Overview
Utsunomiya is Tochigi Prefecture's laid-back capital, best known as Japan's "Jazz Town" (hometown of saxophonist Sadao Watanabe) and for its beloved gyoza dumplings. The city is draped in horse chestnut trees (tochi-no-ki, the prefecture's symbol) and Marronnier (French for the same tree), with the distinctive greenish-gray Oya stone used throughout its buildings.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Museums · Nightlife
Before you go
Food
Gyoza is the local specialty—try station-area queues or Orion Dori restaurants. Budget eats available at station grocery stores.
Nightlife
The city promotes itself as a jazz town with cocktail bars; cover charges can reach ¥4000. The Lion's Head is the main expat pub.
Transport
JR Utsunomiya Station is the main hub with east and west exits. Most tourist sites are walkable or reachable by Kanto Bus from the station.
Weather
Spring is best for hanami; summers are warm; winters are cold but quiet. Romantic Mura operates April-October only.
