GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Off the Beaten Path: Utsunomiya Full Day Tour

Day Trip
Tokyo Tour Guide - Grant A.

Joined 2024

Grant A.
5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Tokyo
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!English (Native), Japanese
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!8 hours
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Private tour (only you and Grant A.)
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Up to 4 people

Discover Utsunomiya, where delicious gyoza await! Begin in central Utsunomiya with a stroll down Orion Dori, the vibrant shopping street. Stop at Kirasse to taste a variety of gyoza or try local favorites Minmin and Masashi on Gyoza Street. Visit the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins, then explore the Marugame Stone Church and the revered Futaarayama Shrine.


Tour the awe-inspiring Oya Stone Mine and marvel at the Giant Kannon statue.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel (Tokyo)

Orion Dori

Orion Dori is Utsunomiya’s lively shopping street, known for its mix of traditional and modern stores. Located in the heart of the city, it's a bustling spot for locals and visitors alike. Lined with boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it offers something for everyone. The street comes alive at night with its neon lights and energetic atmosphere. It's a great place to experience local culture and cuisine while exploring Utsunomiya’s urban charm.

Kirasse

Kirasse is a must-visit for gyoza lovers, offering a wide variety of dumplings from famous local shops. This gyoza hall serves as a one-stop destination to sample different styles of Utsunomiya's iconic dish. With multiple vendors under one roof, you can taste the diversity in flavors, from crispy fried to steamed gyoza. Kirasse also features a rotating lineup of gyoza from different restaurants, making it an ever-changing experience. It’s the perfect place to dive into the gyoza culture that defines Utsunomiya.

Gyoza Street - Minmin and Masashi

Gyoza Street is the ultimate destination for sampling Utsunomiya’s renowned dumplings, home to legendary shops like Minmin and Masashi. Minmin, established in 1958, is famous for its thin-skinned, juicy gyoza, while Masashi is celebrated for its crispy and hearty dumplings. Both shops represent the pinnacle of gyoza craftsmanship, drawing long lines of eager diners. Gyoza Street is not just about food; it’s about experiencing Utsunomiya’s rich gyoza tradition in a vibrant setting. The street’s lively atmosphere makes it a highlight for both tourists and locals.

Utsunomiya Castle Ruins

The Utsunomiya Castle Ruins offer a glimpse into the city's samurai past, with the park preserving the remains of the once grand fortress. The original castle, built in the 11th century, played a crucial role in the region's history. Today, you can explore the reconstructed turrets and walk along the stone walls while learning about the area’s feudal history. The castle grounds also serve as a peaceful park, ideal for a leisurely stroll. Seasonal events and historical exhibits make this a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Marugame Stone Church

The Marugame Stone Church, also known as Matsugamine Catholic Church, is an architectural gem built with local Oya stone. Its unique Romanesque design, combined with the rough texture of the stone, gives the church a distinct appearance. The church has been a symbol of the city's Christian heritage since its completion in 1932. Inside, the simple yet serene atmosphere is perfect for reflection. The church’s connection to the local stone industry makes it a fascinating blend of faith and regional craftsmanship.

Futaarayama Shrine

Futaarayama Shrine is Utsunomiya’s most important Shinto shrine, located atop a hill with sweeping views of the city. Dating back over 1,600 years, it is dedicated to the deities of the region’s natural elements and has long been a center of local faith. The shrine’s main hall, surrounded by ancient trees, exudes a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors often come here to pray for good fortune and success. The annual festivals held at Futaarayama Shrine are among the city's most celebrated cultural events.

Oya Stone Mine

The Oya Stone Mine is a vast underground quarry that has been a source of Utsunomiya’s famous Oya stone for centuries. This labyrinthine network of caverns stretches deep into the earth, creating a stunning subterranean landscape. The mine’s historical significance is matched by its modern use as a venue for concerts and exhibitions. Walking through the cool, expansive tunnels, you can see the remnants of mining tools and techniques from different eras. The Oya History Museum located here offers insights into the region's industrial heritage and the stone's unique properties.

Giant Kannon (Oya Heiwa Kannon)

The Giant Kannon is a towering stone statue carved directly into the face of a cliff, standing as a symbol of peace and hope. At 27 meters tall, it’s an awe-inspiring sight and one of the most iconic landmarks in the Oya area. The statue, completed in 1956, was created to honor those who lost their lives in World War II. Visitors can walk around the statue and explore the surrounding area, which offers serene natural beauty and historical significance. The peaceful expression of the Kannon and its impressive scale make it a moving and unforgettable experience.

Wakaba Bamboo Forest

The Wakaba Bamboo Forest is a tranquil oasis located just outside the city center, offering a peaceful escape into nature. The forest is a popular spot for meditation and relaxation, allowing visitors to connect with nature in a quiet, contemplative setting. It’s also a beautiful location for photography, with the sunlight filtering through the bamboo creating stunning visual effects. The Wakaba Bamboo Forest is a hidden gem that showcases the natural beauty of Utsunomiya’s surroundings.

Ending Point

Your Hotel (Tokyo)

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

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What‘s included

Tour Guiding

Japanese/English Interpreting

Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards

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What‘s not included

Your rail fare

Guides rail fare

(One way local line is roughly 2000yen from Tokyo or 4000yen by bullet train)

Tour Important Information

The tour starts from Tokyo.

Important message from the supplier

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.

Cancellation Policy

  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Tokyo Tour Guide - Grant A.

Joined 2024

Grant A.
5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Grant A.

Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. This passion led me to pass the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 2018, study at language schools across Japan, and graduate from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. My work in translation and interpreting brought me into contact with notable figures in Japanese media.


I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties. I’m particularly passionate about seafood and love traveling to places like Hokkaido and Niigata during the winter for the best crab and fatty yellowtail. I also enjoy visiting Japan's finest hot springs, especially in volcanic areas. My martial arts background includes five years of traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate, with multiple trips to the Ryukyu Islands, and experience in iaido, kyudo, and judo.


I hold a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and my extensive experience living in Tokyo has made me an expert on the city’s transportation system, hidden gems, and affordable eats. With over 30 visits to Kyoto, I have deep knowledge of its historical sites and the broader cultural landscape of Japan.


Tour options:


Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)

Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)


I can guide you through Tokyo, Kyoto, and other historical cities like Kanazawa, Nikko, and Kamakura. Rail fare outside Tokyo is additional. Let me show you the best of Japan!


Reviews

A

Allen C.

5 / 5
Oct 11, 2024

Ginza Whiskey Half-Day Tour

Tokyo
4 hours

Informative tour

Grant was an excellent tour guide. He knows his Japanese whiskey and where to find some rare Japan exclusive bourbons. He was able to assist us in finding all the bottles that we were searching for and recommend a few that we weren't searching for. If you are interested in Japanese whiskey, I would highly recommend this tour.

A great way to discover different places

Grand was great and showed some special spots of Tokyo. Loved the garden and Nakano Broadway

B

Barbara H.

5 / 5
Oct 6, 2024

Asakusa and Ueno, Taito Ward Half-Day Tour

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5 hours

Great Tour!

We had a great tour with Grant! Extremely knowledgeable about Tokyo, history, and getting around!! We wished we had booked him a second day. Already gave his name to others looking for tours!

Want to Personalize?Send a Message
$268/ per group
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