Discover Utsunomiya: History, Gyoza & Hidden Gems
Discover Utsunomiya beyond the usual tourist spots! Explore historic Utsunomiya Castle and the ancient Futaarayama Shrine, stroll through the lively city streets, and learn about local history and culture. Enjoy Utsunomiya’s famous gyoza for lunch, with plenty of styles to choose from. Finish with a relaxing walk through Hachimanyama Park and its impressive suspension bridge and tower overlooking the city. A fun day of history, food, nature and authentic local life!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Utsunomiya Station
- Meet at JR Utsunomiya Station ticket gates.
Bus Station
Take a bus to Futaarayamajinjamae(180 yen) or Babacho(190 yen) bus stop.
Then walk to Utsunomiya Castle (15mins walk)
Utsunomiya Castle
Look around the castle which was home to a branch of the Toda clan built in the late Heian period.
Look around and take a short rest before walking to Futaarayama Shrine passing through Orion-Dori.
The walk will take 20 mins to the shrine.
Futaarayama Shrine
After walking up the 100 steps, we will reach Futaarayama Shrine, around 1,600 years old, this shrine is perched atop Mt. Myojin is in the heart of downtown Utsunomiya.
Lunch in Utsunomiya
We will have a look around for what you would like to eat around the area, Utsunomiya is known for Gyoza, a kind of dumpling with different fillings inside. It comes in a variety of styles from crispy pan-fried to soft boiled.
Hachimanyama Park
After eating we will then take a 30 min walk to Hachimanyama Park.
There we will walk on the high adventure bridge and what the park has to offer. (high suspension bridge - optional to walk on).
After looking around we will finish off by going up Utsunomiya tower, overlooking Utsunomiya city. (190 yen adult, 90 yen child fee).
Utsunomiya Tower closed days: Every Monday (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) and the New Year's holiday period from December 29th to January 3rd.
Tour ends
After walking around the park, we will walk back to the nearest bus stop, then take a bus back to JR Utsunomiya station ending the tour. Depending on the bus stop, bus will cost around 190yen - 250yen.
Ending Point
JR Utsunomiya Station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fees
・Public transportation fees (500 yen)
・Entrance tickets (Utsunomiya Tower 190 yen)
・Lunch & Other personal expenses
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is not recommended for people in wheelchairs.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
This tour is around 14,000 steps in total.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Chiu .
Hello, and welcome to Japan!
My name is Chiu, and I’m a British national who has been living in Japan for over a decade. During that time, Japan has become much more than simply a place where I live and work. It has become a country I’ve explored, experienced, and grown to truly appreciate.
For more than 12 years, I worked as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japanese public schools, working with both elementary and junior high school students. This gave me the opportunity to work closely with Japanese teachers, students, and local communities, while also giving me a unique perspective on everyday life in Japan that visitors don't normally get to experience.
I enjoy sharing the things that make Japan fascinating beyond the obvious tourist attractions. Tokyo has incredible temples, shrines, shopping districts, skyscrapers, and famous landmarks, but I also enjoy the smaller details—the history behind a neighborhood, the stories behind Japanese traditions, discovering great local food, and simply experiencing everyday life in Japan.
What can I show you?
Whether this is your first visit to Tokyo or you've been here before, I’m happy to create a tour around your interests.
First time in Tokyo?
We can explore some of the city's famous sights, historic areas, temples, and shrines while learning about the stories behind them.
Love Japanese food?
Let's explore Tokyo's food scene and discover some of the dishes and local spots that make Japanese cuisine so special.
Most importantly, I want my tours to feel less like following a script and more like spending a day exploring Japan with a knowledgeable local friend. I'm happy to answer questions, adjust the pace, and tailor the experience to what you want to see and do.
If you're coming to Japan, I'd love to help make your trip memorable and show you a side of Japan that you'll want to come back and experience again!
$202/ per group
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