Tochigi’s Agricultural Products
Tochigi is approximately 100km from Tokyo, which is conveniently located about 50 minutes by the Shinkansen (bullet train). The prefecture is blessed with excellent farming conditions such as flat and spacious land, abundant water resources, fertile soil, and a mild climate. This rich environment cultivated by highly skilled farmers allows Tochigi to produce a variety of agricultural products that reign supreme nationwide.
Agricultural Products Information
Strawberries
Tochigi boasts a reputation as the top strawberries in Japan for both production output and the amount in sales. In particular, the production output has consistently been in the lead nationwide for 50 years. Sweet, scrumptious strawberries can be harvested as a result of crops grown under plenty of sunlight and the efforts of highly skilled farmers.
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Skyberry
The Strawberry Research Institute created this variety of strawberry after 17 years of devoted research from 100,000 carefully selected strains. Characterized by its large size that is loaded with a premium taste, this strawberry is outstandingly sweet, juicy, and ideal for gift-giving. -
Tochiotome
Around 30% of Japan-grown strawberries are Tochiotome, making it one of the most common type of strawberry in Japan. Bright red in color and with a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors, it is great to enjoy eaten by itself and in baking.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are mainly grown in greenhouses during the winter and spring from November to June. Even during the wintertime, the vegetable takes in plenty of sunlight inside the greenhouse and ripen to a bright red. They are known for having an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity.
Nikkori Pear
A variety of pear cultivated in Tochigi Prefecture, this large fruit weighs 1 kg and is typically harvested from October to November. It is tender, sweet, and packed with juicy flavor. This particular pear has a long shelf life and can be eaten until the beginning of the new year.
Tochigi Wagyu Beef
This wagyu brand comes from Japanese black cattle raised with care by designated producers in Tochigi Prefecture. The brand label is only granted to highly graded beef. Due to its longer rearing period to other production areas, the meat is characterized by its fine texture and superb quality.
Tochigi no Hoshi Rice
This rice variety is characterized by large grains that remain firm even after cooking. It received the Special A ranking—the highest grade—for three consecutive years in a rice tasting competition. Additionally, this brand has represented the rice from Yuki no Chiho Tochigi during the Daijosai (Great Thanksgiving Ceremony): an imperial rite that accompanies the succession to Emperor. It is also planted as one of Tochigi’s representative and original varieties of rice.
Tochigi has plenty of other agricultural products that are full of charm.
You can check them out at the URL below.
The Strawberry Research Institute
This is the only research facility in Japan that specializes in strawberries. At this institute, comprehensive research conducted on strawberries has led to the development of manufacturing techniques, distribution, and marketing.
Tourist Information
Nikko Toshogu Shrine 日光東照宮 (Nikko Toshogu)
The Shrine where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, is enshrined
he most renowned shrine of “the Shrines and Temples of Nikko”-a Japan’s leading world heritage, is where Ieyasu Tokugawa, the great Shogun who started the flourishing Edo Period, is enshrined. Most of the shrine complex you see today was rebuilt in 17th century. The shrine contains 55 buildings including 8 national treasures and 34 listed buildings. The highlights are sumptuous carvings lacquered and richly coloured brilliantly, which you will gaze at craftsmanship assembled from all over the country. Do not miss the symbol of peace “Sleeping Cat”, and the “Three Monkeys” with the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” poses!
Ashikaga Flower Park あしかがフラワーパーク
A breathtaking array of hanging wisterias and an exquisite flower garden for all four seasons.
This flower garden creates a full sense of the season and the magnificence of nature with a wide range of plants and trees. The highlight of the park is the massive Japanese wisteria trellises in bloom from late April to mid-May. You will be totally stunned by four large wisteria vines and the 80-metre tunnel of white wisterias, designated as a prefectural natural treasure. In the evening the illuminated wisterias bring dream-like scenes. The park also draws large crowds during the fall and winter months, when the “Bejeweled Flower Garden”, the one of the Kanto area’s top three annual illumination events, is held. The garden welcomes over a million tourists throughout the year.
