Tochigi Prefecture, Administrative prefecture in Kanto region, Japan
Tochigi is a prefecture in the Kanto region of central Japan, stretching north of Tokyo with no coastline. Forested mountains and highlands rise in the north, while broad plains with farmland and cities occupy the south.
The area was known as Shimotsuke Province in feudal times and was reorganized in the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration. The region is home to the Ashikaga School, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country from medieval times.
Local festivals take place throughout the year in many towns, with street processions, regional foods, and traditional performances. The area is known for its craft traditions, especially Yuki-tsumugi silk weaving, which visitors can see in working studios.
The capital Utsunomiya is about an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen and serves as a gateway to the region. Most attractions are in Nasu and Nikko, where local bus lines connect between sites.
The area produces more strawberries than any other prefecture in Japan, and many farms offer self-picking from January to May. Nasu and Kinugawa hold numerous hot spring resorts with natural thermal waters in different landscapes.
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