To Tourists from Overseas

Tochigi prefecture has established the Tochigi Prefectural Office for Reconstruction and Promotion of Tourism (TOREPT). This organization works closely with tourism agencies, transportation companies, commercial and agricultural agencies, financial institutions, higher education facilities and media organizations.
TOREPT will work to recover and promote tourism in all of Tochigi.

There are many sightseeing spots with lush, beautiful nature and hot springs, such as Nikko, Nasu, and Shiobara, among others. Tochigi is also proud of its historical and cultural resources: shrines and temples in Nikko designated as World Heritage sites by UNESCO, the Ashikaga School, Kuranomachi-Tochigi and the Yama-age Festival. Turn your eyes to traditional crafts and you will find Mashiko Pottery and Yuki Pongee Fabrics. The former is a very famous ceramic ware developed by the late Hamada Shoji and the latter is a fine silk textile designated an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Tochigi has many attractive sites and crafts for foreign visitors. We would like to introduce our food culture in Tochigi to overseas tourists. Tochigi is proud of „Tochi-otome‟ a kind of strawberry. Its production is No.1 in Japan. We also recommend you to try Tochigi Beef produced in this country. There are also many shops that serve you soba(buckwheat noodle), and gyoza(Chinese dumplings).
There is a wide variety of food culture to be experienced, all in one area: Tochigi.

We aim at revitalizing tourism and boosting the economy of Tochigi by making these rich tourism resources even more attractive. But unfortunately, tourism in Tochigi prefecture sharply declined after the earthquake and tsunami in the northeastern part of Japan and the Fukushima nuclear plant accident on March 11 last year. To make matters worse, many tourists spots have suffered from harmful, false rumors regarding its safety. Tourism industries have been a prominent part of the economy of Tochigi prefecture as they are connected with commerce and industry, service businesses and agriculture and livestock industries. So the greater part of the economy of Tochigi prefecture has been affected by the disaster and harmful rumors.

Tochigi prefecture now is still ready to welcome foreign tourists.Please come and enjoy a tour of Tochigi prefecture. Tochigi, with its rich history and abundance of beautiful nature, awaits you. After a dip in the hot springs to sooth your fatigue, enjoy delicious a seasonal delicacies!
People all over Tochigi prefecture are looking forward to welcoming you, your family, and your friends. We hope to see you soon.

Tochigi supports Japan‟s “Better Tomorrow!”

January, 2012
From Tochigi Prefectural Office for
Reconstruction and Promotion of Tourism