Tochigi Prefecture is an inland prefecture located in the northern part of the Kanto region of Japan. Its capital is Utsunomiya City. Historically, it was known as Shimotsuke Province and serves as a central area of northern Kanto. As of 2021, the population is approximately 1.923 million. Although it is not bordered by the sea, Tochigi boasts diverse attractions such as rich nature, historical sites, and thriving industries.
Geography and Terrain
Tochigi Prefecture is generally divided into three regions: Northern, Central, and Southern. The northwestern area is lined with mountain ranges such as the Ou Mountains, Nikko Mountain Range, and Ashio Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 meters. From these mountains, rivers like the Kinu River, Naka River, and Watarase River flow down into the Kanto Plain. In the northern Nasu Highlands, vast townscapes are spread across the region.
The central area is home to Utsunomiya City, the largest city in northern Kanto with a population of around 500,000. Other cities with populations over 100,000 include Oyama, Tochigi, Ashikaga, Sano, and Nasushiobara. Populations are concentrated along railway lines and major highways.
Industry and Local Specialties
Tochigi Prefecture has a well-balanced industrial structure consisting of agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, and tourism.
-
Agriculture: The plains are known for producing rice and wheat, while the highland areas like the Nasu Plateau are developed for dairy farming and livestock production. Local specialties include the “Tochiotome” strawberries, one of the top brands in Japan, and kanpyo (dried gourd shavings), with production ranking among the highest in the country.
-
Industry: Industrial zones are concentrated along major routes such as the Tohoku Expressway, National Route 4, and the Kita-Kanto Expressway. Utsunomiya City is known for its machinery, metal, and food industries. Moka City and Kaminokawa Town are hubs for automobile-related industries. Nasushiobara City and Otawara City are centers for tire manufacturing, precision machinery, and medical equipment. In the southern area, traditional crafts like Mashiko Pottery and the textile industry, including Yuki Tsumugi and Ashikaga Meisen, are still thriving.
-
Commerce: Retail industries are developed mainly in Utsunomiya, while wholesale businesses thrive in industrial areas.
Tourism and Cultural Assets
Tochigi Prefecture is rich in tourism resources, including historical sites, natural scenery, and hot springs.
-
Nikko and Kinugawa Area: Home to the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” (Toshogu Shrine, Futarasan Shrine, Rinnoji Temple), along with scenic spots like Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Senjogahara in Oku-Nikko. Historic hot spring resorts such as Kinugawa, Kawaji, and Yunishigawa are also popular.
-
Nasu and Shiobara Area: Known for Nasu Onsen and Shiobara Onsen, as well as the vast Nasu Highlands, which feature nature, villas, and ranches. Tourist attractions include the Imperial Villa, Mount Nasu, and the Sessho-seki (Killing Stone). These areas are within Nikko National Park, where nature conservation efforts are in place.
-
Cultural Heritage: Each region preserves unique traditional cultures, such as Mashiko Town famous for its pottery and Ashikaga City with a thriving textile industry.
Climate Characteristics
Tochigi Prefecture has a varied climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean, inland, mountainous, and Sea of Japan climatic characteristics.
-
Plains: The plains feature a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and dry, sunny winters. Due to radiative cooling, many days drop below freezing in winter, with large temperature differences between day and night on clear days.
-
Northern and Mountain Areas: These areas experience heavy snowfall and have subarctic winter climates with little precipitation. Cold, dry winds such as “Futara Oroshi” and “Nasu Oroshi” are also distinctive features during winter.
-
Lightning: Tochigi is known as a lightning-prone region. Especially in summer, cumulonimbus clouds develop frequently, causing numerous lightning strikes. Utsunomiya City is even nicknamed the “City of Thunder” due to its high number of lightning days annually.
Summary
Tochigi Prefecture is located at the northernmost tip of the Kanto region and is an attractive area combining rich nature, traditional culture, and advanced industries. Blessed with tourism resources such as World Heritage sites, famous hot springs, and abundant agricultural products, its accessibility from the Greater Tokyo Area also makes it a popular destination. The region's harmonious coexistence with nature and diverse industries is one of Tochigi's greatest appeals.