Hidden Tourist Gems in Tochigi: 9 Recommended Attractions in Mooka City, Tochigi Prefecture

Mooka City (pronounced “Mooka”), located in the southeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture, offers excellent access not only to Utsunomiya—the prefecture’s major city—but also to other regions via the Mooka Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway.

While many travelers are familiar with popular destinations in Tochigi such as Nikko, Sano, and Nasu, some may not have visited Mooka or even realized that “Mooka” is pronounced that way.

In fact, Mooka boasts many delightful attractions. In this article, we introduce a variety of off-the-beaten-path sightseeing spots that offer an alternative to Tochigi’s well-known tourist areas. Read on to discover and enjoy the unique charms of Mooka!

1. SL Kyuroku-kan

The SL Kyuroku-kan is dedicated to the 9600-type steam locomotive—affectionately known as “Kyuroku”—one of the iconic steam locomotives of the Taishō era. At this facility, visitors can ride on the 9600-type SL and explore old passenger cars on display. The exhibited 9600-type SL, which is powered by compressed air, operates three times a day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Admission is free. Please note that the facility is closed every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday) and during the New Year’s period. Whether you are a railway enthusiast, a family with children, or simply looking to take memorable photos with a backdrop of a steam locomotive while enjoying the serene countryside of Moooka City, this attraction is a must-visit.

2. Moooka Momen Kaikan

There was once a time when “Momen of Moooka” was famous throughout the region. Renowned for its durable, high-quality cotton fabric, Moooka momen was highly sought after, with production reaching 380,000 bolts per year during the Edo, Bunsei, and Tenpō periods. It is said that cotton merchants in Edo once purchased Moooka momen in large quantities—at one point, about 80% of all momen purchased was from Moooka.

However, with the influx of imported cotton yarn following Japan’s opening to the West, production nearly ceased after the war. Later, efforts were made to revive the traditional craft, and in 1986 the Moooka Chamber of Commerce and Industry established the “Moooka Momen Preservation and Promotion Association.” They have since launched training courses for weaving techniques to pass on the tradition.

Today, about 20 weaving artisans—including three prefectural craft instructors—work at the Moooka Momen Kaikan. With advance reservation, visitors can participate in paid experiences such as weaving and dyeing. Creating your own coaster, handkerchief, or scarf is sure to make for a cherished souvenir of your visit to Moooka.

3. Omae Ebisu Shrine

Omae Ebisu Shrine is known as a “power spot for good fortune” and is especially revered for bringing financial luck. The shrine is famous for its towering 20-meter statue of Ebisu, regarded as the largest in Japan. Many visitors who have prayed at the shrine have gone on to win large lottery prizes, and its reputation has spread nationwide.

It is said that people travel from afar just to visit Omae Ebisu Shrine. Consider buying a lottery ticket and praying for fortune at this shrine!

4. Shirohebi Benzaiten

Shirohebi Benzaiten enshrines Benzaiten, the goddess of fortune, alongside a white snake believed to bring financial luck. This shrine is one of Moooka City’s well-known attractions for attracting wealth. Many visitors to Shirohebi Benzaiten have reportedly won lottery prizes worth hundreds of millions of yen.

Within the shrine grounds, there is a “money-washing waterfall” where visitors place money in a net to wash and purify it. It is said that keeping this money close will lead to increased wealth. Additionally, a white snake—venerated as “Shirohebi-sama”—roams the shrine, and it is believed that simply viewing the snake will bring a lifetime of happiness.

When touring Moooka, be sure to visit Shirohebi Benzaiten, wash your money, and receive the blessing of fortune and prosperity.

5. Igashira Kankō Ichigoen

Tochigi is famous for its delicious strawberries, and Moooka leads the nation in strawberry production.

At Igashira Kankō Ichigoen in Moooka City, you can enjoy strawberry picking featuring the well-known “Tochio-tome” variety, with unlimited eating. Please note that you cannot take the strawberries home, so pick only as much as you can enjoy on the spot.

Strawberry picking is usually available from January to May. Plan your trip during that season to savor the gourmet fruits of Moooka!

6. Moooka Igashira Onsen

Moooka Igashira Onsen is a primordial hot spring that gushes forth from a depth of 1,500 meters underground. Thanks to its excellent heat retention properties, the warm water maintains its temperature for a long time.

The facility features a spacious indoor bath, outdoor baths integrated with a garden that evoke the feeling of being in a mountain hot spring, and herbal baths that change daily with blends such as peppermint and medicinal herbs, allowing you to choose according to your condition.

Beyond the baths, you can enjoy a health-promoting warm water pool called the “Bard Pool” and a fitness zone for a refreshing and invigorating experience.

The facility also offers a free large lounge for rest, a restaurant, and a kids’ area. For non-residents of Moooka City, the admission fee for adults is 730 yen, for children aged 3 and above up to junior high students is 430 yen, and children under 3 are free.
The affordable pricing makes it a welcome stop during your tour of Moooka.

(Prices as of October 5, 2016)

7. Igashira Park “10,000-People Pool”

Igashira Park “10,000-People Pool” is a sprawling facility covering 68,000 square meters, large enough to accommodate 10,000 people. It features a flowing pool that is 400 meters in circumference, two water slides measuring 200 and 150 meters in length respectively, a wave pool, and seven different pools in total. There is also a shallow kiddie pool, making it safe for families with small children.

8. Michi-no-Eki Ninomiya

Moooka City, which boasts the highest strawberry production in Japan, is home to the roadside station “Ninomiya,” also known as the “Strawberry Roadside Station.” In addition to offering fresh strawberries in the winter season, you can also enjoy “Natsuotome,” which is harvested from summer to autumn—a delightful treat and a unique sightseeing spot in Moooka.

Original strawberry-themed sweets are very popular, with unique items such as strawberry sushi and strawberry curry bread available. Look for souvenirs from your Moooka visit at Michi-no-Eki Ninomiya!

9. Tsujizenbee Shōten

Tsujizenbee Shōten produces “Sakuragawa,” a local sake unique to Moooka. At the local sake bar, you can learn about the history of the brewery and the sake-making process, and even enjoy a tasting session. Sake enthusiasts will surely appreciate this experience. Purchase some bottles as souvenirs to enjoy at home while reminiscing about your Moooka adventure.

◎Summary

Moooka City offers an abundance of attractions with a unique local flavor—from Ebisu shrines and strawberries to traditional momen textiles.

Whether you’re seeking a power spot for financial luck or an off-the-beaten-path destination to enjoy local history and culture, Moooka has something for everyone. With tourist spots that delight visitors of all ages, consider planning an overnight stay and take your time exploring the hidden gems of Moooka City.

While standard tourist areas are great, sometimes a trip to a less-crowded, offbeat destination can lead to exciting discoveries and new encounters. In Moooka, you’re sure to find plenty of surprises!

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Hidden Tourist Gems in Tochigi: 9 Recommended Attractions in Mooka City, Tochigi Prefecture