徴をよく表しています。 春日山城の中腹には、上杉謙信公の銅像があり、さらに三ノ丸跡や米蔵跡、二ノ丸跡を登って行き、標高約180mにある本丸跡からは、日本海や頸城平野(くびきへいや)、それを取り巻く山並みをも一望できます。 また本丸跡の右手には毘沙門堂があり、実際に毘沙門天が祀られています。 その他にも武将の屋敷跡や空堀、虎口といった跡も見ることができ、謙信公の銅像がある中腹には、謙信公を祭神とした春日山神社もあります。 春日山城の中腹までは車で登ってくる事ができ、その先も舗装されています。また舗装されていないところでも坂は階段状になっている所もあるので登りやすくなっています。中腹から本丸跡までは約20分〜30分位で登れます。 春日山城跡は春には桜、夏は新緑、秋は紅葉、冬は雪化粧など四季折々の豊かな表情を見ることができるので、どの季節に行ってもオススメですよ。 (Translated by Google) I went to Kasugayama Castle, one of the 100 famous castles. Kasugayama Castle was the residence of the famous commander Kenshin Uesugi, and the solid fortress of Kasugayama Castle, which makes use of the complex natural topography, is said to be an impregnable and famous castle. It is also considered one of Japan's five great mountain castles. Kasugayama Castle did not have stone walls, and many enclosures were protected by dry moats and earthworks built by natural topography and civil engineering work. The characteristics of Yamashiro still remain today, such as dry moats, earthen walls, and large wells. In addition, they did not have a castle tower, and built forts on the surrounding mountains to function as a larger castle. The construction of such a castle well represents the characteristics of a mountain castle in the Sengoku period. Halfway up Kasugayama Castle, there is a bronze statue of Uesugi Kenshin. After climbing the Sannomaru ruins, the rice storehouse ruins, and the Ninomaru ruins, from the Honmaru ruins at an altitude of about 180m, you can see the Sea of ​​Japan and the Kubiki Plain. , you can also see the mountains surrounding it. In addition, there is Bishamondo on the right side of the Honmaru ruins, where Bishamonten is actually enshrined. In addition, you can see the ruins of the military commander's residence, dry moat, and tiger mouth, and Kasugayama Shrine, where Kenshin is enshrined, is located halfway up the mountain where the statue of Kenshin is located. You can drive up to the middle of Kasugayama Castle, and the road ahead is also paved. Also, even if the slope is not paved, it is easy to climb because there are places where the slope is stepped. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to climb from the middle of the hill to the ruins of Honmaru. The ruins of Kasugayama Castle can be seen in all four seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

While the castle itself may be a ruin, it doesn't detract from the awe and historical significance of this once great mountain fortress. To reach the honmaru, it is about a 10-15 hike, with some occasional steep areas. Signs in English are conveniently placed at significant spots up the trail which provide necessary context. The view from the honmaru is a spectacular panorama of the distant Myoko mountains to the Sea of Japan. If the opportunity presents itself, try to get on the trail early in the morning so as to avoid a crowd, as well as the afternoon heat.

8月2日にバイクで訪れました。朝8時ごろから登り始めましたが、坂道はそこそこ急坂ですが、距離が短いのできつい高さではないはずなのですが、暑さで顔から汗がポタポタ落ちながらの訪問になりました。戦国時代の山城跡として一度は行ってみたい所でしたが、天気の良い日に行くことができてよかったです。本丸跡からの展望はおすすめです。朝早い時間帯だと太陽が東に近くて眺望を写真に取ろうとすると逆光になってしまうので、フラッシュをたくなりして顔を明るくするといいかもしれません。いろいろな建物があるわけではありませんが、護摩堂に安置してある毘沙門天様が当時のお体を体内仏として収めていて、高村光雲によって修復されたとの説明がありました。戦国の世から現代までをずっと見守っていただいていると考えると感慨深いものがあります。夏に訪れるのであれば、水分補給と帽子等を用意して熱中症対策をすることをおすすめします。 (Translated by Google) I visited on August 2nd by motorcycle. I started climbing around 8:00 in the morning, and although the slope was fairly steep, the distance was short, so it shouldn't be too high. I wanted to visit once as a mountain castle ruins of the Warring States period, but I'm glad I was able to go on a sunny day. The view from the ruins of Honmaru is recommended. In the early morning hours, the sun is close to the east, and if you try to take a picture of the view, it will be backlit, so it may be a good idea to use a flash to brighten your face. There are not many buildings, but it was explained that the body of Bishamonten enshrined in the Goma-do hall was preserved as a Buddha in the body, and was restored by Koun Takamura. It is deeply moving to think that you have been watching over us from the Sengoku period to the present day. If you are visiting in the summer, we recommend that you bring hydration and a hat to prevent heatstroke.

Kasugayama castle is fantastic on several fronts. It’s free to visit and all of the explanatory signage is also in English, so as a foreign visitor I didn’t miss out on anything. However although it is a historical site, the best thing about this place was, for me, the outstanding views from the top, especially as it was during cherry blossom season. Definitely one of the best views over Joetsu, and so very peaceful.

Good view after easy walking up the hill.

It's a nice hike, but some areas are steep and there's nothing left of the castle to see, except some markers and explanatory signs

Heritage and historical place

My favourite

(Translated by Google) November 15, 2023 Kasugayama Castle ruins, known as the residence of Uesugi Kenshin, a famous warlord during the Sengoku period. It is a nationally designated historic site and is counted as one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles. Kasugayama Castle, which skillfully utilized the natural topography, was said to be an impregnable castle. Even today, the characteristics of a mountain castle remain, such as the dry moat, earthworks, and large well. Its main feature is that it is built with a moat and earthworks that are 1.2km long, at the foot of a mountain with mansions and a dry moat. From the main castle ruins located at an altitude of approximately 180m, you can see the Sea of ​​Japan, the Kubiki Plain, and the surrounding mountains. We also met the Echigo-Joetsu-Uesugi Omotenashi Busho-tai near the Sannomaru ruins. Uesugi Kenshin from Bushotai is a good-looking guy~ lol The walk takes about 1 hour, but please be aware that there are ups and downs in places! ! (Original) 2023年11月15日 戦国時代の名将・上杉謙信公の居城として知られる春日山城跡🏯 国の指定史跡で日本百名城にも数えられています。 自然の地形を巧みに利用した春日山城は難攻不落の名城といわれました。 現在も、空堀・土塁・大井戸など山城の特徴が残ります。 屋敷や空堀が展開する山の裾野に、延長1.2kmにも及ぶ堀と土塁で築かれている点が大きな特徴です。 標高約180mにある本丸跡からは、日本海や頸城平野、それを取り巻く山並みをも一望できます。 また三の丸跡付近で、越後上越上杉おもてなし武将隊の方々にお会いしました。 武将隊の上杉謙信公はイケメンです〜笑 約1時間の散策ですが所々にアップダウンがありますのでご注意ください！！

A clean & tidy hotel that's feeling its age. Rooms are well kept and beds are comfortable. Don’t forget to pick up your free toothbrush/paste, shavers etc. from the lobby area as you won’t find them in your rooms otherwise. Face/bath towels are a bit thin and scratchy, but still functional. In-house culinary options are limited and the kitchen’s ability to churn out meals can be slow during hectic periods. When faced with a packed house, you can expect a wait of around 20~ minutes after you've ordered. Food was delicious though. 👍🏻 On-site parking is free and can accommodate many vehicles. There are ice makers, vending machines, coin laundromats available within the hotel as well.

Cheap, comfortable, restaurant service was poor, not a great choice in meals, breakfast average. Rooms and beds clean and tidy. Bath towel small size not big and soft..

Not the cheapest , but location for anyone sight seeing in Takada area is ok. Buses stop nearby and a taxi fare is minimal to Takada bicycles are available from the hotel. Plenty of restaurants around. Clean ,comfortable and for me appeared at the right time as all other hotels were booked out for Hanami.

Great business hotel, very friendly staff and good service. The Restuarant service is a little slow and for the price you’re better off going into town to eat

Pretty decent Japanese style with a good restaurant.

(Translated by Google) Although the facilities are old, they were clean and comfortable. I chose the half-board plan, but the dinner was better than I expected. There were many types of tempura, and even warabi was included. The Atka mackerel was also fluffy and delicious. The cost performance was high and I would like to stay here again when I am on a business trip. (Original) 設備に古さは有りますが、きれいにされていて快適でした。 ２食付プランにしましたが、夕飯が期待以上でした。天ぷらの種類が多く、蕨まで入っていました。ホッケもフワフワの美味しいものでした。 コストパフォーマンスが高く、また出張の際は泊まりたいと思いました。

(Translated by Google) I used it for 2 nights! The room was spacious and comfortable. The bathtub in the room is extremely small, but there is a bathtub, so if you want to take a relaxing soak, you can use that. However, in the women's bath, there was a lot of hair falling in the changing room, which is more a sign of the lack of morals than of the staff not patrolling the area. There is a roller, so be sure to clean up after using the hair dryer! There was also a humidifier and trouser press in the room (some rooms may not have one). There are two coin laundry machines, one for washing and one for drying. Rinse-in shampoo is provided. Is there shampoo available at the front desk? conditioner? There is a shampoo buffet, but it would be a pain to go back and return it, so I would appreciate it if you could do it like a shampoo buffet. I had curry for breakfast on the first day. Sweet and even children can eat it On the second day, we had Japanese food. They were both delicious I want to use it again (Original) 2泊で利用しました！ お部屋は広めで快適に過ごせました 部屋のバスタブはものすごく小さいですが、浴場があるので ゆっくり浸かりたい人はそちらを利用すると良いです。しかし、女湯は脱衣場に落ちてる髪の毛が凄くて、スタッフが見回りをしてないというより、モラルの無い人の多さを物語っています。コロコロが置いてありますので ドライヤーの後はお掃除をしましょう！ 加湿器、ズボンプレッサーも部屋にありました(無い部屋もあるかもしれないです) コインランドリーは洗濯、乾燥別で2台ずつです。 備え付けはリンスインシャンプーです フロントに貸し出しのシャンプー？コンディショナー？が置いてありますが、返しに行くのがめんどくさいのでシャンプーバイキングのようにしてくださると有難いです。 １日目の朝食はカレーにしました。甘くてお子様でも食べられます 2日目は和食にしました。 どちらも美味しかったです また利用したいと思います