6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shioya Town, Tochigi Prefecture! Relax in Nature

“If I could refresh myself in nature on my next holiday!” If that sounds like you, we highly recommend visiting Shioya Town in Tochigi Prefecture. Shioya Town is so abundant in nature that you might forget you’re even in the metropolitan area.

In Shioya Town, “Naoshimizu Yuusui” (Naoshimizu Spring Water) is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 famous waters for its delicious taste. The local nature and gourmet culture of Shioya Town revolve around this spring water. A town with such pristine water offers not only superior food but also a unique environment.

Why not refresh yourself with a fulfilling holiday by exploring Shioya Town? In this article, we introduce six must-see tourist spots in Shioya Town.

1. Michi-no-Eki Yuusui no Sato Shioya

“Michi-no-Eki Yuusui no Sato Shioya” is the 20th roadside station to open in Tochigi Prefecture. With abundant tourist information, it’s an unmissable attraction when touring Shioya Town. Serving as a center for agricultural-urban exchange and regional development, it functions as a rest stop for drivers as well as a source of local information for both residents and visitors.

The facility comprises four parts: a direct-sale agricultural products shop offering fresh local vegetables, a rural restaurant where you can taste the local produce, a community center used for various events, and a dining area for quick refreshments.

Surrounded by the great outdoors of Shioya Town – with the Nikko mountain range to the west, highland mountains to the north, and the gracefully flowing Kinugawa River to the south – this location is ideal as a rest stop, where Tochigi’s nature soothes driving fatigue.

When touring Shioya, you will likely be traveling along National Route 461. If you see “Michi-no-Eki Yuusui no Sato Shioya,” be sure to stop by.

2. Town-Run Toyotsukidaira Ranch

“Town-Run Toyotsukidaira Ranch” is a pasture-based ranch in Shioya Town that is rare in the metropolitan area. In this vast area nestled in the mountains, you can observe cows living freely. It completely dispels the image of cows confined within enclosures, thanks to the expansive grounds that make it hard to believe it’s located in a metropolitan area.

Located very near a prefectural road, it’s easy to enjoy the scenery of nature. It’s an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts! The endless, borderless natural landscape will help you forget the fatigue of everyday life.

How about spending a leisurely time in Shioya while experiencing cows and the great outdoors in this expansive ranch?

3. Naoshimizu Meisui Park (Higashi-Arakawa Dam Waterside Park)

Naoshimizu Meisui Park (also known as Higashi-Arakawa Dam Waterside Park) is a park where you can draw water from the “Naoshimizu Yuusui,” which has been selected as one of Japan’s top 100 famous waters.

There is a water collection point where the water is widely used as drinking water as well as for cooking. Note that to preserve the natural state of the spring water, no sterilization or disinfection is performed at the collection point. If you plan to use the water for cooking or drinking, it is recommended that you boil or disinfect it first. If you are visiting Shioya Town by car, be sure to load a tank in your vehicle and collect some of Tochigi’s famous water, “Naoshimizu Yuusui.”

Nearby, you can also visit “Naoshimizu Heartland,” one of Shioya Town’s representative attractions. After drawing the spring water, it’s highly recommended to try the local specialty “satoimo fries.”

4. THE BATON SHIOYA

For a quick bite or souvenir shopping during your tour of Shioya Town, “THE BATON SHIOYA” (formerly known as Naoshimizu Heartland) is highly recommended. At the Forest Spring Water Cafe, you can enjoy meals that delight both the eyes and the palate.

Their fresh, unprocessed bread made with organic wheat flour – baked using the famous spring water selected among Japan’s top 100 – is well-reviewed by visitors. This spot is also convenient for shopping local produce and other souvenirs of Shioya Town.

5. Shizen Kyūyū Mura Center (Nature Retreat Village Center)

The Nature Retreat Village Center is a multipurpose tourist facility in Shioya Town, ideal for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities surrounded by nature. Located within the renowned Oohirasaki Park, which is famous for azaleas in spring and summer and for spider lilies in autumn, the center offers a range of outdoor facilities.

Within the facility, you’ll find a multipurpose grandstand, tennis courts, bungalows, a campfire area, and more. There is also a rental service for camping equipment, making it easy to enjoy a camping experience. An outdoor stage hosts various events, and there are accommodations, training centers, and a local history museum on site.

6. Fureai no Sato Shioya

“Fureai no Sato Shioya” is Shioya Town’s second direct-sale market. Located in the southern part of Shioya Town, it serves as the southern gateway to the area. Here, you can find fresh and safe vegetables provided by JA Shioya.

Right next door to the market is the rural restaurant “Naoshi,” where you can enjoy the tastes of Shioya Town. The restaurant’s soba noodles, in particular, receive high praise for their authentic flavor, which perfectly brings out the taste of locally sourced ingredients.

Why not enjoy the fresh vegetables and local cuisine at “Fureai no Sato Shioya”?

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Shioya Town, Tochigi Prefecture

We have introduced six recommended tourist spots in Shioya Town. Has Shioya Town caught your interest? It’s an ideal destination for those living outside Tochigi or in the metropolitan area who want to play in nature.

Shioya Town is perfect for a refreshing holiday spent outdoors, and its events run throughout the year! When you visit Shioya Town, you’re likely to discover something fascinating or find a new way to enjoy your trip.

So, on your next holiday, why not head to Shioya Town in Tochigi Prefecture for a memorable tour?

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6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Shioya Town, Tochigi Prefecture! Relax in Nature