Otawara

Ōtawara is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2020, the city had an estimated population of 72,189 in 30,136 households, and a population density of 210 persons per km². The total area of the city is 354.36 square kilometres. Wikipedia.
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Featured guides

Top places to visit

1

Nakagawa Aquatic Park

Mentioned on 
Playground
Nature & Parks
Aquarium
The Nakagawa Aquatic Park is a delightful aquarium that offers a stunning Amazon River exhibit and an interactive touch tank where children can stroke various sea creatures like sharks and starfish. The place provides a serene environment with different types of creatures that fascinate visitors. It's an ideal location for families with small kids who want to explore the underwater world without leaving the city. The entry fee is reasonable at 600 yen, and reservations are required during the pandemic to limit visitor numbers inside the aquarium.
Nice place to visit with kids and family. Different types of fishes with explanations of their origin. There's a nice park as well near the picnic area.
Shweta Sonny Verleker — Google review
600 yen entry. It's a nice little aquarium with nice views. Reservations are required during the corona pandemic to limit people inside the aquarium. The surrounding area is really lovely to walk around as well
Sonya S. — Google review
Learn and know all about fish in Tochigi area, good information displayed, alot of fish, some you can touch it. They have capibara also and local farmer market outside near parking area
Bowie — Google review
Nice but quite small. Entry fee is reasonable. Great to visit with small kids. ++ in summer children entry for free
Vilem Skarolek — Google review
Seeing different kinds of 🌊 creatures made me feel calm. My grandkids also did enjoy so much. The entrance fee is reasonable. I recommend this place to families with small kids who loves to see the small under water but amazing aquarium world 🌍 without going too far to enjoy.
Concepcion Saito — Google review
It's a bit on the small side, but the exhibits are well-maintained and interesting. The real draw for this place is there Amazon River exhibit. It has a tunnel through the main tank and many vantage points from which to see the amazing fish of the region. Worth a stop!
Charlie — Google review
So many beautiful things to see. Loved it
Renée Scott — Google review
Very good attraction park
mississippi miss — Google review
2

Unganji

Mentioned on 
Buddhist temple
Unganji is a Buddhist temple located in Japan that has a long and rich history. The temple's architecture and design reflect traditional Japanese style, featuring ornate wooden carvings and beautiful gardens. Visitors to the temple can participate in various religious practices, including meditation and prayer. The temple also houses many valuable cultural artifacts, such as ancient scrolls and statues. Overall, Unganji is an important site for both spiritual practice and cultural preservation in Japan.
A very beautiful and picturesque place. Excellent for photos and rural places.
Jack Clements — Google review
This Zen temple is largely unknown and little visited -- there were only 4 other people around while I was there. However, it's historically important and located in a stunning location on the side of a mountain above a picturesque gorge and worth a visit if you have time. Totally free, it has a number of beautiful buildings plus an Amida statue open to view.
aaron meldahl — Google review
An absolute must see if you are in tochigi. Architecture is gorgeous and the sightseeing breathtaking. Perfect in autumn.
TominJapan — Google review
A beautiful quiet temple off the beaten track. No tickets, no shop, etc - you just walk around and soak the place in. If you come before the top of the hour you may get to see/hear the guy come down and sound the big bell. (We think it's the priest himself but couldn't be certain as he was dressed in ordinary clothes the time we saw him.)
Mamitsuka-Lawson狸塚ローソン — Google review
Unganji, this is the place to encounter superb mountain scenery.
KIICHIRO KOBORI — Google review
Quiet, great place to relax and meditate
Aruna Basnayake — Google review
😌
Eddy Ng — Google review
Peaceful and lovely
Mike Wagner — Google review
3

Nasu Nogi Shrine

Mentioned on 
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Sacred & Religious Sites
Nogi Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, Japan that was built to honor the memory of General Maresuke Nogi and his wife. The shrine features various architectural elements, including a torii gate made of copper and stone lanterns, as well as a garden filled with cherry blossom trees. Visitors can pay their respects at the main hall, which contains wooden statues of the general and his wife.
Very Serene. Quite place to enjoy nature. It also has a pond. One can sit beside the pond and feed the fishes
Shantanu Deo — Google review
Feeding fishes is love
himanshu kaushal — Google review
Good
Kiddie Tube — Google review
(Translated by Google) It was a relatively new shrine and very beautiful. There was a stream near the entrance that was soothing. Behind the shrine is a forest where you can hear the chirping of birds, and further back there is a pond that used to be a paddy field. If you are interested in walking in nature, I highly recommend going to the back of the shrine. (Original) 割と新しいめの神社でとても綺麗でした。 入口近くに小川があり癒されました。 神社の奥に小鳥の囀りが響く森が続いており、更に奥の方に元水田の池がありました。自然の中のお散歩に興味がある方は神社の奥、かなりオススメです。
かずきむ — Google review
(Translated by Google) A well-maintained shrine with an atmosphere. The approach to the shrine is beautiful during the cherry blossom season. *Free paved parking lot available (spacious) (Original) 雰囲気のある整備された神社。桜の時期には参道がキレイです。 ※舗装された無料の駐車場あり(広め)
Lorenzo AR — Google review
(Translated by Google) This is a shrine that you can visit with your dog. There is a parking lot and a stamp stamp. It's a great shrine for strolling around, with photo spots, dog fortune telling, and a walking path and pond in the back. The chief priest was also very kind and dog-friendly. The area where you wash your hands was also covered with marbles and was very clean. (Original) わんこ連れで参拝できる神社です。 駐車場あり、御朱印あり。 撮影スポットがあったり、犬みくじがあったり、裏には散歩道や池があったり散策にとてもよい神社です。 住職さんもとても親切でわんこおっけーでした。手を洗うところもビー玉が敷かれていてとても綺麗でした。
s k — Google review
(Translated by Google) I feel like time passes slowly at the shrine, which is very comfortable. While I was waiting for my goshuin, I took a stroll around Shogun Nogi's villa located behind the shrine. (Original) 神社ってなんだかゆっくり時間が流れている気がして、心地良いです。 御朱印を待つ間、神社の裏に方ある乃木将軍別邸を散策してきました。
ryohei wakabayashi — Google review
(Translated by Google) I went to visit Nogi Shrine in Nasu to receive a goshuin! It was a very splendid shrine! Maresuke Nogi everywhere was there to welcome me! There are too many goshuin stamps, so I was worried! It has become my favorite goshuin! I will visit you again! (Original) 御朱印を頂きに那須の野木神社に参拝にまいりました!大変立派な神社でしたよ!あちこちに乃木希典先生 が出迎えてくれていました! 御朱印もあまりにも多すぎて、とても 悩んでしまいました! とてもお気に入りの御朱印となりました!また参拝に伺います!
宇都宮のあさやん — Google review
4

Nasunogahara Park

Mentioned on 
Park
Nature & Parks
Nasunogahara Park is an ideal location for outdoor leisure activities such as picnics, cycling, and rock climbing. The park features a public swimming pool and rental bicycles for visitors to enjoy. With its expansive green spaces, numerous benches, and winding paths, the park provides ample opportunities for relaxation amidst nature. Notably, the park is known for its picturesque Dutch-style windmill.
The park is extremely beautiful. It has family pools and tennis courts. It is a very big park so be aware of the way you came in order to prevent being lost. There are snakes in some areas where a lot of leaves are present so it is better to stay always from them.
Aadil Anas K — Google review
This place is great for refreshing, having camping and bonding with friends families and even colleagues. Very nice and cool.
Rico Espedillon — Google review
Brilliant park in the Nasushiobara area of Tochigi. Lots of things for kids to do, the only reason it loses a star is because some of the activities and facilities cost money. Such as the grass ski slopes that you can toboggan down or the (excellent) athletic playground in the center of the park. Also the latter is only accessible to children over 6 years of age although children of aged 4 up would be able for it with adult supervision. There is also free equipment in two playground areas. Parking is free and plentiful. There are outdoor pools in the summer. There is a really lovely campsite on one end of the park.
Lynda Hogan (InSaitama) — Google review
Good place to relax and have quality tume wuth family
Rico Espedillon — Google review
beautiful park with many different children play grounds and views for a nice picnic
David Marsh — Google review
Specious, calm and peaceful around there. Good for Families and friend gathering. There is no dog run but bunch of glass spaces. Not that much Cheery blossoms but quite less condense compare Senbonmatsu farm.
Atsushi Nakanishi — Google review
A big park. Good for kids and families. They also had a camping site and more activities for kids and adults.
Limpooot TV — Google review
Spring is here! Still a bit chilly. This park will be so perfect for picnic, anytime of the year with lots of benches, open spaces, and paths - and not crowded!!
NM — Google review
Good place for family or friends picnic 👍
Kevin Je — Google review
Good outdoor play areas for kids above 6 years old!
Desu Asa — Google review
5

Kurobanejoshi Park

Mentioned on 
Park
Nature & Parks
It's a wonderful park. It is a well known place as Basho Matsuo, greatest Haiku poet of Japan, had visited this place
Shantanu Deo — Google review
Breathtaking view
Hlaching Mong Issac Murruy — Google review
(Translated by Google) This is a recommended castle ruin. The main enclosure is circumnavigated by earthworks and hollow excavations. There are horseback rides from the main enclosure, and I think you'll be impressed even without the building. It has a similar structure to Otawara Castle and Karasuyama Castle, so I think it would be a good idea to visit them together. It is strange that during the Edo period, it was treated as a jinya rather than a castle. You can also enjoy the Horizoko walk on the earthworks. (Original) お勧めのお城跡です。本丸を土塁と空掘で一周してます。本丸から馬出しもあり、建物がなくても感動すると思います。大田原城、烏山城と共通する造りをしていて、合せて巡るのも良いと思います。これが江戸時代、城扱いではなく陣屋扱いだったのが不思議です。土塁上、堀底ウォークも楽しめます。
博楽 — Google review
(Translated by Google) It seems that the hydrangea festival was held this year for the first time in several years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Visited on June 23rd, one day before the Hydrangea Festival. There are remnants of the castle ruins, such as earthworks, trenches, and water moats. However, the care is not enough. There were many people who came for the hydrangeas, so I think it must be difficult, but I think improvements and efforts are needed in the future. (Original) コロナ禍で数年ぶりに今年あじさい祭りが開催された様です。あじさい祭り開催一日前の6/23に訪問。土塁や空壕、水濠などお城跡なんだなぁと面影が残ってます。 ただ、お手入れが今ひとつ。紫陽花を目当てに来ている方々が多かったので、大変かと思いますが今後改善や努力が必要かと思われます。
calma — Google review
(Translated by Google) I went to the hydrangea festival on a weekday after the rain. Since I was born in June, hydrangeas are naturally my favorite flowers. I had no idea that one of Tochigi Prefecture's most famous attractions was so close. There were hydrangeas in a nearby private house, and I could feel the atmosphere even before I entered the parking lot. The view from Hydrangea Bridge is especially spectacular. They bloom all at the same time, so you can take great photos no matter where you look. (Original) 平日の雨上がりを狙ってアジサイ祭りに行ってきました。6月生まれなのでアジサイは自然と好きな花にはいります。栃木県の中でも有数の名所がこんな近くにあるとは気がつきませんでした。 近所の民家にもアジサイがあり、駐車場に入る前からいあ雰囲気が伝わってきました。とくにアジサイ橋からの眺めは絶景です。同じ時期にいっせいに咲くので、どこから見てもいい写真が撮れますよ。
すぎやまこうじ — Google review
(Translated by Google) It is surprisingly little known, but as you descend from Basho's House towards the Nakagawa River, there is a long horizontal moat left on the slope leading up to Daioji Temple, which is worth seeing. Although it is located in a bamboo forest, it is a must-see for castle enthusiasts. (Original) 意外と知られていないが、芭蕉の館から那珂川に向かって降りていくと、大雄寺にかけての斜面に長大な横堀が残っていて見ごたえがある。竹林の中だが城マニアは必見。
Makoto Noguchi — Google review
(Translated by Google) It was a little early... Maybe next week there will be more blooms! There is Daiyuji Temple nearby, so we recommend taking a leisurely stroll. Only during the hydrangea season, there will be a shop in front of the gymnasium selling sweetfish, oden, yakisoba, and famous Otawara products! (Original) ちょっと時期が早かった… 来週くらいの方が、たくさん咲いていていいかも! 近くに大雄寺とかあるので、ゆっくり散策がおすすめです。 紫陽花の期間だけ、鮎、おでん、やきそば、大田原市の銘品等体育館前にお店が出てます!
きん — Google review
(Translated by Google) End of June 2023 This time, I went to see the hydrangea lit up. Unlike the lighting I had expected, it was just illuminated by a floodlight. (⁠^⁠〜⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ Still, the hydrangeas looked fantastic when I looked down from the bridge. 2022.6.19 I went there because the hydrangeas are famous. Looks like it's still a little early It looks like the ``Hydrangea Festival'' will be held from the 25th, so that's probably the best time to see them. The park is well maintained and even has a small bridge. There was also a building that looked like a watchtower. Of course I think it's a restoration. I think the main hydrangeas will be spectacular when they are at their peak. I took a lot of photos, so I'll show them to you. (Original) 2023年6月末 今回は、ライトアップされたアジサイを観察しに行ってきました 思っていたライトアップとは違い、投光器で光を照らしてただけでした (⁠^⁠~⁠^⁠;⁠)⁠ゞ それでも、橋から見下ろしたアジサイは幻想的に見えましたよ 2022.6.19 アジサイが有名だということで、行ってきました まだ少し早かったようです 25日からは『アジサイ祭り』を開催するようなので、そのころが見頃なのでしょう 園内は綺麗に整備されていて、ちょっとした橋もあったり 見張り台みたいな建物もありました もちろん復元だとは思いますが メインのアジサイ、見頃をむかえたら見事だと思いますよ 写真たくさん撮ったので、紹介します
おさむ修 — Google review