Tochigi is great for shopping! You can find big brands at Sano Premium Outlets and Nasu Garden Outlet. If you like unique local items, explore Mashiko for beautiful pottery or the old-fashioned shops in Tochigi City.
Don't forget to grab some local treats like delicious strawberries, Utsunomiya gyoza, or traditional Nikko yuba (tofu skin).
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or train station
- At your hotel or train station - I will contact you on mobile.
Outlet Shopping in Sano
This is a major attraction for shoppers in Tochigi, featuring a wide range of domestic and international brands in an American-style architectural setting. It's known for having around 180 stores.
Lunch at Sano Premium Outlets or Sano City
Option 1 (Convenient): Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants or the food court within Sano Premium Outlets. This will maximize your shopping time.
Option 2 (Local Flavor): If you want to experience local Sano cuisine, head back towards Sano Station. Sano is known for its Sano Ramen. You could find a local ramen shop for a quick and delicious meal.
Local Shopping & Souvenirs in Utsunomiya
Destination 1: Tobu Department Store Utsunomiya
This department store offers a range of high-quality brands, cosmetics, clothing, and food, including local Tochigi souvenirs. It's a good place to find a variety of items under one roof.
Destination 2: Oideyo Tochigikan
This shop specializes in Tochigi Prefecture's local products, traditional crafts, and local liquors. It's an excellent spot for unique souvenirs like yuba (tofu skin), local confections, honey, and Japanese pickles. They also offer tourist information.
Destination 3: Fukubedou
This souvenir shop in Utsunomiya specializes in traditional Tochigi crafts made from gourds (Fukube Handiworks). You can find masks, daruma dolls, accessory cases, and more. They sometimes offer handiwork classes.
Ending Point
At your hotel or Utsunomiya train station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Tour guide fee
Interpreting
Hotel pick up/drop off
Guide's admissions
Guide's rail fare
I can pick you from Tokyo area, please message me for details
Your lunch
Your rail fare, see below
Total estimated for Utsunomiya to Sano Premium Outlets & back:
Train (Utsunomiya-Sano-Utsunomiya): ¥1,960 - ¥2,200
Bus (Sano Station-Outlets-Sano Station): ¥600 - ¥720
Subtotal: ¥2,560 - ¥2,920
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is wheelchair accessible.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
My schedule can be flexible, up to my deadline of works.
I can guide you in any area of Japan, please contact me in advance!
Hello! I’m Your Friendly Guide to Japan’s Kanto Region
I’m based in the beautiful Tochigi Prefecture and absolutely love sharing Japan’s amazing culture, history, and hidden spots with visitors like you. Before doing tour guiding, I was a public school teacher, so I’m great at making stories come alive and helping you really connect with the places we visit.
I speak Japanese at an advanced level (N2), and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Japan—from living a year in the peaceful town of Kamishihoro in Hokkaido to wandering the bustling streets of Tokyo. This means I can give you insider tips and deep insights that go beyond the usual tourist trails.
*What I Offer*
I mainly guide around the Kanto area, which includes Tokyo, Yokohama, Saitama, Ibaraki, Gunma, and of course, Tochigi. Here are some of the fun tours I can take you on:
- **Utsunomiya Cultural Immersion:** Spend a day discovering the unique charm and tasty eats of Utsunomiya.
- **Tokyo All-in-One:** Explore both East and West Tokyo in a single day for a full city experience.
- **Anime & Pop Culture Tours:** Tailor-made adventures based on your favorite shows, games, and characters.
- **Kanto Day Trips:** Visit iconic spots like Nikko’s stunning temples or Kamakura’s historic sites.
I also love guiding in other parts of Japan, especially Kyoto—I’ve seen every World Heritage Site there! Plus, I often run tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and more, all easy to reach by train.
*Customize Your Journey*
Every tour is flexible and designed just for you. To make your trip even more memorable, I’ll create a free, beautifully crafted photo album with music from your tour—perfect for sharing or keeping as a souvenir.
Ready to explore Japan in a fun, relaxed way with someone who’s passionate about showing you the real stories behind every place? Let’s chat and start planning your perfect adventure!
$111/ per group