Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Tochigi City's "Storehouse Town" is a district that still retains the streetscape of a town that flourished through commerce during the Edo and Meiji periods. Rows of white-walled earthen storehouses (kura-zukuri), merchant houses with lattice doors, and tiled roofs line the main streets, strongly retaining the atmosphere of a traditional commercial district. The view of the storehouses lined up along the slowly flowing Uzumagawa River is photogenic, and the area is dotted with storehouses that have been converted into cafes, galleries, souvenir shops, and museums. It is a popular strolling spot for locals and tourists alike, where historical buildings blend with modern lifestyles and culture.
Highlights
– Kurazukuri Street: A street lined with merchant houses and storehouses from the past. You can enjoy the exteriors of the buildings and the unique stately feel of the storehouses.
- Stroll along the Uzumagawa River: The view of the storehouses from the riverside promenade and bridge is beautiful. The seasonal scenery (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, etc.) is also attractive.
– Riverboat tours (may operate seasonally): Boat tours are sometimes held to view the town of breweries from the water (please check as availability may vary depending on the season).
– Facilities that utilize storehouses: cafes, craft shops, galleries, souvenir shops, local museums, etc. You can enjoy tours of the interiors and exhibitions that make the most of the historical buildings.
- Local gourmet food and specialties: There are many stores selling Japanese sweets, local sake, and locally processed products, making it the perfect place for sampling local delicacies and choosing souvenirs.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Tochigi Station or Tobu Tochigi Station on the Tobu or JR lines (approximately a 10-minute walk from the station. The station name and line you take will vary depending on your departure point). The route from the station is well-marked.
From Tokyo: Approximately 1-2 hours by Tobu or JR line (this may vary depending on the train type and transfers).
- By car: Approximately 15 minutes from Tochigi IC on the Tohoku Expressway (depending on traffic conditions). Parking is limited in the town, so please check the parking information in advance.
- Buses and routes: City buses and sightseeing buses may operate. The number of buses varies depending on the season and day of the week, so we recommend checking in advance.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Quickly take in the cityscape: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- A leisurely stroll around the cafes and shops: 1-2 hours
– Tour including museums, archives and riverboat tour: half a day (2-4 hours)
– Sightseeing in the area (combined with nearby attractions): 1 day
Nearby spots
– Nikko (World Heritage Site of Shrines and Temples): Approximately an hour by car or train. Can be combined into a day trip.
– Ashikaga Flower Park (famous for its seasonal flowers, especially its illuminations): Approximately 40 minutes by car.
- Sano Premium Outlets (Shopping): Approximately 30-40 minutes by car.
– Historical sites, art museums, and hot springs in Tochigi Prefecture: You can tour around them depending on your purpose. You can check out the suggested itineraries at the tourist information center in the city.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Cultural property protection: Historic buildings need to be preserved. Please follow basic rules such as not touching walls or doors and not entering buildings without permission.
- Narrow streets and pedestrian priority: There are narrow sections of the road, so please be considerate of pedestrians when riding bicycles or in cars. If you are using a stroller or wheelchair, it is a good idea to check the road conditions in advance.
- Busy times: Cherry blossom and autumn foliage season, summer events, and long weekends can be busy, so please consider coming earlier or avoiding rush hours.
- Business hours and regular holidays: Many stores are privately run, and business hours and regular holidays vary from store to store. Many stores close early, so be sure to check before visiting.
- Payment: Some small stores only accept cash. It is a good idea to have cash on hand, especially when visiting souvenir shops or privately owned stores.
- Riverside safety: There are some slippery areas along the river. Please be especially careful if you are traveling with children.
Supplementary information (practical advice)
– As the walk is mostly outdoors, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. In rainy weather, a raincoat may be more comfortable than an umbrella in some places.
– To ensure a smooth trip, check the tourist information center or the city's official website in advance for information on events, riverboat operations, and parking information.
Please use the above information to enjoy strolling around Kuranomachi, sampling local delicacies, and exploring its history. If necessary, we can also provide specific access routes (by departure point), a list of recommended restaurants, and an estimate of how crowded the area will be on the day. Where are you coming from?
