Popular Tourist Spots in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture: 7 Selections for a Journey Enjoying History and Nature

In Otawara, Tochigi Prefecture, many landscapes associated with Matsuo Bashō’s "Oku no Hosomichi" still remain, and numerous shrines and temples dot this historic town. In addition, "Nasu Yoichi," mentioned in the "Heike Monogatari," is a tourist spot that history fans won’t want to miss. The exhibits and recreations using robots enable even those not well-versed in history to enjoy the experience.

Otawara is also famous for its golf courses and apple orchards, and the city offers many tourist spots that are perfect for photography enthusiasts—from lakes frequented by swans, ponds and marshes, to spots where you can capture beautiful waterfalls up close. With its excellent access of about one hour from Tokyo, Tochigi Otawara is highly recommended even for day trips.

1. Nasu Shrine

Otawara City's "Nasu Shrine" is a majestic shrine standing among a row of cedar trees and is a tourist spot known nationwide together with "Nasu Yoichi." According to legend, this shrine was founded in the 4th century during the reign of Emperor Nintoku. Its striking red gate is memorable, and the shrine, located in Otawara City, is famous and frequently featured on Instagram. It is also well known among history fans as a shrine visited by figures such as Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, Minamoto no Yoshie, and Nasu Yoichi.

The overall carvings and vibrant colors of the shrine’s main building make the entire shrine extremely colorful and dazzling. Its unique beauty, blending features of both the medieval and early modern periods, is highly acclaimed, making it one of the most famous shrines in Otawara and a must-visit tourist spot for architecture enthusiasts nationwide. In 2014, both the "main hall" and the "gate" were designated as Important Cultural Properties by the nation. It is also recognized as a scenic spot reflecting the "Oku no Hosomichi" landscape. The sacred sword of the shrine is said to have been dedicated by Nasu Yoichi, and during the annual "Reitaisai" held on Respect for the Aged Day in September, yabusame (traditional horseback archery) is performed in honor of the famed archer Nasu Yoichi. The events, including the Daidai Kagura, lion dance, and yabusame performed during the spring and autumn Reitaisai, are very popular and have become well-known Otawara tourist events.

2. Takizawa Shrine Fudō no Taki

In Otawara City, "Fudō no Taki" is a hidden gem tourist spot that even locals may not know the exact location of, yet it is famous nationwide among photography enthusiasts. It is said that long ago there was a carved image of Fudō Myōō on a stone near the waterfall, and a small hall was built to enshrine it, giving rise to the name "Fudō no Taki." The landmark "Takizawa Shrine" is located in the forest. Along the Houki River, which flows from the foot of the Tochigi Kogen Mountains, there are several waterfalls, but the "Fudō no Taki" behind Takizawa Shrine is the most famous among Otawara's waterfalls and is a well-known tourist spot.

"Takizawa Shrine" is located along the Houki River in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture. The pillars and main parts of the shrine are all made of keyaki (zelkova) wood, and a flying dragon is mounted above the upper entrance of the stairs, with 12 Chinese lions on either side and around the main hall, and 8 long-nosed dragon heads at the four corners of the main hall. Between these, there are intricate carvings of peonies. The shrine’s meticulously detailed decorations make it extremely beautiful, and together with "Fudō no Taki," it is a tourist spot you must visit when in Otawara.

3. Otawara Shrine

Located in Otawara City, "Otawara Shrine" is said to have been built around 807 and was originally known as "Onsen Shrine." Over time, as it became popular among the people, the shrine was moved to Kaneda-mura Nakahara and became affectionately known as "Nakotawara Yusui Daimyōjin." Later, it was relocated to a place near its current location and renamed "Otawara Shrine," with its present site established in 1962. The enshrined deities are Ōkuninushi-no-Kami and Sukuna Hikona-no-Kami.

This shrine, which is also one of Otawara's tourist spots, adjoins Ryūtō Park and features a main hall and a stone torii amid ancient cedar trees. The "prayer ema" depicting weapons, known as "Buun Chōkyū no Kigan Ema," was designated as a tangible cultural property by Otawara City in 1989. Additionally, the stone lantern on the grounds, donated in 1762 by the merchant Nakai Mitsutake of Eishū Hino, was designated as a tangible cultural property by Otawara City in 1989. Not all of Otawara's Seven Lucky Gods are enshrined at Otawara Shrine; one is enshrined at each of the seven shrines and temples in the castle town: Otawara Shrine (Ebisu), Kōmyōji (Daikokuten), Futaiji (Bishamonten), Naritasan (Benzaiten), Nagaisenji (Fukurokuju), Shōbōji (Jurō), and Dōsenin (Hotei). During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the scenery is beautiful, and with views over Otawara City, this spot is beloved not only by tourists but also by local residents.

4. Haneda-numa

At "Haneda-numa," from around the end of October as winter approaches, over 100 whooper swans and mandarin ducks visit in search of a wintering site. Because the marsh is not very large, you can view the swans up close and capture their dynamic and beautiful forms—making it a famous Otawara tourist spot. On weekends, many bird lovers and photographers gather to capture these sights. It is also recommended for bird enthusiasts who can see ducks and other birds.

The swans spend the winter along with several hundred ducks until around the end of March the following year. Perhaps because they have become accustomed to humans, the swans are said not to fear people much, allowing for close-up shots of their gentle expressions. This spot is also known for occasional sightings of the rare Akahashi-hajiro and Kubiwakin kuro. Haneda-numa is also a habitat for the precious small freshwater fish "Miyakotanago," and the local community has long cherished it, hoping that its environment will continue to be preserved.

5. Tochigi Nakagawa Water Play Park

"Tochigi Nakagawa Water Play Park" is a popular aquarium in Otawara known for its three major features. In the area that recreates the natural environment from the source to the downstream of the Nakagawa River, you can experience the charm of the river. In addition, the "Amazon Large Aquarium" features a 360° tube tunnel tank where you can enjoy the grandeur of the Amazon. The "touch tank and hands-on classes" allow children to directly touch crayfish, crabs, and even sharks, making it a hugely popular tourist spot in Otawara.

The facility is completely shielded from natural light, and LED lights make the jellyfish shine in seven colors, while the schools of small fish create a ribbon-like effect—a visual event not to be missed when visiting Otawara.

6. Otawara City Fureai no Oka

At "Otawara City Fureai no Oka," there are two attractions where you can fully enjoy the nature of Otawara: the "Nature Observation Hall" and the "Fureai no Oka Astronomy Hall." At the Nature Observation Hall, there are exhibits featuring the "Miyakotanago," a national natural monument, and other rare fish native to Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, along with interactive areas where you can touch stag beetles and rhinoceros beetles to observe their behaviors.

The "Fureai no Oka Astronomy Hall" is famous for having one of the largest telescopes in Tochigi Prefecture. Here, you can observe bright stars (such as Venus and first-magnitude stars) even during the day. Visits are subject to reservation after checking the schedule. The planetarium presents autumn constellations from September to November—stories including those of the Ethiopian royal myth, Pegasus, Andromeda, Perseus, and Cassiopeia. From December onward, the winter constellations, featuring many bright stars, are showcased. The explanations center around the famous Orion, along with Canis Major, Canis Minor, nebulae, and star clusters.

7. Nasu Yoichi Memorial Hall

In Otawara City, the "Nasu Yoichi Memorial Hall" is a famous tourist spot featuring numerous exhibits related to the nationally renowned "Nasu Yoichi." When one thinks of Nasu Yoichi, the story of the "target of the fan" from the "Heike Monogatari" comes to mind. Legend tells that when Minamoto no Yoshitsune summoned the famed archer Nasu Yoichi, instructing him to shoot the fan on board the ship, Yoichi initially declined several times but eventually resolved to shoot it accurately. The red fan that was struck shone like the setting sun, drifting over the white waves, its beauty and the skill displayed leaving both the Heike of the sea and the Genji on land in awe.

Otawara City in Tochigi Prefecture has long been the base of the Nasu clan from medieval to modern times, and it is said that Nasu Yoichi was born and grew up here. At the "Nasu Yoichi Memorial Hall" in Otawara City, you can enjoy exhibitions about his exploits through the latest robots and videos. Also on display is the tachi "Tachi Meinaarigataka" that Yoichi is said to have worn when he shot the fan target. Many other nationally designated Important Cultural Properties related to Yoichi’s legendary feat are also exhibited.

◎ Summary of Popular Tourist Spots in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture

Otawara City in Tochigi Prefecture is a town abundant with tourist spots that can be enjoyed in about an hour from Tokyo. You can visit shrines and temples that evoke the history of the area, as well as many spots where you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Otawara. In the colder seasons, photography enthusiasts and bird lovers flock to Otawara to capture swans and many wild birds. With facilities such as aquariums and planetariums thoughtfully designed to let you enjoy nature without having to brave the cold outdoors, Otawara is perfect for those who love nature but prefer indoor comfort. Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, an autumn or winter journey to Otawara, blessed with many tourist spots, is highly recommended.

Search

Customer Support

Popular Tourist Spots in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture: 7 Selections for a Journey Enjoying History and Nature