Location: Utsunomiya
Top Things to do in Utsunomiya
Top Restaurants in Utsunomiya
- 1. Utsunomiya Minmin Honten
- 2. Koraku
- 3. Masashi Miyajimacho Honten
- 4. Utsunomiyagyozakan
- 5. Ishidayayakisobaten
- 6. Aogen Paseo
- 7. Utsunomiya Minmin, Hotel R-Mets
- 8. Bakery Cafe Penny Lane Tsuruta
- 9. Utsunomiya Minmin Station Higashiguch (East Exit Utsunomiya Sta.)
- 10. Gyoza Specialty restaurant Masashi Tsuruta
What to do and see in Utsunomiya, Japan: The Best Places and Tips
Utsunomiya (宇都宮市, Utsunomiya-shi, Japanese: [ɯᵝt͡sɯ̃ᵝno̞mija̠]) is the capital and largest city of Tochigi Prefecture, in the northern Kantō region of Japan. As of May 2015, the city had an estimated population of 518,200, and a population density of 1,240 persons per square kilometre (3,200/sq mi). Its total area is 416.85 km (160.95 sq mi). Utsunomiya is famous for its gyoza (pan fried dumplings). There are more than two hundred gyoza restaurants in Utsunomiya.
Restaurants in Utsunomiya
1. Oya Stone Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By Asterix135 - Toronto, Canada
This is a big emptied out underground stone quarry. As such, it's not nearly as interesting as natural caves can be, but is still kind of cool in an of itself (and is also, literally cool, at a constant 10º or so).
The place has been used for movies and events, so there are some created terraces etc. in the space that look neat.
I'm struggling to find more to say than "it was a big stone cavern." It's sort of interesting, but not worth making a huge diversion for.
2. Utsunoiya Futaarayama Jinja Shrine
Overall Ratings
4 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By Stacy C
Every month or so usually on a weekend or national holiday, an event happens at the shrine starting with families lining up to pay their respect and hope for good fortune during the first week of January. Next, there is Coming of age day when you can see 21 year old ladies decked in kimonos visiting the shrine, for example. Such events occur at big shrines across the country. Utsunomiya has some city festivals that start in front of the shrine too, and horseback archery. Spot families dressed up taking their newborn babies to the shrine for a blessing, often with a kimono type blanket, if you are lucky. Also there is a ceremony in November to celebrate the growth of three year old girls, five year old boys and seven year old girls called shichigosan (7-5-3). Parents dress their kids up visit the shrine for a blessing. Otherwise, as with other shrines, it is a quiet, reflective place. Bring some bird seed or plain popcorn to feed the pigeons or take photos of the changing seasons with a backdrop of Japanese cultural structures. We paid for blessings for our child like that. Only then can one can enter the shrine. A Japanese escort may be required. It was an unforgettable, incredible experience but I wonder if the shrine would be open to allowing a visitor to pay for such a blessing....can we divide spiritual and tourism when people seek out power spots and take pilgrimages? I say, no, so go ahead and visit the shrine office and try to see if you can be blessed. The payment is at least 3000 Yen.
3. Oya temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Shikataganai73 - Guam, Mariana Islands
The Heiwa Kannon-zo (Kannon Peace Statue) was interesting because it was carved into the stone. Prior to entering this area, you are mesmerized by the entrance way which looks like you are entering a mountain passage of stone. There is a staircase to the left and from there you can see the view of the Oya Temple behind the statue as well as the area in front (it is quite a climb up the stairs, so make sure you are hydrated and rest along the way if you get winded easily). Afterwards, I went to the temple and was awestruck by the 11,000 year old human remains and the statues carved into the wall. Photography is not allowed in the temple area that showcases the 1000 armed Oya Kannon goddess of mercy statue. Past this area is a small museum that houses the 11,000 year old human remains found at this site as well as the other artifacts from the excavation. Beyond this area there is are two area with the Bridges, the first one has the two statues of snakes (coiled and uncoiled). Some visit to give their donation and ask for blessings by rubbing the snake's head.
4. Matsugamine Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Robert O - Doylestown, Pennsylvania
this was one of my favorite places to visit when I lived in Utsunomiya in 1994 and 1995. The stone was from the same quarry that was used for the famous Tokyo Hotel that was designed by architect Frank Llyod Wright.
5. Michi-no-Eki Utsunomiya Romantic Village
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By Ofurokun
I very much like coming here for the bath. On most days, it is not very crowded and especially if the weather is nice, the Rotenburo (outside bath) can be recommended. There are no additional facilities or a great variety of baths, but everything is clean & functional. If you don't have to drive, try the locally brewed craft beer after your bath!
6. Utsunomiya Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Stacy C
I have visited the museum countless times. The park in which it is located in and of itself is an attraction and worth taking a picnic, a frisbee, a camera to on a fine day. Unless you are disabled, access to the museum involves about a 500 meter uphill stroll past sculptures and a sunny grassy field. We held our wedding party in the banquet room at this museum - the cost was low because it is a city-owned facility. I love the floor to ceiling forest view windows around the outer halls of this museum. The restaurant also features such a view.
7. Oya Heiwa Kannon
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By HXZ_HZX - Singapore
You will drop by here after visiting Oya stone Museum which is about 5 mins drive away. While the stature is certainly majestic, I find it difficult to visit this attraction just on its own. So do pair up with a visit to Oya stone Museum. There is a temple (fees apply) nearby which is the parking area where you can see more Buddha carvings in an enclosed cave and an exhibit of a mummified monk before Christ...
8. Tochigi Science Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Dale B - Nikko, Japan
A great place to take the kids, like many other science museums the Waku Waku Science Museum in Utsunomiya is home to a variety of exhibits with hands on features to get kids and adults alike into science and nature. The museum also has a theater where you can watch featured films.
9. Utsunomiy Zoo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By すんご - Utsunomiya, Japan
This zoo is located in north Utsunomiya which is close to Utsunomiya IC. Even though this zoo is small compare to Ueno zoo in Tokyo, there are so many animals we could see. Many shops and restaurants and rides. Entrance fee is 1000yen for adults. On the way to Nikko, I recommend you to stop by and take a look.
10. Tochigi Prefectural Office
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By ViajesyVino - Australia
The view from the top floor is beautiful and free of charge, providing a 365 degree Panorama of Utsunomiya city. Additionally, in the Prefectural Assembly Building (a smaller building next to the office tower) allows you to visit the Assembly chamber when not in session.
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