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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Mashiko-yaki pottery — handthrown stoneware in earthy glazes; rice bowls and tea cups from ¥1,500 ($9.43), larger serving pieces and tea sets up to ¥30,000 ($188.68); buy direct from studio kilns for the best prices
Yuba (tofu skin) products — fresh, dried, and seasoned yuba sold along the Nikko approach road; ¥500–1,500 ($3.14–9.43) per pack
Frozen and fresh gyoza gift sets — Utsunomiya's signature dumplings, vacuum-packed for travel; ¥600–1,200 ($3.77–7.55) per box of 20–24 pieces from Gyoza Street shops
Tochiotome strawberry sweets — Tochigi is one of Japan's top strawberry-producing prefectures; strawberry daifuku, tarts, and sandé (strawberry sandwiches) from ¥300–1,800 ($1.89–11.32) at station shops and dedicated strawberry cafes
Nikko wood carvings — small carved animal and Buddhist motif figures inspired by Toshogu's craftsmanship; ¥800–8,000 ($5.03–50.31) depending on size
Nasu highland dairy products — cheese, yogurt, and milk-based sweets from Nasu's dairy farms; ¥500–2,500 ($3.14–15.72) at farm shops and roadside stations (michi-no-eki)
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