Tochigi Prefecture is a landlocked gateway north of Tokyo where the UNESCO World Heritage shrines of Nikko rise beneath cedar forests, cool highland onsen resorts fill the Nasu plateau, and potters still throw Mashiko-yaki by hand — a prefecture of mountains, waterfalls, and craft traditions found nowhere else in the Kanto region.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mashiko Pottery Fair (Toki Ichi)
Hundreds of Mashiko potters selling directly from open-air stalls; the largest pottery market in the Kanto region
Where: Mashiko Town
Hours: Early May (around Golden Week) and early November, 9:00AM–5:00PM daily during the fair
Utsunomiya Gyoza-kai Kirasse Food Court
Sit-down food court gathering six of Utsunomiya's best-known gyoza restaurants under one roof, plus takeaway frozen gyoza gift boxes
Where: Utsunomiya City
Hours: 10:30AM–7:30PM (extended weekend hours); closed some Wednesdays
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Sano Premium Outlets
Hours: 10:00AM–7:00PM (seasonal extension to 8:00PM in summer)
PASEO Utsunomiya
Hours: 10:00AM–8:00PM; restaurant floors until 10:00PM