About an hour north of Tokyo is where you will find the historic and culturally-rich Tochigi Prefecture. The region is a beautiful vacation wonderland with more than 630 natural hot springs and the Nikko and Nasu mountain ranges towering in the north. If you are planning a vacation with kids, you won’t want to miss these family-friendly attractions in Tochigi Prefecture.
Nasu Animal Kingdom
Home to more than 600 domestic and exotic animals, Nasu Animal Kingdom provides lots of fun and entertaining activities for the whole family. Nasu Animal Kingdom is located in the Nasu community of Tochigi Prefecture and has both indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. The indoor portion of the zoo is referred to as the “town,” and the outdoor portion is called the “farm.” Nasu Animal Kingdom is famous for its up-close animal experiences, and visitors can interact with many animals while feeding them, touching them, and playing with them. While visiting the zoo, you will get to see everything from alpacas and wolves to exotic cats and birds. There also is a gift shop and restaurants where you can rest your feet and enjoy a meal.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Sunday and holidays (hours may change depending on the season)
Admission fees: 2,400 JPY (22.70 USD) for adults and 1,000 JPY (9.45 USD) for children (March to November); 1,400 JPY (13.25 USD) for adults and 700 JPY (6.60 USD) for children (December to February)
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Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a theme park tourist attraction that was created to mimic a remote Japanese village from centuries ago. The village is located by the lush Nikko National Park and is home to ornate buildings, oiran, onsens, and authentic live ninja action. At Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, visitors can enjoy various Japanese flowers during different seasons while strolling along nature paths with creeks.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from March 20 to November 30 and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from December 1 to March 19 (closed Wednesday)
Admission fees (one-day pass): 4,800 JPY (45 USD) for adults and 2,500 JPY (23.50 USD) for children
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Twin Ring Motegi
Families who love motorsports and all-inclusive vacation spots must head over to Twin Ring Motegi, home of Mobi Park and several other kid-friendly things to do. Twin Ring Motegi opened in 1997 as a professional race track which hosts IndyCar, NASCAR, and other racing events throughout the year. Today, it features all kinds of activities, including Mobi Park, where children can enjoy driving kid-sized motorcycles and race cars, as well as engaging in outdoor activities designed to promote exercise through fun. Besides Mobi Park, children and adults can take advantage of indoor and outdoor facilities which include rope-climbing courses, driving courses and a 3-D maze in an interactive and educational forest setting. Families also will want to visit Honda Collection Hall, a museum that features historic race cars and memorabilia.
- One of the best things about vacationing at Twin Ring Motegi is that you don’t have to leave right away! Families can enjoy an adventurous night’s stay in a glamping or camping tent, and for those who don’t want to sleep in the great outdoors, standard rooms and log cabins are available. Guests of Hotel Twin Ring have access to hot springs facilities and restaurants and can participate in starry sky observations, forest and water recreation, fruit-picking excursions and hand-fishing activities.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (may vary depending on season)
Admission fees: Tickets start at 1,200 JPY (11.25 USD) for adults, 600 JPY (5.65 USD) for students, and 300 JPY (2.80 USD) for toddlers.
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Tobu World Square
Travel around the world without leaving Japan when visiting Tobu World Square in Nikko. Tobu World Square is a unique outdoor theme park near Kinugawa Onsen that showcases 102 models of iconic landmarks from around the world at a 1:25 scale. Each model is designed to be an exact replica of iconic attractions, like the Colosseum of Rome, the Eiffel Tower of Paris, traditional Japanese villages, and the Great Pyramids of Egypt. Tobu World Square is divided into different regions of the world, so you can stroll through each and learn more about the history of the areas and even try traditional foods at restaurants on each site.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from December 1 to March 19)
Admission fees: 2,800 JPY (26.25 USD) for adults and 1,400 JPY (13.15 USD) for children (order online for discounts)
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Sano Premium Outlets
If your family loves a good deal and enjoys shopping, be sure to check out Sano Premium Outlets while visiting Tochigi Prefecture. Kids love the outdoor play area and toy stores, and adults are guaranteed excellent prices on all the top gadgets and latest fashions in Japan. Sano Premium Outlets is one of the largest shopping malls in the region, and it is home to over 180 stores and boutiques. Not only does this shopping center contain everyday casual brands, but you also will find luxury brands, such as Gucci, Prada and Armani. Even dads enjoy a day at Sano Premium Outlets, which contains a Callaway golf shop and several other sporting goods stores.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
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Yana Fishing in Nakagawa River
Get out and enjoy the natural beauty that Tochigi Prefecture has to offer by engaging in one of the most beloved warm weather activities enjoyed by its people – yana fishing! Yana fishing involves standing on a bamboo platform in a river and catching Ayu fish with your hands. Yana fishing is a fabulous activity to do as a family, and a day of family fun isn’t the only reward from this activity. Ayu fish are considered one of the most delicious foods in Japan, and most yana fishing experiences end with your catch being grilled over an open fire. If you are interested in trying your hand at this fun sport, take a trip to Nasu.
Best time to go yana fishing: Yana fishing is a summer activity that typically takes place from July through October, but some guides offer the experience as early as June and as late as November.
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Find more Tochigi family-friendly resorts & hotels
Hotel Select Inn Sano Ekimae
Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel
Hotel Select Inn Nishinasuno Ekimae
