Picture-perfect Tochigi: Must-see photo spots

(Tochigi)

Get your camera ready—Tochigi is bursting with scenic spots you won’t want to miss. From dreamy flower parks to otherworldly underground spaces, this is your guide to the most photogenic places in the prefecture. Whether you’re drawn to nature, culture, or simply looking for the perfect Instagram shot, Tochigi has something special for every traveler.

1. Ashikaga Flower Park

(Ashikaga Flower Park)

Ashikaga Flower Park is a true floral wonderland and one of Tochigi’s most breathtaking attractions. Especially magical in spring, the park is best known for its world-famous displays of fuji or wisteria. One of the most iconic features is the 160-year-old Great Wisteria tree, whose sprawling branches are supported by an immense trellis structure, creating a cascading canopy of delicate lavender blossoms. Nearby, color-themed wisteria tunnels, featuring white, pale pink, and yellow, offer visitors a chance to literally walk through a dreamscape of blooming color. These tunnels are not only stunning to behold but also provide ideal backdrops for ethereal, romantic photos.

But the beauty of Ashikaga Flower Park isn’t limited to spring. From October to February, the park transforms into a luminous wonderland during its annual illumination event. Thousands of lights are artistically arranged among the trees and gardens, enhancing the beauty of seasonal flowers and creating a magical, glowing atmosphere.

From sunlight filtering through blossoms to the gentle glow of twinkling lights scattered across the park, every visit brings a new photographic delight. And with vibrant blooms like roses, hydrangeas, tulips, and water lilies adding color throughout the year, Ashikaga Flower Park stands as a truly timeless destination—one that captures the beauty of every season and leaves a lasting impression.

2. Gyoza Street

(Utsunomiya Convention & Visitors Bureau)

(Utsunomiya Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Famed as Japan’s number one city for gyoza, Utsunomiya boasts over 300 restaurants dedicated to this beloved dish. At the heart of the city lies Gyoza Street—an ideal place to immerse yourself in the full gyoza experience. More than just a destination for tasty dumplings, Gyoza Street is a lively and vibrant spot filled with local pride, rich food culture, and quirky visuals that truly capture the spirit of Utsunomiya.

While sampling the crispy, juicy dumplings from the array of shops lining the street is a must, Gyoza Street also surprises visitors with its playful details. Keep an eye out for gyoza-themed manhole covers underfoot, dumpling-shaped streetlights overhead, and even hidden gyoza symbols tucked away along the sidewalk. It’s like a whimsical, dumpling-inspired scavenger hunt. And no visit is complete without capturing a classic photo with the famous GYOZA Monument, a popular landmark that perfectly encapsulates the fun spirit of the street.

Whether you’re a food lover chasing the ultimate bite or a photographer seeking unique, offbeat spots, Gyoza Street delivers it all. It’s a place where the flavors of Utsunomiya meet its creative, lighthearted side—a perfect blend of culinary tradition and artistic design.

3. Bamboo Forest at Wakayama Farm

(Wakayama Farm Inc.)

(Wakayama Farm Inc.)

While Kyoto may be world-renowned for its Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tochigi has its own hidden gem at Wakatake no Mori Wakayama Farm. Situated northwest of central Utsunomiya, this tranquil retreat is surrounded by lush bamboo groves. Spanning 24 hectares, the vast bamboo forest offers a serene, almost mystical atmosphere, perfect for those seeking peace and natural beauty.

By day, the towering green bamboo stalks sway gently in the breeze, providing a calm, meditative setting for slow walks, nature photography, or simply soaking in the quiet. The forest’s natural rhythm offers an ideal backdrop for those looking to connect with nature and capture the calming essence of the grove.

However, it’s after sunset that Wakayama Farm truly comes alive. On weekends and national holidays throughout the year, the farm hosts enchanting light-up events. Soft, golden lights bathe the bamboo, casting shifting shadows and highlighting the forest’s vertical lines, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that feels like stepping into a dream. In winter, the magic becomes even more special, with seasonal displays like a glowing archway of bamboo lanterns and dozens of bamboo balls softly illuminated as they appear to float in the darkness, adding a warm, festive glow to the tranquil forest.

Whether you’re snapping photos of the serene daytime beauty or the surreal glow of the illuminated bamboo at night, Wakayama Farm offers one of the most unique and peaceful photo opportunities in Tochigi.

4. Oya History Museum

(Utsunomiya Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Hidden beneath the surface of Tochigi lies one of the prefecture’s most awe-inspiring locations: the Oya History Museum. Set within a former stone quarry, this subterranean space offers much more than a typical museum experience.

Located 30 meters below ground, the museum is housed in a vast cavern that once functioned as an Oya stone quarry for around 70 years. Spanning over 20,000 square meters, the cavern evokes the grandeur of a cathedral, with towering ceilings and imposing stone walls. Soft, ambient lighting casts dramatic shadows on the textured stone, highlighting its warm, natural tones and creating a captivating, mystical atmosphere. Many of the halls are illuminated with colorful lights that accentuate the stone’s natural beauty, and art installations enhance the surreal ambiance of this underground space.

But the Oya History Museum is more than just a visual marvel—it’s a powerful reflection of Japan’s cultural and architectural legacy. The Oya stone that forms these vast walls is prized for its versatility and has been used in iconic structures like Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel, infusing the site with cultural significance. Whether you’re fascinated by architecture, industrial history, or atmospheric photography, the Oya History Museum is truly one of Tochigi’s most photogenic hidden gems.

Frame Your Own Tochigi Story

From nature and art to food-themed monuments, this prefecture offers something for every photographer.

Each location tells its own unique story, blending natural landscapes with cultural and culinary charm. Bring your camera and your sense of adventure as you explore these picture-perfect places, promising unforgettable memories and stunning shots.

Please contact the U.S. Representative of Tochigi Prefecture for more information on making Tochigi your next travel destination.