Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture combines the northern edge of the Kanto Plain with the mountainous regions of Oku-Nikko and Nasu, offering rich natural beauty. It features diverse tourism resources including historic culture represented by the World Heritage Nikko Shrines and Temples, hot spring resorts in Oku-Nikko and Nasu, and scenic valley beauty in Kinugawa and Shiobara. The prefecture is conveniently accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area via shinkansen and expressways. Agriculture thrives here, with strawberry production (Tochiotome), kanpyo dried gourd strips, and raw milk ranking among the nation's top producers. The food culture, epitomized by Utsunomiya gyoza, traditional crafts like Mashiko pottery and Yuki tsumugi silk, and seasonal festivals and events enliven various regions throughout the prefecture. Industrially, the prefecture is a core of the Northern Kanto industrial area with concentrations in automotive and optical equipment industries.