Cultural walks among the traditional buildings of Tochigi, a trading city. Experience the architectural beauty of Old Edo.

In this edition, we introduce a journey through the history and culture of old Edo, Japan’s ancient capital. After discovering history and culture at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, we recommend you to take a journey of approximately 70 minutes on Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station to reach Tochigi City, a town that still retains some of the atmosphere of Japan’s days gone by, with traditional warehouses from the Edo period and Western-style buildings from Japan’s early modern period.Local foods and crafts also contribute to the unique historical atmosphere. Tochigi City issues a “Tochigi City One-Day Citizen Passport” that provides discounts at various choice destinations.

https://www.tochigi-kankou.or.jp/assets/data/one-day-pass.pdf

• A journey into history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum

The Edo-Tokyo Museum displays historical materials and models to present the changes in the history, culture and lifestyle of Edo, the former name for Tokyo, down the ages during the period which was first ruled by Ieyasu Tokugawa, and lasted around 400 years. 

Exhibits provide information on Edo Castle and the castle town as well as the influx of Western culture after Japan opened up to the outside world. To ensure that non-Japanese speaking tourists also get the most out of the museum, a free guide service is available in eight languages, either reserved in advance or booked on the day.

https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/

• Traces of Edo in the History and Culture of Tochigi City

■Traditional Warehouses in the Kura-no-Machi

The Uzuma River in Tochigi City is known for the Kura-no-Machi, an area that prospered through river-based trade during the Edo period. The area includes many historical buildings that take visitors back in time to the Edo period. The Kura-no-Machi Yuransen (sightseeing boat) lets you enjoy the scenery from the river. 

During summer, the Uzuma River Andon (Lantern) Festival runs for around two months, and decorative paper lanterns, with designs including the traditional warehouses and festival floats, create a magical scene. We also recommend the Hyaku Hatto Nagashi event, where a sacred boat carrying 108 candles glides down the river accompanied by traditional music. Traditional Japanese confectionary events with chefs from the clong-established confectionary store Yamamoto Sohonten are popular too. Every two years, the Tochigi Autumn Festival showcases spectacular floats, while digital technology at the Tochigi Dashi Kaikan lets you experience the power and beauty of the festival at any time.

Tochigi City: https://www.tochigi-kankou.or.jp/

Kura-no-Machi Yuransen (sightseeing boat): http://www.k-yuransen.com/

■Tochigi Edo Cuisine

Many dishes developed in Edo play an important role in traditional Japanese cuisine. Since 2016 “Tochigi Edo Cuisine” serves up the food and hospitality of that period in the historical surroundings of Tochigi. The Kanahan Ryokan inn, founded more than 200 years ago, is also a great spot for food and accommodation in the center of the town.

http://www.kanahan-ryokan.jp/