Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

Utsunomiya is the capital and the economic heart of the Tochigi Prefecture. The city with a population of app. 520 000 covers an area of 416 square kilometers. It is the largest city in the northern Kanto area.  Explore Hotels in Utsunomiya >
Pick your right place from a large selection of hotels, hostels, resorts and more. Utsunomiya is also called "Gyoza Town" because of the more than 200 gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) restaurants all over the city. This is a major tourist attraction and one of the reasons why I came here. Look out for the gyoza statue at the Utsunomiya Station (west entrance). The city is also known for its many jazz clubs and festivals. The famous Japanese sax player Sadao Watanabe was born here in 1933.

History

The famous Battle of Utsunomiya Castle (during the Boshin War) took place here in 1868. The town of Utsunomiya was officially established in 1889. It received its city status in 1896.

Sightseeing spots in Utsunomiya

Top:

Hachimanyama Park - The park is the perfect place to enjoy the cherry blossom season. The 89m high Utsunomiya Tower offers great views over the city. You also have to walk once over the long suspension bridge there.

Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine - The current building dates back to 1877 after it burned down 4times in the past. The Shinto shrine with its long history was relocated to this site in 828. It is dedicated to Toyoki-Irihiko no Mikoto, the son of Emperor Suijn.

Utsunomiya Zoo - It is a great place for families and you will find there 90 animal species like giraffes, hippos, elephants, etc… A small amusement park can also be found within the zoo area.

Utsunomiya Castle - The castle dates back to the 11th century and was built by the Fujiwara clan. It was nearly completely destroyed during the Boshin War (1868 to 1869). What you see today (two turrets, part of the old moat and walls) is a reconstruction from 2007.

Matsugamine Church - This Catholic Church was constructed in 1932 by Swiss architect Max Hinder (1887 - 1963). The unique volcanic Oya Stone was used for the building.

Oya History Museum - The old mining site of the volcanic Oya Stone is really a spectacular place. The huge underground cavern (60m deep) with a space of 20000 square meters features exhibitions about the history and is also used for movie productions, weddings, theatre shows, and much more.

Oyaji Temple - Oyaji was founded in 810 by monk Kobo Daishi (774 - 835) during the Heian period (794 - 1185). The 4m high stone carving of the Goddess Kannon (Senju Kannon) is the main highlight of the temple.

Tochigi Science Museum - It is a place for adults and children. Enjoy there many experiments, events, and exhibitions. A perfect destination for a rainy day in Utsunomiya.

Gyoza Restaurants - Try out as many as you can:) There are 200 in the city.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

February

Futaarayama Shrine Setsubun or Bean-Throwing Festival (3rd)
The celebration takes place one day before spring starts (lunar calendar).

March

Utsunomiya Castle Sakura Matsuri (24th)
Celebrate the beauty of the cherry blossom with many local people at the Utsunomiya castle grounds.

October

Kikusui Festival Futaarayama Shrine (29th and 30th)
The festival is famous for the Yabusame. Yabusame is traditional archery on horseback. After the horse riding games are over Shinto priests carry a decorated sacred palanquin (sedan chairs) through different parts of the city.

November

Tochigi Gyoza Festival (4th)
The Gyoza Festival is a nice way to promote this product to the people. The center of activities is around Utsunomiya Castle.