Tochigi Prefecture is home to many great tourist attractions a chain of holidays from April 29 to May 6 to enjoy vivid and colorful views in a less-crowded atmosphere where you can check out 1,151 colorful koinobori carp streamers flying over the Uzuma River against the backdrop of traditional warehouses lined along the river Koinobori are traditionally decorated to celebrate Boy’s Day holiday (May 5) you can enjoy the impressive views with streamers until May 15 Ashikaga Flower Park is another must-see attraction during this season as the park is filled with countless colorful seasonal flowers white and violet blossoms of more than 350 wisteria trees are blooming forming fantastic views throughout the vast park Visit Tochigi before the spring colors fade away Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan A proving ground is a testing facility where vehicles under development are put through extensive tests to fine-tune the technologies and the vehicles themselves prior to mass production The actual vehicles are driven within faithfully recreated real-world environments and tested under harsh conditions to check basic running Results obtained through verification of the vehicle in actual use are fed back into the planning and development process variable surfaces and other road conditions make it difficult to obtain accurate data It also requires a lot of effort to travel to locations to check performance under the envisaged conditions Proving grounds have a variety of road environments on site allowing repeated testing in meticulously controlled This enhances the efficiency of research and development enabling quicker deployment of better technologies and products to customers Honda opened Japan’s first high-speed test course The Tochigi Proving Ground opened in Tochigi Prefecture’s Haga district in 1979 to meet the expanding test requirements The site has a total area of 1.41 square kilometers It is where Honda verifies the durability and reliability of both components of vehicles and vehicles in their entirety vibrations and noise—and dynamic performance while also undertaking differentiation of grades and specifications and ensuring conformity with each target market Tochigi Proving Ground is perfectly tailored to Honda as it is where we carry out development testing of not only four-wheeled vehicles There are more than 40 different courses with a combined length of 74 kilometers The four-kilometer Oval Course is basically split into four lanes—a special surface lane on the inside Each corner of the high-speed lane has a maximum bank angle of 45 degrees enabling test runs at up to 200 kilometers per hour This is where we check a vehicle’s straight-line stability at high speeds A crosswind blower on the Oval Course can blow typhoon-strength winds of up to 30 meters per second making it possible to test the impact of crosswinds while driving such as winds suddenly encountered on exiting a tunnel Within the special surface lane inside the Oval Course various road surfaces from all over the world are recreated for testing of noise reduction and driving comfort stones were procured from Belgium and laid one at a time by hand Other road surfaces include concrete pavement The Vehicle Dynamics Test Area is 1,200 meters long and 52 meters wide It is used mainly for verifying brake characteristics with a steady-state circle measuring 200 meters across and other parts when driving at a constant speed This is also where international certification testing and verification of tipping limits and brake performance are carried out There are four different hill climb and descent roads for testing performance on hills There is even a Low μ (mu) Hill Climb and Descent with a slippery surface The Water Pool recreates conditions of surface flooding It allows immersion tests with flexibly adjusted depths The Low μ (mu) Course is paved with a special type of tile and recreates slippery road surfaces, such as roads covered with snow or ice, by spraying water onto the surface. This course is used primarily for testing features like Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and all-wheel drive performance in conditions where wheels are likely to lock up or slip The 1.7-kilometer Gravel Road is for testing endurance and comfort on loose stones or gravel The Winding Course has a highly technical layout like Suzuka Circuit (Suzuka with a combination of consecutive curves of varying radius It is used to check vehicles’ handling stability and turning performance A wide range of drivability testing takes place on the 1.6-kilometer Straight Course The Motocross and Supercross Courses are based on courses used for world and national championships The Power Products Test Area has sections planted with a variety of grasses from around the world and sections recreating a wide range of soils Honda opened Tochigi Proving Ground Sakura (Sakura This was to enable efficient development of advanced safety technologies which recreates signalized intersections and roundabouts (circular intersections) we carry out tests of Traffic Jam Assist and parking assist functions (including automated parking) We can also carry out tests addressing side-impact collisions with cross traffic at intersections and vehicle-to-vehicle communication verification tests The Multi-Purpose Course was established for the purpose of carrying out performance verification of automated driving on ordinary roads Performance verification of automated driving on ordinary roads needs to take into account regional traits and existing test courses were deemed unable to do this The Sakura proving ground was established to take over these activities from the Tochigi Proving Ground Verification testing of automated driving needs to be able to support road conditions such as roads of varying curvature and roundabouts such as obeying traffic signals when passing through intersections Overseas intersections and traffic signals also need to be supported The Straight Course has road markings and boundaries that faithfully recreate overseas environments and we have in place environments for verifying automated driving that reflect both conditions and regulations both at home and abroad Honda has declared it aims to achieve zero fatalities in traffic collisions involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles worldwide by 2050.* The potential deployment of automated driving technology is one aspect of this Tochigi Proving Ground Sakura is the facility that will help to expand deployment of driving safety support technology and thereby bring about a world without road fatalities and unleash the joys of freedom of movement * Traffic accidents involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles: Traffic accidents involving riders or drivers of Honda motorcycles or automobiles all traffic participants except intentional rule violators and persons who lack the capacity to take responsibility) Honda’s R&D Facilities TOP TechnologyHonda’s R&D FacilitiesTochigi Proving Ground: The Road Decides the Product Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. 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If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected] announces today that its Tochigi Plant Guest Hall in Tochigi Prefecture has reopened following a significant renovation The Tochigi Plant has welcomed more than 2.43 million visitors since 1974 a new guest hall was established to house information about the plant’s operations showcasing technology and the Nissan brand through car displays and events The renovations to the hall are aimed to provide visitors with a more immersive experience of Nissan's manufacturing visitors are welcomed by a display of the latest vehicles produced at the plant Displays explain how cars are manufactured Videos and parts displays produce an easy-to-understand tour for all ages with interactive content and experiential exhibits enabling visitors to see Tochigi Plant is the first of Nissan’s vehicle manufacturing bases where the Nissan Intelligent Factory concept has been implemented The concept supports next-generation car-making through innovative production technologies while contributing to achieving carbon neutrality visitors can also gain an understanding of this advanced car manufacturing concept 09:00 to 17:00 weekdays (closed during major holidays) Online reservation link (Japanese language only; no tour fees) Further reference: Nissan monozukuri website Contactnissan_japan_communications@mail.nissan.co.jp 03 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Giravanz Kitakyushu vs Tochigi SC on Sat Predicted lineups are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be available about an hour ahead of the match The current head to head record for the teams are Giravanz Kitakyushu 5 win(s) Have scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Have scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between Giravanz Kitakyushu and Tochigi SC on Sat 03 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT?Giravanz Kitakyushu vs Tochigi SC on Sat 03 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT ended in a 0–0 tie.InsightsHave scored 4 goals in their last 5 matches Giravanz Kitakyushu is playing home against Tochigi SC on Sat Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information Tochigi Prefecture—The upcoming special exhibition of the renowned Yamanbagiri Kunihiro sword at a public museum here has drawn a killer response from its fans But officials may have underestimated how just enthusiastic the demand is The Ashikaga Museum of Art was flooded with online reservation requests from about 90,000 people—twice the number of available slots approximately 28,000 people were selected by lottery for entry The museum is accepting additional reservations for some dates and time slots that are still available The special exhibition dedicated to the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro another famous sword that the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro is believed to have been modeled on This will be the first time in 435 years that the two swords both designated as important cultural properties by the central government the museum will allow up to 140 spectators per hour into the venue or a total of about 44,000 visitors during the 39-day run of the exhibition Most reservations so far have been made for weekends and weekday mornings “The Yamanbagiri Kunihiro has always been a popular sword and it has attracted more attention than usual because it will be simultaneously displayed (alongside the Honsaku Nagayoshi),” said Ashikaga Mayor Naohide Hayakawa “We received more reservations than we expected.” Swords have gained attention largely thanks to “Touken Ranbu Online,” an internet-based video game that is particularly popular among women The game features swordsmen inspired by famous blades The museum previously featured the Yamanbagiri Kunihiro for special exhibitions held in 2017 and again in 2022 The museum has received many inquiries from women about the latest exhibition For information about available time slots Additional reservations will be accepted on a first-come Reservations for March dates will be taken from noon on Feb Anime fans bemoan loss of pilgrimage site in Tochigi wildfire Legendary sword ‘Sanchomo’ goes on show at the Setouchi museum A chance to sharpen your knowledge of Japanese swords Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission Haruka Tochigi was previously credited on Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Pokemon Legends: Z-A's director has now been revealed and while he's been involved with the beloved RPG series for over a decade revealing that Tochigi also reportedly stated that Legends: Z-A is "in the final fine-tuning phase now." Further responding to the win on Twitter (in a tweet that's been machine-translated) Tochigi reiterates his thanks and says he'll focus on making the upcoming RPG "a good one." Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 1. Kinugawa Onsen: A Tranquil Hot Spring Resort Town Located close to Tochigi’s own world heritage site of The Shrines and Temples of Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen is one of Tochigi’s premier hot spring resort towns. Known for its mineral-rich waters, the hot springs here have long been a retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and healing. The therapeutic properties of the waters are believed to soothe sore muscles, improve skin conditions, and promote overall body wellness. Whether you’re soaking in the hot springs, cycling through picturesque landscapes, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Nasu Onsen offers a rejuvenating escape where relaxation and mindfulness are always at the forefront of your experience. 3. Kitsuregawa Onsen: Tochigi’s Hidden Gem 4. The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko: Spas, Hot Springs, Zen and Yoga in a Luxury Paradise Alongside specialty coffee, the cafe also offers vegan crepes, thoughtfully made without any animal-derived ingredients such as eggs, dairy, or gelatin. Instead, they use only plant-based, natural ingredients, sweetened with homemade rice syrup, brown rice amazake, organic maple syrup, and fair-trade muscovado sugar—creating deliciously healthy alternatives to traditional sweets. The building itself, originally a gallery used during the early Taisho period (1912-1926), adds a touch of historical charm to the atmosphere, creating a peaceful environment where guests can enjoy a delightful cafe experience. At meguri coffee, every visit is a celebration of wholesome, plant-based food that not only supports personal health but also respects the environment. Whether sipping a perfectly brewed cup of coffee or enjoying a delicious vegan crepe, this vegan cafe offers an ideal complement to any wellness retreat, bringing balance and harmony to both your body and mind. Tochigi Prefecture offers a complete wellness experience, combining healing hot springs, luxurious spas, rejuvenating yoga, and nourishing cuisine. From the serene waters of Kinugawa, Nasu, and Kitsuregawa Onsen to the luxury of The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, Tochigi is the perfect place for rejuvenation. With the added touch of an organic, vegan cafe experience at meguri coffee, it’s an ideal destination for a wellness retreat. For wellness trips to the hot springs of Tochigi Prefecture, a special feature page is available on the official Tochigi tourism website, “Visit Tochigi.” Please contact the U.S. Representative of Tochigi Prefecture for more information on making Tochigi your next travel destination. Sign up for our weekly newsletter of articles from Japan, Korea, Guam, and Okinawa with travel tips, restaurant reviews, recipes, community and event news, and more. 1220-32 Shimokodo, Sakura City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan Note: This demonstration line is partially funded by a grant from the Green Innovation Fund of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan. 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Tochigi SC won 1–0 over FC Gifu on Sun The current head to head record for the teams are FC Gifu 4 win(s) Who won between FC Gifu and Tochigi SC on Sun 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT?Tochigi SC won 1–0 over FC Gifu on Sun 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches FC Gifu is playing home against Tochigi SC on Sun Jidori chicken is raised with a lot of time and effort in each region. In Tochigi Prefecture, there is only one type of jidori, Tochigi-shamo, and only one farmer in Kanuma City is engaged in its production. It has been about 30 years since the birth of Tochigi-shamo. We visited Ms. Hisako Ishizawa, the representative of Tochigi Shamo Processing Plant, the only producer in Tochigi Prefecture. The Tochigi Shamo is a breed developed by the Tochigi Prefectural Livestock Experiment Station in 1995, after about 10 years of research since 1986, in an attempt to create the prefecture’s only jidori chicken. The breed was born through three-way crossbreeding, in which a male Prenoir breed native to France was crossed with a female Rhode Island Red breed native to the United States, and the mother was crossed with a Gundori (military chicken). The Tochigi-shamo has inherited the characteristics of the Prenoir breed, which is valued in French cuisine for its tender, fine-textured meat with low fat content, and the domestically produced Gundori, which has the richness and strong umami of chicken meat. The predecessor of “Tochigi Shamo Processing Plant” was “Shinichi Ishizawa Shamo Farm” started by Shinichi Ishizawa’s father. It was established in 1996, the year after the Tochigi Shamo was developed at the prefectural livestock experiment station in 1995, and like today, it not only raised Tochigi Shamo, but also processed and sold them. In 2018, he changed the company name to “Tochigi Shamo Processing Plant” and took over the business in earnest.As for processing, everything is done by hand without using any additives. In particular, their smoked meat, which is marinated in an original formula for two days and smoked with local wild cherry trees, is a popular product. Each part of the meat, such as the breast, thigh, liver, and gizzard, is also available for sale. Tochigi-shamo roe is not fussy and does not have a strong flavor,” said Hachisu, ”but it can be served with other ingredients. But when combined with other ingredients, they do not interfere with each other, yet the eggs have a strong flavor. I was happy to hear the students say, “The taste is totally different from other eggs! It made me realize that I have to work even harder. In terms of “raising awareness,” this may be just a small step.Nevertheless, it is still a small step in terms of “raising the profile” of the product. And they are also engaged in dialogue with their consumers. One cannot help but feel the strength of Mr. Ishizawa’s desire to convey the charm of each and every chicken he carefully raises. Tochigi-shamo has a muscular and moderately resilient chewiness, which is a big attraction, but it requires some cooking tips to make it even more delicious, he says. According to Mr. Ishizawa, the most important thing is to cook it slowly. Not only Tochishamo, but also other muscular chicken meat should be cooked slowly at a low temperature to prevent it from becoming tough even when it cools down. Ishizawa also says, “The chicken is fatty during the cold season, so I would be happy if you could finish off the umami-infused soup by cooking it in mizutaki (broth with water). He was beaming from start to finish as he talked about delicious ways to eat chicken. This is the expression of his love for his chickens. 20 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Kashima Antlers won 1–0 over Tochigi City FC on Thu Who won between Tochigi City FC and Kashima Antlers on Thu 20 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT?Kashima Antlers won 1–0 over Tochigi City FC on Thu 20 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT.InsightsHaven't lost in 5 matches Tochigi City FC is playing home against Kashima Antlers on Thu 30 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}Tochigi SC vs Tochigi City FC on Sun This is the first time the teams are playing against each other Have scored 6 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between Tochigi SC and Tochigi City FC on Sun 30 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT?Tochigi SC vs Tochigi City FC on Sun 30 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT ended in a 1–1 tie.InsightsHave scored 3 goals in their last 5 matches Tochigi SC is playing home against Tochigi City FC on Sun Tochigi — Wisteria trees have begun blooming in Ashikaga Flower Park in Ashikaga please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent the park is currently holding the Great Wisteria Festival 2025 more than 350 wisteria trees in four colors — pale red white and yellow — began to reach full bloom which is expected to last for about a month a well-known trellis located in the center of the park has about 140,000 purple flower clusters blossoming from two trees About 560,000 visitors are expected during the festival The park will likely have more visitors between Saturday and May 6 with an estimated 300,000 visitors expected “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to see such beautiful flowers,” said a woman from Koga expressing her admiration for the work done by the park’s staff Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting © 2025 The Japan News - by The Yomiuri Shimbun Today's print edition Home Delivery 43.3% of the population lives in multidimensional poverty which it describes as living without sufficient money Since he arrived in Tochigi Prefecture four months ago Jonah Ndeuludila has seen many things that stand in stark contrast to the way of life in his home country “I have never been to a developed country — to see how this is in reality,” he says It’s easier to tell people at home because I really know.”googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Ndeuludila has come to Japan for a nine-month stint at the Asian Rural Institute (ARI) a unique learning environment for rural leaders worldwide Founded by Christian pastor Toshihiro Takami in 1973 subsistence farming methods and the practice of servant leadership which emphasizes serving the people who work with you ARI has welcomed participants from across the globe Sponsored by organizations in their home countries many of these individuals come from rural regions in Asia and Africa and return with the skills to effect significant change in their communities In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo For one of the best shows of wisteria in this region, you'll have a make a day trip to Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture. The annual, ever popular Fujinohana Monogatari Ofuji Festival runs from April 12 to May 18 with the evening light-up set for April 19 to May 18.  The park is one of Japan’s top destinations for wisteria boasting 350 trees that bloom from mid-April to mid-May come in a riot of colours including violet Each colour tends to bloom at different times: pink first A must-see is the park’s magnificent 150-year-old wisteria tree which is lit up in the evenings and surrounded by still water that reflects the colourful flowers has a canopy covering about 1,000sqm and features a jaw-dropping 80,000 individual purple blossoms The park is also home to a dreamy 80m-long wisteria walk featuring white blooms drooping over you from the trellis above check out Japan's only kibana wisteria tunnel the arched tunnel is covered with kibana wisteria flowers that are a brilliant Ashikaga Flower Park also boasts an impressive collection of azaleas with more than 5,000 bushes around the wisteria trees The azaleas bloom from mid-April to early May and there are approximately 1,000 different varieties in the park Entrance fees vary depending on the date you visit and the status of the blooms, so check on the website before you go Daytime adult admission costs between ¥1,200 and ¥2,300 (children ¥600-¥1,200).  Closing hours also vary depending on the date The park will be open from 9am to 6pm from April 12 to April 18 and 8am to 8.30pm from April 19 to May 18 Ashikaga Flower Park is roughly two hours by train from central Tokyo. From Tokyo Station take the Keihin Tohoku line to Ueno Station switch to the JR Utsunomiya line to Oyama Station and then take the JR Ryomo line to Ashikaga Flower Park Station For more festival information and updates on the flowers' progress, visit the website This article was originally published on April 14 2021 and updated on April 3 2025 New Tokyo City Pass combines unlimited transport, attraction tickets and special activities Catch Doraemon in 3D on two digital billboards in Tokyo and Osaka Mt Fuji has increased ticket prices for the 2025 climbing season Time Out Market Osaka sneak peek: 17 kitchens and two bars featuring the city’s best chefs and restaurants 6 Tokyo pizzerias ranked in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list for 2025 Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us and so it planted ornamental peach trees near Godo Station in Midori By Nobuyuki Koshi / Special to Ryoko Yomiuri Publication The company’s trains run on a route inherited from the Ashio Line which was used to transport goods to and from the now defunct Ashio copper mine in neighboring Tochigi Prefecture Its peach trees have grown so tall they now conjure up visions of Togenkyo But the station is not the only place along this Watarase Valley railway where you can view the blossoms And there are also sightseeing trolley trains that allow yet another way to experience this burst of spring color the transfer station for Watarase Keikoku Railway and Tobu Railway trains I bought a one-day ticket and boarded a local Watarase train I could see the Watarase River from the window there were cherry trees in bloom around the tracks and the station itself looked like it hadn’t changed since the railway opened to the public The small platform at Motojuku Station was immersed in more cherry trees and just before the train arrived at Mizunuma Station the view popped into color from the many cherry and peach blossoms at Kurohone Undo Koen sports park where many ornamental peach trees were in full flower Across the Watarase River from the station lies the settlement of Sayado-Ohata where visitors can relax while taking in the weeping peach trees that have been planted in front of homes The local horticultural trend was set about 40 years ago when a resident in the area was hospitalized in the city of Kiryu and received an ornamental peach sapling from a patient in the neighboring bed The resident planted the sapling in their home garden and soon neighbors were planting peach trees in their own gardens and by the roadside Locals subsequently formed a group that plants and manages weeping peach trees they have cultivated a landscape of splashy color and brightened up the community I boarded another train and headed to Godo Station There are about 300 ornamental peach trees around the stop there is a restaurant that features seating in one of Tobu Railway Co.’s old 1720-series Deluxe Romance train cars such as set lunches with maitake mushrooms If you would rather have your lunch out of doors the restaurant also offers bento boxes that make for a nice picnic under the blossoms a paradise of pink and white peach blossoms,” said Tomokazu Shinagawa you can see both peach and cherry blossoms take a ride on our trains and come see the peach trees grown by our employees.” from where you can explore the Ashio copper mine hop on the Torokko Watarase Keikoku sightseeing trolley train which is open to the air and affords you an unimpeded view of the blossoms I could smell the peach blossoms on the spring breeze Now I could sense a subtle difference from the river I saw other times Japan Tourism is presented in collaboration with Ryoko Yomiuri Publication, which publishes Ryoko Yomiuri, a monthly travel magazine. If you are interested in the original Japanese version of this story, click here.   A train and a car collided at a railroad crossing on the Moka Railway in Moka leaving the elderly driver of the car dead at a railway crossing between Kita-Moka Station and Nishitai Station on the Moka Line The train was bound for Shimodate Station when it hit the car.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); the woman in her 80s who was driving the car was transported to hospital in a critical condition All 29 passengers on the single-car train were unharmed Moka Railway has arranged bus transport for the passengers The site of the accident is surrounded with rice fields The railway company has suspended operations on all sections of the line and it is unclear when operations will be resumed Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. 22 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}SC Sagamihara won 1–0 over Tochigi SC on Sat The current head to head record for the teams are SC Sagamihara 0 win(s) Have scored 1 goals in their last 5 matches Who won between SC Sagamihara and Tochigi SC on Sat 22 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT?SC Sagamihara won 1–0 over Tochigi SC on Sat 22 Feb 2025 05:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 5 goals in their last 5 matches SC Sagamihara is playing home against Tochigi SC on Sat Bereaved families and others mourned the victims of an avalanche that occurred during a school mountaineering workshop in Tochigi Prefecture in 2017 in a memorial ceremony held Saturday before the eighth anniversary of the accident held at Tochigi Prefectural Otawara High School also including officials of the education board and the high school athletic federation of the eastern Japan prefecture who offered silent prayers before the cenotaph inscribed with the names of the eight victims — seven students and one teacher of the high school in the city of Otawara in Tochigi.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); who read a memorial tribute at the ceremony said he still lives with the emptiness of having lost his son "Our grief remains unchanged after eight years." The avalanche occurred near a ski resort at the foot of Mount Chausu in the town of Nasu in Tochigi who were members of the high school's mountaineering club and the teacher were killed while practicing walking on snow Utsunomiya District Court concluded that the danger of an avalanche was fully predictable and sentenced three teachers to two years in prison for professional negligence National Report Tochigi Prefecture—Shitsui Hakoishi has remained on the obstacle-ridden road she embarked on nearly a century ago in helping her customers look their best the centenarian barber in Nakagawa town in Tochigi Prefecture has no plans to hang up her scissors anytime soon she was officially recognized as “the world’s oldest active female barber” by Guinness World Records receiving the certificate from the official certifier who has been in the barbering business for 94 years “It is thanks to everyone in the community She also thanked her parents for blessing her with a healthy and strong body She moved to Tokyo by herself in 1931 at the age of 14 and worked as an apprentice in a barbershop in what is now Sumida Ward in the capital When interviewed by The Asahi Shimbun in January this year I wanted to catch up with and surpass my senior apprentices as quickly as possible Hakoishi thought that she would not catch up just by putting in the same effort as others So when her senior apprentices went out at night she would secretly practice shaving in the shop “There is no end to being envious of others I wanted to make as much effort as I could on my own,” Hakoishi said She obtained her barber's license in June 1936 “I was happy to be able to work with confidence,” she said “I wanted to be independent and have my own shop She worked her way up through several barbershops and teaching apprentices while honing her skills but I also had a lot of responsibility,” Hakoishi recalled She specialized in the latest “regent” hairstyle at the time she made the collar of a customer’s back hair look like a pigeon’s tail spreading out She was also good at “danpatsu,” a bob-like haircut that was popular among “modern girls.” “There were many customers who chose me as their hair stylist,” she said proudly Hakoishi got married and opened a barbershop with her husband in what is now Shinjuku Ward in Tokyo her husband was drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army and left for the war The barbershop was destroyed in an air raid and she and her children evacuated to her parents’ home in Tochigi Prefecture “I was waiting for my husband to come back and we would open another store in Tokyo,” Hakoishi said It was not until seven or eight years after the war’s end that she received the official notification of her husband’s death and all I could think about was dying,” she recalled She even thought of killing herself and her children by using rat poison But then she remembered her husband's words “Please take care of the children,” and she stopped herself from committing suicide She returned to her hometown Nakagawa and opened “Riyo (barber) Hakoishi,” and raised her young children on her own She said she still thinks about the decision to continue living from time to time “I wonder to myself that I am still alive after all the hardships I went through,” Hakoishi said the best thing you can do is to do your best and survive she takes the time to work her legs and back muscles by doing exercises Hakoishi became a runner in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics she shared the words that she has cherished and lived by throughout her life: “Do not flinch it is best to stay on that one road as far as it will take you.” To keep moving forward on the path she has followed has helped her persevere through many hardships “I intend to stay on this road until the day I die,” Hakoishi said From working in brothels to capturing ‘life’ in the sex industry Names on Iwate memorial help connect to those who died on 3/11 ‘Perfectionist’ working mom finds relaxing life after depression She passed the bar exam at 43 knowing that she was loved Copyright © The Asahi Shimbun Company. All rights reserved. No reproduction or republication without written permission. NASUSHIOBARA, Tochigi – A series of accidents on the northbound Tohoku Expressway in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, claimed the lives of three individuals on Saturday night. The incidents, including a crash involving a wrong-way driver, which caused traffic congestion and led to an additional pileup, occurred between the Nasu and Kuroiso-Itamuro interchanges. To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page. This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies. Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. According to the Tochigi prefectural police’s Expressway Traffic Patrol Unit, a passenger vehicle traveling against the flow of traffic collided head-on with an oncoming car at about 10 p.m. on Saturday. This initial crash involved a total of four vehicles, killing two men. The victims are believed to be the male driver of the wrong-way vehicle, in his 40s, and the male driver of the other passenger car involved in the head-on collision, in his 50s. In a secondary incident stemming from the ensuing traffic jam, a large truck collided with a line of vehicles, leading to a six-car pileup. This collision resulted in the death of a woman, believed to be in her 60s. Several other people also sustained injuries. Our weekly ePaper presents the most noteworthy recent topics in an exciting, readable fomat. 23 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT?.css-1txiau5-AnswerContainer{color:var(--GlobalColorScheme-Text-secondaryText2);}FC Ryukyu won 2–1 over Tochigi SC on Sun The current head to head record for the teams are FC Ryukyu 5 win(s) Haven't scored in their last 2 matches Have kept the most clean sheets in the competition (3) Who won between FC Ryukyu and Tochigi SC on Sun 23 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT?FC Ryukyu won 2–1 over Tochigi SC on Sun 23 Mar 2025 05:00:00 GMT.InsightsHave scored 1 goals in their last 5 matches FC Ryukyu is playing home against Tochigi SC on Sun Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version Japan’s remarkable passion for France and its food continues unabated Whether measured by the proliferation of Michelin-starred bistros here the ubiquity of patisseries turning out flawless croissants and baguettes or any other metric this is clearly much more than an infatuation It has become a deep and serious love affair Even more remarkable is that this taste for French cuisine has also been taking firm root outside of major Japanese cities creative independent chefs can be found across the country sometimes in the most far-flung and unlikely of locations.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); specializes in customizing large motorcycles and has clients throughout Japan Motorcycles with monster engines like a Harley Davidson spew greenhouse gases like nobody’s business Achieving “carbon neutrality,” or zero emissions is something the company has spent ages working on A Harley is known as a hog by its diehard fan base And Harley riders in their spare time like nothing better than to tinker with their engines and make sure that every piece of chrome gleams in the sun If environmental regulations are strengthened the petrol heads may not be able to show off their beloved motorcycles High Field turned its attention to converting large motorcycles to EVs by replacing the engine with a motor a Yokohama-based automotive technology company that is a pioneer in the field with the aim of establishing the technology for motorcycles The challenge was where to place the battery the frame of a two-wheeled vehicle has only a limited space to work with Appearance was another challenge as the engine exhaust pipes and tank are themselves key elements of motorcycle design When it came to deciding on the placement of the batteries which for reasons of size could not fit within the frame of the engine section they were placed on both sides of the vehicle body in the form of side boxes This enabled the motorcycle to travel 160 to 220 kilometers on a single charge but the motor was covered like a car engine to keep the illusion of raw power alive was left in place to allow the rider to enjoy a sense of operating the motorcycle recognizing the social significance of the project helped with the development costs by providing a subsidy of approximately 10 million yen ($63,350) the shop hopes to prepare kits for different types of motorcycles and aims to offer them for between 500,000 yen and 1,000,000 yen “Motorcycles are attractive because of the sound and vibration produced by the engine but there is no way to change the trend toward carbon neutrality.” She said the company wants to popularize EVs “as an option for motorcycle customization.” who came up with the idea of converting Harleys to EVs He honed his skills at a motorcycle shop in Tochigi Prefecture he became independent and went on to establish Team High Field the company won the main prize at the largest Harley custom show in Japan Makoto declared that the business would work on converting gasoline-powered hogs to EVs without compromising on the look of the vehicles “Harleys are only as good as their engines.” Makoto clung to the belief that conversion was bound to happen sooner rather than later He began consulting with Oz Motors about a technical tie-up Makoto was diagnosed with stomach cancer and was continuously in and out of the hospital just after he had submitted an application for a government subsidy project to start the project in earnest the shop received word that the project had been selected for a government grant Ueno took over the project along with the chief engineer and others Since Makoto did not leave behind any details of the design Ueno and the staff finished the project based on their memories of past chats What was important was to achieve both “good looks” and “safety,” Ueno said Many custom motorcycles are not easy to drive because of their appearance but Makoto focused on making sure that the Harleys run and stop properly The motto of looks and safety remained unchanged in the EV conversion and they made sure that the bikes were easy to handle for riders ‘We have created a motorcycle that will keep its cool style and create new fans Enthusiasts risk life and limb to ride prewar motorcycles Harley-Davidson Japan probed over suspected coercive sales Kawasaki rolls out world-first hydrogen engine motorcycle The making of a legend and the role of ‘Godzilla Minus One’ Son repays dad with Honda bike he sold off to get him into baseball A flyer for a candidate in a mayoral election north of Tokyo that resembled a poster for an animated movie based on the "Slam Dunk" manga series may have violated copyright law The flyer listing the policies of Mikio Kobayashi who was defeated in Sunday's mayoral election in Kanuma in Tochigi Prefecture including ruling Liberal Democratic Party heavyweight Toshimitsu Motegi Resembling the poster for "The First Slam Dunk," the flyer displayed the phrase "The First Team Up Kanuma" as well as Kobayashi its junior coalition partner the Komeito party and Tochigi Gov which was distributed as a newspaper insert before official campaigning for the election started on June 2 "may have infringed the right to adaptation under the copyright law," said lawyer Hiroyuki Nakajima It reproduced essential features of the movie poster such as the poses of the five figures and the numbers on their uniforms A senior official of Kobayashi's camp said young staff created the flyer after seeing a similar poster displayed on a shopping street in a different prefecture without being aware that it could violate copyright law Japan aims for anime, games sales abroad to hit 20 tril. yen by 2033 Japan football manga "Captain Tsubasa" ends after 43-year run World-first "Dragon Ball" theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Rolling stock associated with Tochigi Prefecture ended up with prestigious prizes handed out by the Japan Railfan Club The organization awarded its top Blue Ribbon Prize given to outstanding trains to Tobu Railway Co.’s N100 series limited express train went to Utsunomiya Light Rail Co.’s HU300 tram nicknamed Lightline the Spacia X connects Tokyo’s Asakusa district with the Nikko-Kinugawa area in Tochigi Prefecture in about two hours It offers six varieties of seating options including a private room with a capacity of seven The fan club praised the exterior for its stylish presence and cabin facilities crafted with functional beauty along with state-of-the-art equipment enabling stable operation “We are very glad to receive recognition for design diversity and other factors,” said a Tobu Railway representative The light rail transit (LRT) Lightline went into operation in August last year three-car tram features a streamlined design and its stops have step-free access to street level The tram was cited for its visually striking design Its user-friendliness and passenger comfort were improved by the use of indirect lighting and large side windows as well as a seat pitch on a par with regular trains Utsunomiya Mayor Eiichi Sato noted that the city government has been making efforts to promote barrier-free accessibility and develop a transportation system that runs entirely on locally-generated renewable energy “It is truly gratifying and prideful to receive such prestigious recognition,” he added New Spacia X express train to connect Asakusa with Nikko Magnitude-5.0 quake jolts many parts of the Kanto region ‘Zombie Train’ aims to scare daylights out of passengers Japan's imperial couple has offered a glimpse of their more relaxed side with the release of photos from a family vacation to an imperial farm in the country's east including some taken by Emperor Naruhito himself The pictures of the emperor with Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko at the Imperial Stock Farm in Tochigi Prefecture in May show them in more practical wear as they pose with Rainbow a cow the princess named the previous year Among the photos taken by the emperor that the Imperial Household Agency included in Thursday's release were a sunset-drenched shot of the prefecture's imposing Mt Nantai and another of Empress Masako petting a horse Pictures of the family cats previously shown to artist Tadanori Yokoo in April were also issued The stock farm's responsibilities include rearing horses to serve the imperial family and raising livestock and other animals Japan's imperial couple to visit Britain as state guests from June 22 Princess Aiko expresses desire to help people in choosing to work Japan imperial family to make Instagram debut in April Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - Preserving Satoyama: Ichikai Town Issues Ground-Breaking Ordinance to Protect the Grey-Faced Buzzard Grey-faced buzzards spend their summers in Japan and other East Asian countries and winter in Southeast Asia They nest in satoyama environments where forests and farmlands meet The ordinance that went into effect in April is the first in the prefecture to combine the conservation of satoyama environments and the protection of threatened wildlife Penalties are included to ensure its effectiveness.  a town located in eastern Tochigi Prefecture with a population of about 11,000 spring and summer bring grey-faced buzzards The birds nest mainly in the northern part of town near rice fields and rolling hills.  Ichikai's grey-faced buzzard population density is the highest in the country highlighting the richness of the natural environment Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth to read more about the ordinance enacted to protect the grey-faced buzzard's satoyama nesting grounds And find more great articles on the environment and the challenges of achieving the SDGs on our affiliated website Japan 2 Earth (J2E) sparking a transition to a sustainable future (Read the article in Japanese.) You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Japanese police on Monday renewed calls for information about a French woman who went missing six years ago during a trip to a tourist spot north of Tokyo said his family will launch an international appeal to seek witnesses after she went missing on July 29 Committee on Enforced Disappearances urged the Japanese government last month to provide detailed investigative information and enhance cooperation with French authorities committee noted that Japan had not shared any information on plans to search for the woman according to the letter dated June 10 obtained by Kyodo News from a source close to the investigation The committee urged Japan to share information such as photos of the hotel room where Veron was staying testimonies from hotel employees and data about her internet use "This year is crucial for us," said the brother in a recent phone interview with Kyodo News ahead of the launch of the appeal on Monday "We are expecting Japan to finally respond properly to the U.N adding he has contacted French President Emmanuel Macron Tiphaine Veron went missing a day after checking in at her accommodation in Nikko leaving her luggage and passport in her room local police handed out 1,000 flyers seeking information about Veron in Japanese "We want those who were in the vicinity at the time to check the images and videos they may have," a police official said committee previously sent requests over the case to the Japanese government in March and September last year and January this year French man says sister missing in Japan since 2018 a victim of crime Francesco Bagnaia won the Japan MotoGP ahead of championship front-runner Jorge Martin on Sunday to cut the Spaniard's lead in the overall standings to 10 points with four races remaining The Italian defending world champion Bagnaia overtook pole-sitter Pedro Acosta on the first lap at Motegi and stayed in the lead to finish 1.189 seconds ahead of Martin with Marc Marquez finishing third.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); Ducati rider Bagnaia also won Saturday's sprint race to leave Japan 11 points closer to Pramac's Martin than he was at the start of the weekend The suspected mastermind behind the deaths of a Tokyo restaurant operator and his wife asked an acquaintance to “erase” the couple before he approached a suspect arrested in connection with the case who was arrested on suspicion he helped to destroy the corpses contacted the man in late March or early April about two weeks before the charred bodies of Ryutaro Takarajima were found near a river in the town of Nasu The man told police earlier this month that Sekine the 32-year-old common-law husband of the couple’s daughter “I want your help because I have someone I want you to erase” and “I will pay a reward,” the sources said The acquaintance said Sekine declined to disclose who the target was and that he had no intention to accept Sekine’s offer who was at odds with the victims over the way the restaurants were managed was planning to kill them at least about two weeks prior to the incident to kill the Takarajimas a few days before they were strangled in the garage of a vacant house in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward late on April 15 or early on April 16 who had been arrested over his suspected role in setting the corpses on fire was rearrested May 19 on suspicion of killing the couple in a conspiracy with Sekine and four others who was arrested May 11 on suspicion of murder told police that Sasaki instructed him to kill the couple and burn their bodies around early April Hirayama also said he asked Kang Gwang-gi and Kirato Wakayama who allegedly drove the couple to the house where they were fatally attacked have been arrested on suspicion of destruction of bodies First arrest for murder in grisly case of charred bodies in Tochigi Police: 4 suspects unfamiliar with each other 2 more arrested in connection with bodies of Tokyo couple Police: Partner of slain couple’s daughter likely ‘mastermind’ Suspect in corpse disposal upset at being treated as ‘errand boy’ compelling my friend and me to lower our voices to a whisper to enthuse about how distant this tranquil bamboo forest felt from the rest of Japan."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"We were in Nasu just 70 minutes by shinkansen train north of Tokyo in the Tochigi prefecture yet a world away from the crowds that have blighted the country’s tourist hotspots and tested locals’ patience (one-way tickets £28; jreast.co.jp) Last year a record 36.9 million people visited Japan most of them squeezed into the Golden Route that connects the capital with Kyoto and Osaka and concentrated into peak cherry blossom season in spring."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"But"},"children":[]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":" the fact that bamboo forests like this one which I thought was just as beautiful and certainly more serene than Kyoto’s ever-crowded Arashiyama are all over Japan speaks to the country’s overtourism conundrum It has much to offer beyond the big three cities but needs to tempt tourists out of them."},"children":[]}]}]},{"name":"paywall","children":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"That’s why Tetsuya Yamamoto launched Ride Experience the tour company that took me and a friend into the bamboo forest as part of a three-day tour around the town of Nasu by ebike Yamamoto told me that he wants to show visitors “a different side of Japan” He does this by creating customised multiday tours that take travellers to meet local craftspeople all of whom earn a fee and have the opportunity to demonstrate the value of their work "}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"6c60a539-0c2e-4605-88c6-cbe654e48715","display":"primary","caption":"A bamboo forest in the countryside near Tokyo","title":"Bamboo forest path in Nasu Over the past few decades a steady flow of wealthy Tokyoites have purchased second homes in Nasu but now there’s a new wave of weary city dwellers who By developing sustainable tourism opportunities these new arrivals are helping to support the revitalisation of the region’s rural communities."}}]},{"name":"ad","children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"A fertile region at the northern edge of Kanto Nasu is dotted with hot springs and mountains which means it’s a popular spot for bathing in onsens Although it’s little visited by western tourists it’s not exactly a secret among the Japanese this is where Japan’s imperial family regularly take their summer holiday tucked into a forest at the foot of the Nasu mountain range they travel there by shinkansen — albeit exiting Nasushiobara station through a private gate."}}]},{"name":"interactive","attributes":{"id":"1efa96ae-b21e-40aa-bb6b-93dff241b34d","display":"primary","url":"https://components.timesdev.tools/lib2/newsletter-puff-1.0.0/newsletter-puff.html","element":{"value":"newsletter-puff","attributes":{"code":"TNL-149","copy":"Our experts share the best travel inspiration ","label":"In your inbox","date-to":"2025-04-02","headline":"Travel newsletter","imageUri":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/methode%2Ftimes%2Fprod%2Fweb%2Fbin%2F78677f6f-e092-4e65-a858-70b1c78fc048.jpg?resize=800","date-from":"2025-04-02"}}},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"This royal stamp of approval has inspired many Tokyoites to adopt Nasu as their own summer retreat which has led to the development of some stylish hotels that make ample use of Nasu’s wide open spaces and rich natural setting which is protected by the surrounding Nikko National Park."}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"I spent the first two nights of my three-night tour with Ride Experience at the ten-room Bettei Kai near the Imperial Villa (half-board doubles from £546; bettei-kai.jp) "}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"6863764f-a20a-43aa-93de-e16ed64f2cc1","display":"fullwidth","caption":"The quiet rice fields of Nasu a world away from the bustle of Tokyo","title":"Rice paddy in Tochigi Prefecture There my multicourse "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"kaiseki"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" dinner made use of the region’s seasonal produce — Nasu-raised wagyu beef Ayu fish from the Naka River and vegetables freshly harvested from the mountains past terraced rice fields and to an old willow tree that inspired a haiku in one of Matsuo Basho’s most-famous poems "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"The Narrow Road to the Deep North"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" The crisp autumn air inspired me to write my own reflection on the changing seasons in a traditional Japanese farmhouse in Ashino She arrived in Nasu nine years ago on a local government programme to encourage urban to rural migration — a critical task in a rapidly depopulating country Nakamura quickly fell in love with the centuries-old craft Nasu-no-shinokogei traditionally done by local farmers using shino bamboo to produce sieves and baskets she demonstrated the technique then offered me a splint of bamboo to try splitting it with my mouth a technique known as "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"kuchi-biki"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" I inelegantly ripped the splint apart but felt a little less incompetent when Nakamura explained that it took her five years to learn how to do just this one crucial step properly "}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"When she arrived in Nasu only a 93-year-old man was still using the craft; his descendants had no interest in following him and no one was teaching it Now Nakamura teaches in the local school and has even compiled its very first set of written-down instructions so that the technique is never lost Welcoming visitors as a stop on Ride Experience’s bike tours offers further potential to introduce new people to the craft and to sell her one-of-a-kind baskets directly to guests "}}]},{"name":"image","attributes":{"id":"f10ba91e-43ca-4fa7-8c95-96470abd615f","display":"fullwidth","caption":"Mount Chausu is quieter than the likes of Mount Fuji","title":"Mount Chausu reflected in a lake Japan.","credits":"Alamy","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F29584832-3200-4b6f-82f7-5126404c1126.jpg?crop=4521%2C3071%2C0%2C0","ratio":"4521:3071","relativeHorizontalOffset":0,"relativeVerticalOffset":0,"relativeWidth":0.9350568769389865,"relativeHeight":0.8832326718435433},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"I spent the third night at Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya on the Naka River on the west side of Nasu which was a more affordable but no less memorable stay (half-board doubles from £196; itamuro-daikokuya.com) The inn is run by a fine art graduate from Goldsmiths in London who returned to Nasu to take over the family business striking a compromise between his two lives by sprinkling pieces of contemporary art throughout the more than 450-year-old inn Mount Chausu may lack the perfect cone and cultural heft of Fuji but also absent are the crowds that have forced authorities to limit numbers and charge an admission fee at Japan’s highest peak On my final day in Nasu I left the quick and handy Nasu Ropeway (£9; nasu-ropeway.jp) in favour of hiking up Chausu under my own steam the few other hikers on the slopes only made their presence felt through the soft tinkling of their bells worn to warn off black bears I climbed a steep but neat trail that wound up slopes blanketed in the autumnal oranges and reds that heralded respite from Japan’s long Plumes of white volcanic steam rose from the barren yellow-tinted rocky surface of the western face near Chausu’s peak I followed the smell of sulphur to soothe my weary muscles with the fruits of Nasu’s volcanic activity Shika-no-Yu onsen is said to have been discovered in the 7th century and remains beloved for its smoothly textured milky white water (£2.50; shikanoyu.jp) The wooden baths are divided into temperature levels — five baths varying from 41-46C on the women’s side; six that go up to a skin-searing 48C on the men’s I found the middle temperature just right and so lowered myself in for a long steep and reflected on the onsen’s origins Legend has it that a hunter named Yukihiro Saburo was pursuing an injured deer whose wounds were miraculously healed when it jumped into a spring Saburo was inspired to build an onsen on the site putting Nasu on the map a thousand years before the royals That’s the best thing about this place — it feels like it’s still waiting to be discovered which has one night’s full board from £569pp ("}}]},{"name":"link","children":[{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"bicycle-tours.jp"}}]}],"attributes":{"href":"https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://bicycle-tours.jp__;!!F0Stn7g!DuxB7LkzWbnERx3QOiLzAvxWnqrhXcggU1dAQDEdp8uP30q0dlS3UY4Qupzaj_4ZCg2zHBcmOmg-Cy1lxrc7pMxLD1e55x5s$"}},{"name":"bold","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":") Fly to Tokyo"}}]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Have you visited Nasu if you don’t want to end up in the commuter crush so often memed on social media avoid travelling on the Metro from 7am to 9.30am and 4.30pm to 7pm Shimokitazawa makes a more authentic alternative to Harajuku It has the same kawaii shops and cute cafés but is frequented by a genuine residential community rather than goggling tourists which may be very near buzzing Shinjuku but lacks its crowds It was formerly a "}},{"name":"italic","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"hanamachi"}}]},{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":" a monzeku temple in Ohara","title":"Sanzen-in temple garden in Ohara with moss-covered rocks and a pond.","credits":"Alamy","url":"https://www.thetimes.com/imageserver/image/%2F87171279-6f90-4482-816f-c0c87ca07480.jpg?crop=4234%2C2754%2C273%2C165","ratio":"4234:2754","relativeHorizontalOffset":0.056875,"relativeVerticalOffset":0.0515625,"relativeWidth":0.8820833333333333,"relativeHeight":0.860625},"children":[]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"In the heart of the ancient city Sanjusangendo is one of the most famous — and busiest — temples with its 1,001 statues of the goddess Kannon determined tourists discover the hidden temple garden of Chishaku-in particularly ravishing in April and May when its azaleas bloom leave the city altogether and take a short bus trip to Ohara (less than an hour’s journey) for Sanzen-in Its gardens are especially lovely in autumn but summer is also a good time to visit as the mountainous Ohara is cooler than the city."}}]},{"name":"heading3","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"How to do it"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Inside Japan has a Hidden Japan small group tour for travellers who want experiences away from the tourist trail The idea is to “liberate visitors from the pressure of ticking off destinations or visiting must-see locations” Destinations include lesser-known Tokushima (for Buddhist temple lodgings) Kotohira (for a boat ride through the Iya Valley gorges) and Matsuyama (to see a samurai castle and Japan’s oldest hot spring baths) but no Tokyo at all (12 nights’ B&B from £4,975pp The rural destinations included actually suffer depopulation so they couldn’t be more different from Kyoto and Tokyo The 14-night Hidden Zen self-guided adventure includes two days in rural Tonami and a stay in a refurbished traditional farm house The local community provide guiding and craftspeople open their doors for visitors (14 nights’ B&B from £6,740pp fly to Tokyo)."}}]},{"name":"heading3","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"When to go"}}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","children":[],"attributes":{"value":"Spring is the busiest time of year thanks to autumn leaves and turning colours Another excellent off-peak month to visit is June along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners especially for Times+ members"}}]}]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":200})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sunlight filtered through slender bamboo stalks compelling my friend and me to lower our voices to a"},"children":[]}]}]},"dropcapsDisabled":false,"expirableFlags":[],"keywords":{"type":"json","json":["the","unsung","region","near","tokyo","with","cherry","blossom","and","no","crowds"]},"leadAsset":{"type":"id","generated":false,"id":"Image:997066a6-ccc5-4fef-a682-909f28a61d66","typename":"Image"},"relatedArticleSlice":null,"sharingEnabled":true,"savingEnabled":true,"standfirst":"Nasu has long been a weekend escape for royals and residents of Japan’s capital Visitors are finally catching on to its rural charmCherry blossoms in full bloom at the Taisan-ji Buddhist TempleSHUTTERSTOCKKaren GardinerFriday April 04 2025 The TimesSunlight filtered through slender bamboo stalks compelling my friend and me to lower our voices to a whisper to enthuse about how distant this tranquil bamboo forest felt from the rest of Japan most of them squeezed into the Golden Route that connects the capital with Kyoto and Osaka and concentrated into peak cherry blossom season in spring But the fact that bamboo forests like this one That’s why Tetsuya Yamamoto launched Ride Experience A bamboo forest in the countryside near TokyoKAREN GARDINERYamamoto’s mission is to expand the possibilities of a bike touring company so that “cycling is just a tool” to get people into less-visited parts of Japan these new arrivals are helping to support the revitalisation of the region’s rural communities A fertile region at the northern edge of Kanto they travel there by shinkansen — albeit exiting Nasushiobara station through a private gate This royal stamp of approval has inspired many Tokyoites to adopt Nasu as their own summer retreat which is protected by the surrounding Nikko National Park I spent the first two nights of my three-night tour with Ride Experience at the ten-room Bettei Kai a world away from the bustle of TokyoALAMYFrom the generously sized outdoor deck of my 70 sq m suite I briefly wondered if I might catch a glimpse of the regal residence but instead prioritised steeping myself in the hot spring water trickling through a bamboo pipe into my private tub before wrapping myself in a yukata and heading for the hotel’s restaurant There my multicourse kaiseki dinner made use of the region’s seasonal produce — Nasu-raised wagyu beef • Discover our full guide to Japan On the second day we jumped on our electric bikes for a leisurely ten-mile pedal that took us through forest We ended up at the small studio of Maiko Nakamura When she arrived in Nasu only a 93-year-old man was still using the craft; his descendants had no interest in following him and no one was teaching it Mount Chausu is quieter than the likes of Mount FujiALAMYI spent the third night at Itamuro Onsen Daikokuya • 17 of the best hotels in Tokyo Shimokitazawa is a more “authentic” districtALAMYFirst of all and it still has quiet streets of kimono shops and tea houses • 14 of the best places to visit in Japan a monzeku temple in OharaALAMYIn the heart of the ancient city as the mountainous Ohara is cooler than the city Inside Japan has a Hidden Japan small group tour for travellers who want experiences away from the tourist trail but no Tokyo at all (12 nights’ B&B from £4,975pp A boat ride is the perfect way to see JapanGETTY IMAGESInside Japan also has a new tour highlighting undertourism The local community provide guiding and craftspeople open their doors for visitors (14 nights’ B&B from £6,740pp It’s cooler than peak summer and also quieter: families are waiting for the school holidays before visiting while spring blossom-chasers have been and gone Become a subscriber and The images offer a glimpse into the imperial family's warm and relaxed daily life Photos taken at the Imperial Stock Farm capture the Imperial family harvesting mini tomatoes and bamboo shoots Princess Aiko is seen crouching down as she struggles to dig up bamboo shoots in one shot According to the Imperial Household Agency the family later enjoyed eating the food they harvested together.  Photos also showed Their Majesties and Princess Aiko wearing helmets as they cycled around the farm. In another snapshot, the imperial family wore protective gear to guard against infection from potential livestock disease. In that particular shot, His Majesty took a commemorative photo of Empress Masako and Princess Aiko The agency also released several other photos taken by His Majesty One shows Princess Aiko cradling a lamb while the Empress smiles beside her Empress Masako can be seen stroking a horse in the stable His Majesty's warm affection for his family is palpable Empress Masako exhibited these photos during a spring garden party where she engaged with cat-loving guests The photos show Princess Aiko with Mii and Seven Mii has been in the care of the Imperial Family since they rescued it in May 2010, That is according to the Imperial Household Agency. Mii, its mother, and other kittens were rescued from the grounds of the Akasaka Estate Princess Aiko is believed to have named the cat Their Majesties have just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary Read the article in Japanese You must be logged in to post a comment Japanese version a lantern-floating event to soothe the souls of the dead was held on the Watarase River’s bank in Ashikaga Participants watched lanterns float on the river while offering prayers to their ancestors and loved ones who have died people see off the souls of ancestors and deceased loved ones to the otherworld at the end of the Bon holidays when souls are believed to spend time with the living people put their hands together and floated lanterns down the river it feels like our ancestors are going back,” said Masami Suzuki from Ashikaga Two high school teachers and a retired colleague were given prison terms of two years each on Thursday over the deaths of seven students and a fellow teacher in an avalanche that struck during a mountaineering lesson north of Tokyo in 2017 Considered an unusually heavy sentence for an educational setting were convicted of professional negligence resulting in the eight deaths and injuries to five others in the town of Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture on March 27 Their defense team had sought an acquittal In handing down the ruling at the Utsunomiya District Court Presiding Judge Toshifumi Takioka said the defendants -- Shuichi Inose and 61-year-old Hironori Watanabe -- should have been more attuned to the risk of an avalanche adding "It was a man-made disaster caused by a serious degree of carelessness." "The danger of an avalanche could easily have been anticipated," the judge said noting that at least 30 centimeters of fresh snow had piled up at the site on the day of the accident The defendants were not vigilant "and carried out the walking exercise in a sloppy and desultory" way He said the prison terms are not suspended as there is no exceptional reason to consider in the defendants' favor the three defendants changed the content of the day's activities from climbing to a walking exercise due to the snowfall the previous night It went on to say that Sugamata and Watanabe did not give clear instructions on how to avoid hazards or share information on the radio Fifty-five students and teachers from Otawara High School and six other high schools in Tochigi Prefecture were taking part in the lesson when the avalanche In the criminal trial that began in October 2022 prosecutors demanded a four-year prison sentence for the three arguing they should have foreseen the possibility of an avalanche following 30 cm of fresh snow the previous day on an area prone to avalanches due to its steep slopes and sparse vegetation Their negligence was "serious," as they went ahead with the lesson without due diligence The defendants' lawyers insisted it was impossible to predict an avalanche and argued the trio had carefully told each group where to conduct the lesson but the support of those around me has kept me going I hope this ruling will lead to measures that prevent such incidents in the future," Akiko Takase said tearfully at a press conference following the ruling The 57-year-old lost her 16-year-old son Atsuki in the accident a professor of sports law at Daito Bunka University said that the heavy prison sentence likely took into account the seriousness of the negligence given the number of lives lost "Club activities and other educational settings have historically been treated as sanctuaries meaning it was rare for teachers to be held criminally accountable cases where negligence has been evident have led to prosecutions and guilty verdicts," said Mori the district court ordered the Tochigi prefectural government and the prefecture's high school athletic federation to pay 290 million yen ($1.8 million) in damages to the families of five of the victims But it dismissed claims against the three defendants which states damages claims against public servants should be shouldered by municipalities School official admits lapse in judgment over avalanche deaths UTSUNOMIYA — Minpaku private lodging services using vacant houses and vacation homes have expanded in Tochigi Prefecture their numbers more than tripling from five years ago By Natsuki Tachino / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer The number of minpaku lodgings reported under the Private Lodging Business Law had reached 359 as of the end of fiscal 2023 The increase can be attributed to growing awareness of minpaku services as well as the growing demand from inbound tourists Minpaku services involve renting out vacant rooms in private homes and condominiums to travelers While many hotels and inns focus on services such as hot springs and meals minpaku lodgings usually offer overnight stays without meals making it easier to keep the room rate low there are three types of minpaku lodging services: facilities based on the Private Lodging Business Law; no-frills lodging houses based on the Hotel Business Law; and special zone private lodgings based on the National Strategic Special Zones Law there are no special zone private lodgings in the prefecture and it is unknown how many minpaku private lodging services have been offered based on the Hotel Business Law after the Private Lodging Business Law came into effect in 2018 the number of minpaku services being set up under the law has increased over the years The number is said to be particularly high in Nasu and Nikko which are home to major tourist attractions Foreigners are also the main users of minpaku lodgings in Nikko which attracts many visitors from overseas renovated a vacant apartment building next door and opened a minpaku lodging facility called Dragon Inn Nikko in August last year each of which can accommodate a maximum of four to six people More than 90% of the guests are foreigners and the rooms were full during the autumn foliage season from October to November last year To allow foreign guests to experience a taste of Japanese culture the lodgings include tatami mats and shoji screens “We received a better response than we had expected We would like to increase the number of minpaku lodgings in the future,” Enya’s President Hajime Takamidori said The sudden increase in the number of minpaku lodgings has intensified competition among them The Nasu Grand Lodge is a minpaku facility located in the mountains of Nasu a single wooden building which blends in with the surrounding trees is equipped with karaoke machines and a barbecue deck “Competition in the minpaku services business has intensified in this town as well,” said Hiroaki Shishido which manages a total of 36 minpaku lodgings which is close to the Tokyo metropolitan area has many entertainment facilities such as zoos and amusement parks so many individuals and companies from outside the prefecture are said to have started operating businesses in the area to take advantage of the strong demand for accommodation Construction is underway at the Nasu Grand Lodge to install a sauna “We need to differentiate our facility from other minpaku private lodging services by making it distinctive,” Shishido said The mercury hit 41 degrees in Tochigi Prefecture as intense heat enveloped the Kanto and other regions on July 29 The temperature recorded in the city of Sano around 2 p.m was just 0.1 degree shy of the all-time high observed in Kumagaya It was the first time this year that the temperature topped 40 degrees in the Kanto-Koshin region which includes Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures There were five other locations that saw temperatures rise to 40 degrees or higher: 40.2 degrees in Hamamatsu’s Tenryu Ward and Tatebayashi in Gunma Prefecture; 40.1 degrees in Isesaki also in Gunma Prefecture; and 40 degrees in Kumagaya and Koga in Ibaraki Prefecture 130 of the JMA’s 914 observation points across the nation registered their highest temperatures this year a man in his 40s was found collapsed on a road in Kakegawa and confirmed dead after he was taken to a hospital Shizuoka hits a record 40 degrees as heat wave continues Osaka expected to bake as heat continues across Japan Okinawa seen as ‘summer retreat’ as it stays cool amid heat waves Early pressure patterns causing record-setting heat in Japan Heat stroke alerts issued for 32 prefectures across Japan Heatstroke alerts continue for many areas after 2 deaths No reproduction or republication without written permission.