7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Oyama, Tochigi: From Strawberries to History!

Located in the southern part of Tochigi Prefecture, Oyama City may not be widely known, but it serves as a key transportation hub. The Tohoku Shinkansen stops at Oyama Station, making it highly accessible. In addition, travelers can reach Ueno Station or Shinjuku Station in Tokyo in approximately one hour, making Oyama an increasingly popular commuter town.

But Oyama offers more than just great accessibility. The city is also home to historically significant landmarks, making it a great tourist destination. Whether you're looking for a day trip getaway or a spontaneous travel experience, Oyama has something to offer.

From cherry blossoms in spring to soothing hot springs in winter, let's explore the best places to visit in Oyama City throughout the seasons!

1. A Must-Visit! The Thousand Cherry Blossom Festival at Shiroyama Park (Oyama Gion Castle Ruins)

Oyama Gion Castle is said to have been built during the Kamakura period by the Oyama clan. Locally, it is known simply as Gion Castle, and along with Nakakuki Castle Ruins and Washi Castle Ruins, it is designated as a National Historic Site under the name Oyama Clan Castle Ruins.

Shiroyama Park was developed within these castle ruins and is surrounded by lush green trees, offering breathtaking views of the mountains from its scenic viewpoints. In spring, the park is widely recognized as one of the best cherry blossom spots in Oyama, featuring Somei Yoshino and Omoigawa Zakura varieties. Because these cherry blossoms bloom over an extended period, visitors can enjoy them for longer than at many other locations. The vast landscape filled with cherry blossoms creates a stunning spectacle, attracting numerous tourists. Each year in April, the Thousand Cherry Blossom Festival (Senbonzakura Matsuri) takes place, with various events held across Oyama's cherry blossom spots, including illuminations that enhance the beauty of the night-time sakura scenery.

From the elevated area of Shiroyama Park, you can take in a panoramic view of the Omoi River, with the pink and white cherry blossoms forming a picture-perfect landscape. It’s easy to imagine that lords of the castle once admired this spectacular scenery from the very same spot. If you’re visiting Oyama, Shiroyama Park should be on your must-visit list.

2. Unlimited Tochiotome Strawberry Picking at Ichigo no Sato!

When talking about Tochigi Prefecture, one thing comes to mind—strawberries! Tochigi is Japan’s top strawberry producer, and in Oyama City, you can indulge in the finest strawberries too.

At Ichigo no Sato, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat strawberry picking, featuring the Tochiotome variety—famous for its bright red color, large size, and rich sweetness. Want to taste strawberries the right way? Experts suggest eating them from the side where the stem was removed!

But strawberries aren’t the only attraction here! Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy cherry, grape, and peach picking, making it a popular year-round tourist destination. If you're a foodie, don’t miss the "Ichigo Ichie" restaurant, which serves local Tochigi cuisine. One of the unique dishes here is the strawberry spaghetti, offering a sweet-and-sour twist to traditional pasta!

The on-site store sells homemade strawberry jams, sweets, and other local fruit-based treats, perfect as souvenirs.

At Ichigo no Sato, you can taste, experience, and enjoy the freshest seasonal fruits grown in Tochigi’s rich soil and pure water. The farm also holds special events like handmade pasta workshops, making it a fun family-friendly destination. If you love strawberries and fresh fruit, this place is a must-visit!

3. A Relaxing Day Trip to Omoigawa Onsen in Oyama

Omoigawa Onsen is a natural hot spring perfect for a refreshing day-trip experience.

Enjoy the stunning beauty of Japan’s four seasons as you soak in the spacious open-air bath. The onsen also features luxurious Shigaraki-ware pot baths, a soothing cypress bath, a foot bath, and a sauna—ensuring a deeply satisfying visit. No need to bring anything—rental towels and yukata are available, while shampoo, body soap, and facial cleansers are provided, making it easy for travelers to drop by anytime. The hot spring’s healing benefits include relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, poor circulation, and fatigue recovery. Additionally, there is a dedicated cooling area in the outdoor bath section, perfect for relaxing after a warm soak.

A must-try is the Gensenburo (source-fed hot spring bath), especially after unwinding on the sun deck or benches. Just 15 minutes in the Gensenburo allows the mineral-rich water to fully rejuvenate your body. The facility also offers relaxation areas, dining options, banquet spaces, body and foot care services, and Korean-style body scrubs. For those looking for a unique, leisurely experience, visitors can even rent shogi (Japanese chess) and go board for free. Let yourself be warmed from the inside out and enjoy a peaceful, one-of-a-kind break during your travels.

4. Maruyama Benzaiten Shrine: A Scenic and Serene Japanese Gem

A visit to Maruyama Benzaiten Shrine is an unforgettable experience for those captivated by Japan’s natural beauty.

Located on a floating island in the middle of Maru Pond, this shrine is dedicated to the deity of water. The stunning red bridge that connects to the island, combined with blooming water lilies in the pond, creates a breathtaking and elegant scene. Though built in the Meiji era, this relatively young shrine has been recognized as one of the “Oyama 100 Scenic Spots” through a public vote, thanks to its enchanting atmosphere. In spring, the vibrant contrast of cherry blossoms against the red bridge and blue waters offers a picturesque view that visitors won’t want to miss.

As the seasons change, so does the beauty of this tranquil shrine, making it a place worth visiting again and again.

5. Michi-no-Eki Omoigawa – A Rest Stop Beyond Expectations!

Michi-no-Eki Omoigawa is not just a roadside station where drivers can take a break—it's also a popular stop for tourists looking to purchase local specialties and savor regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant.

This roadside station hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From community activities like mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) and mamemaki (bean-throwing festival) to niche gatherings such as a classic car exhibition that attracts automobile enthusiasts, there's something for everyone. In winter, visitors can also enjoy beautiful illuminations.

For food lovers, this is the perfect place to try Tochigi's famous "Lemon Milk" and pick up a popular local souvenir—the "Retort Oyama Wagyu Curry." Made with premium black-haired Wagyu beef raised in Oyama, slow-cooked onions, and a specially crafted curry roux, this dish is a must-try for visitors.

Additionally, the "Cowbell Ice Cream Workshop" offers delicious, handmade gelato using locally sourced vegetables and seasonal fresh fruits. If you're looking for a gourmet food experience in Oyama, Michi-no-Eki Omoigawa is highly recommended!

6. The Grand Gion Festival at Suga Shrine (Gion Shrine)

Suga Shrine in Oyama City is a historic Shinto shrine that enshrines a divided spirit of Kyoto’s Yasaka Shrine. It is most famous for hosting the magnificent Gion Festival (Tenno Festival), a centuries-old celebration featuring the stunning Reiwa Mikoshi (portable shrine). Visitors come here to pray for good health and successful relationships.

7. Oyamahyoujouato: A Historic Site Linked to the Battle of Sekigahara

Oyamahyoujouato is a historically significant site where Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Eastern Army held a crucial war council during the Battle of Sekigahara. This location has recently gained attention due to its appearance in NHK's Taiga drama Sanada Maru, introducing many to its historical importance.

However, this place has long been a well-known yet somewhat hidden historical gem. It was here that Tokugawa Ieyasu decided to shift his military focus from defeating Uesugi Kagekatsu to confronting Ishida Mitsunari, ultimately shaping the course of Japanese history.

Conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from Oyama Station, this site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts exploring Japan's famous battlefields.

◎Summary

This guide introduces some of the best sightseeing spots in Oyama, Tochigi Prefecture. Just a 45-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Oyama is home to beautiful nature, rich history, and relaxing attractions perfect for a day trip.

While Nikko is the most famous tourist destination in Tochigi, Oyama also boasts unique charms worth exploring. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from the busy city life or a cultural journey, Oyama offers a refreshing experience with easy access from Tokyo. Why not take a weekend trip to Oyama and immerse yourself in its historical and cultural wonders?

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7 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Oyama, Tochigi: From Strawberries to History!