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Off the Beaten Path: Utsunomiya Full Day Tour
Joined 2024
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!
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
Tour Guiding
Japanese/English Interpreting
Hotel Pick up/Drop off within Tokyo 23wards
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
My tours focus on the Tokyo subway and rail-accessible locations. I am not able to provide a driver on this site.
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
Joined 2024
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.
I’ve traveled to every prefecture in Japan, often using unlimited rail passes to explore castles, historic sites, and regional specialties.
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. I studied at Japanese language school in Kyoto. I visited all the world heritage sites in Kyoto and have a lot of knowledge on the history of Japan. I can provide tours of Kyoto or places outside of Tokyo for an additional transportation fee.
Tour options:
Half-Day Tour: 20,000 yen (4 hours)
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen plus transportation expense
Reviews
“Shibuyah Anime tour”
Grant was an amazing guide! He listened to all out questions! Very nice guy very laid back and polite and kind. Thought us about the trains and history of Japan and was able to provide us with awesome spots to shop and eat! We had a blast!!! Thank you Grant and definitely definitely Recommend!!!!!!!
“8 hours in Tokyo to see the highlights”
I had a great day with Grant! He was prompt and in constant communication with me. We were able to modify the tour on the fly. There were some areas where we spent a bit more time, and an area that we decided to skip. The full day tour was the perfect intro to Tokyo and Grant was able to help with the next days plans by informing me how to get to my location. Thanks for the company and all of the insights Grant!
“GRANT SAVED OUR TRIP!”
I wish we could give Grant 1000 stars! Grant literally saved our trip. My husband and I arrived in Tokyo and we thought we would be able to navigate the city, we travel a decent amount and never have any issues figuring things out. We got there and we had absolutely no idea how to navigate the train system. We felt so lost and When we woke up in the morning, we were desperate for help. I messaged a few people, including Grant, online and Grant responded quickly and actually came to our hotel within an hour after messaging him to help us. Not only did he help us understand the train system and figure things out, but he also gave us a half-day tour. He was so incredibly informative and knowledgeable and a great person to hang out with and see the city. I cannot recommend Grant enough. He really truly saved us and we are forever grateful!!!! After our time with him, we felt so much more comfortable about navigating the trains! Thank you so much for dropping what you were doing and coming to our rescue! We cannot thank you enough!!!!!!! Brittany and Jason
$259/ per group
Reserve
