Tochigi Prefecture is one of the most attractive areas where visitors can enjoy World Heritage sites, nature, and hot springs. Since the Shinkansen bullet train stops in Utsunomiya City, the prefectural capital, access from the Tokyo metropolitan area is convenient.
When you visit Tochigi Prefecture, don’t you want to enjoy not only daytime sightseeing but also night views? This article describes recommended night spots in Tochigi Prefecture. You can enjoy beautiful scenery different from that of the daytime. Please read to the end.
■What is Tochigi Prefecture like? Explanation of climate and features
Tochigi Prefecture is located almost in the middle of Japan and is an inland prefecture in the northern part of the Kanto region. The area has hot and thundery summers and cold northwest monsoons in winter.
With an area of 6,408 square kilometers, it is the largest in the Kanto region and the 20th largest in Japan.
The prefectural capital is Utsunomiya City, and it is possible to make a day trip from the Tokyo metropolitan area as it takes about one hour from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station by Shinkansen bullet train.
Tochigi Prefecture is said to be one of the areas with many attractive sightseeing spots, including the World Heritage Sites of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Nasu Highlands. Also, the food is famous for dumplings, strawberries, udo, and kanpyo (dried gourd).
■Be sure to see them when you visit Tochigi Prefecture! Seven recommended night spots
Each of the seven recommended night spots in Tochigi Prefecture are introduced here. The following are places that can be reached on foot or by public transportation, and places that can be reached by car, respectively.
1.Tochigi Prefectural Government Observation Lobby
2.Utsunomiya City Hall
3.Hachimanyama Park
4.Taiheizan Shrine
5.Ashikaga Orihime Shrine
6.Ashikaga Park
7.Nasu Highlands Observatory
All of them have beautiful night views and will provide you with wonderful memories. Please use them as reference when deciding on a sightseeing spot.
【Utsunomiya City】“Tochigi Prefectural Government Observation Lobby” with Night View Heritage and Locally Consumed Dinner
Located on the 15th floor, the Tochigi Prefectural Government Observation Lobby is an attractive night spot where you can see the night view from the glass-walled observation lobby. You can enjoy the night view of Tochigi Prefecture from about 65 meters above the ground.
The Tochigi Prefectural Government Observation Lobby was recognized as the “18th Night View Heritage of Japan” at the 2023 Night View Tourism Convention. During cherry blossom season and other times of the year, you can also enjoy the illumination of Utsunomiya Tower in Hachimanyama Park.
On the same floor as the observation lobby on the 15th floor, there is also a restaurant, Dining Jugoya, which is open until 9 p.m. How about enjoying the night view and dinner together at the restaurant where you can taste foods from Tochigi Prefecture?
Below is information about the Dining Fifteen family.
【Utsunomiya City】, where you can sit on a bench and enjoy the night view
The Tochigi Prefectural Government Observation Lobby, described above, is famous for its night view, but Utsunomiya City Hall also has an observation lobby on the 16th floor that is open to the public free of charge.
The observation lobby is divided into an east side with a counter and a west side with benches and vending machines. Both offer a great night view, but the east side, “Miya Observation Room,” is especially recommended.
The observation deck “Gaze Miya” was named after a public contest held by citizens. The east side “Gaze Miya” is less illuminated than the west side, so you can enjoy the night view toward Utsunomiya Joshi Park.
The observation deck is open until 7:00 p.m., so if you want to see the night view from Utsunomiya City Hall, it is best to visit in winter when the days are shorter.
【Utsunomiya City】Have the night view of Utsunomiya City all to yourself on a vast site! Hachimanyama Park
Hachimanyama Park is located in the center of Utsunomiya City. It is a vast park where you can enjoy Utsunomiya Tower, an amusement park, Adventure Bridge (150-meter suspension bridge), and a zoo with rabbits and cranes.
Utsunomiya Tower, Adventure U, and the zoo are closed at night. However, Hachimanyama Park is open 24 hours a day, so visitors can enjoy the night view of the Utsunomiya Station area from the Adventure Bridge.
Since there are exterior lights in the park, visitors can stroll around while viewing the night view. There are approximately 800 cherry trees planted in the park, and viewing the cherry blossoms at night in spring is also recommended.
【Tochigi City】Enjoy the night view of Issenryo!Mt. Taiheizan Shrine
Tochigi City, where Taiheizan Shrine is located, is in the southern part of Tochigi Prefecture. Many gods are enshrined at Taiheizan Shrine, and the “Cherry Blossom Festival” and “Hydrangea Festival” are also famous.
There is an observatory on the stairs near the parking lot, where you can see a beautiful night view of Tochigi City, called “Issenryo no Yakei” (Night View of One Thousand Ryo).
It is said that Shingen Takeda, a warlord, was surprised to see the vast Kanto Plain from the Taiheizan Shrine. Let’s enjoy the Kanto Plain that Shingen Takeda also saw in the form of a night view.
The Mt. Taiheizan Circuit Road is closed to traffic from 22:00 to 4:00. Therefore, it is recommended to leave before 22:00.
The observatory is fully equipped with vending machines, tables, chairs, toilets, and other facilities for your leisurely enjoyment. Also, bring a flashlight for your safety.
【Ashikaga City】, Ashikaga, Japan – Ashikaga Orihime Shrine, a Power Spot and Sacred Place for Lovers Ashikaga Orihime Shrine, a power spot and a sacred place for lovers
Ashikaga City, where Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is located, is located in southwestern Tochigi Prefecture. Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is popular among couples because it enshrines the god of marriage.
At night, the main shrine is illuminated, offering a different view from the daytime. Ashikaga Orihime Shrine is also located halfway up Mount Orihime, making it a good spot for viewing the night view of the town.
The main shrine is illuminated from 17:00 to 24:00. A visit to Ashikaga Orihime Shrine, where you can enjoy both the lighting up of the main shrine and the night view of Ashikaga City, will give you a wonderful memory of Japan.
Ashikaga Orihime Shrine was recognized in 2014 as a “Japan Night View Heritage” (Natural Night View Heritage) and a “holy place for lovers,” and is also recommended as a power spot for marriage since the “Bell of Love,” which is said to bring happiness if two people ring it together, is located there.
Enjoy a blissful time at Ashikaga Orihime Shrine with its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
【Ashikaga City】, a historic burial mound park with a night view
Ashikaga Park, located in the southwestern part of Tochigi Prefecture, is a historic burial mound park that opened in 1883. 10 burial mounds are located in this unusual park, and cherry blossoms and azaleas can be enjoyed here.
As a night spot, it is a little more secluded than Ashikaga Orihime Shrine, so you can enjoy the night view in a more relaxed atmosphere.
The point where the night view can be seen is the “Forest Playground. Since it is dark underfoot, it is recommended to bring a flashlight just in case.
【Nasu Town】 Also recommended for marriage proposals! Nasu Kogen Observation Deck, a popular sacred spot for lovers
Nasu Town, where Nasu Kogen Observatory is located, is located in the northeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture. It is also home to the Imperial Villa where members of the Imperial Family have their retreats, and is conveniently located about 70 min. from Tokyo to Nasushiobara Station on the Shinkansen bullet train.
The Nasu Highlands Observatory is the 100th “sacred place for lovers” in Japan, and attracts many couples on weekends. Parking and restroom facilities are also available.
Nasu Kogen Observation Hill is also a wonderful area that has become a popular spot for marriage proposals. Proposing while viewing the night view at the Nasu Kogen Observation Deck will be a memory that will be etched in your heart forever.
The observatory has a small window where you can see a clown. It is said that couples who see the clown’s nose turn red will surely tie the knot.
■Tochigi Prefecture has an abundance of attractive night spots
We have introduced seven recommended night spots in Tochigi Prefecture. Tochigi Prefecture has a station where the Shinkansen bullet train stops, making it an easy area to reach from the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Why don’t you enjoy the night spots while enjoying World Heritage sites, nature, and hot springs in Tochigi Prefecture, which is only about an hour away from the Tokyo metropolitan area? Depending on the weather, you may even be able to see the moon and stars.
Seeing the night view in Tochigi Prefecture will give you a wonderful memory of Japan.
【Q＆A】
Q: Are areas with beautiful night views in Tochigi Prefecture accessible on foot or by public transportation?
A: Some areas can be reached on foot from the station, but most of them take more than 20 min. on foot. Therefore, it is best to use buses or cabs. Depending on the time of day, the bus service may be out of service. In such cases, cabs are recommended.
Q: Are the night views free?
A: The night views introduced here are free of charge. If you use a restaurant, etc., you will be charged.
