Nikko Onsen Town Kaiseki
The onsen ryokan of Nikko Yumoto and Kinugawa Onsen serve multi-course kaiseki dinners incorporating local yuba, mountain vegetables, and fresh river fish โ a refined mountain feast.
Utsunomiya Gyoza
Utsunomiya is Japan's undisputed gyoza capital โ crispy pan-fried dumplings served by dozens of specialist restaurants citywide. The Gyoza no Sato area near the station is the best starting point.
Nikko Yuba (Tofu Skin)
Delicate sheets of tofu skin (yuba) have been a Nikko specialty since Buddhist monks needed a protein source without meat. Served fresh, rolled, or simmered in exquisite temple-town kaiseki.
Nikko & Nasu Buckwheat Soba
The cool mountain air of Nikko and Nasu produces excellent buckwheat, and hand-rolled soba restaurants are found throughout โ served cold with dipping sauce or hot in earthy mountain broth.
Tochigi Strawberry Picking
Tochigi is Japan's largest strawberry producing prefecture and home to the premium Tochiotome and Skyberry varieties. Farm-pick experiences run November to May across the prefecture.