Storehouses are Lined along A Small River
Sometimes when trying to decide what to explore next in Japan I find it difficult to choose between a city or town versus the great outdoors. In Tochigi City you’re treated to a perfect blend of old Japan with a modern twist, and breathtaking nature sprinkled in. As for one-day tours, the historic district in Tochigi city is a nice place to visit, especially for those who want to escape from busy Tokyo on weekends.
In Tochigi city, there is an old town called Kurano-machi, formerly flourished as a wholesale town where storehouses are lined along a small river where busy commercial boats used to come and go. The town was also a post station on the way to Nikko from Tokyo and feudal lords (Samurai lords) passed through the town to visit Toshogu Temple in Nikko.
Back in the day, Tochigi City was once a popular merchant town that supplied many different goods to Edo (you may know it as Tokyo these days) and other cities during the Edo Period (1600-1868). The towns folk of Tochigi City would mainly use the Uzuma River to transport their goods. Once a river full of the hustle and bustle of trading life, today it is now a peaceful river where one can enjoy its beauty and the 100 year old buildings that still stand. You can take a boat ride on the Uzuma River with a local boatman and enjoy a rare view of ancient Japan while being serenaded with a traditional song. Day rides are offered and are an excellent way to experience a unique view of the city. The boatman speaks simple English and an English sign is available when buying your ticket.
Located along the Uzuma River here, is Yokoyama Folk Museum. This beautiful building was originally run by the Yokoyama family who was both merchants and bankers. One side of the store was used to sell hemp to merchants along the river and the other half was used as a bank for the area during the Meiji era (1868-1912). When the building was first built, it was made so strong enough to withstand any natural disaster. Given the typhoons and earthquakes that have repeatedly rocked Japan this building has proven its worth.
You’ll be able to find your own additional fun while exploring this wonderful place.
In Tochigi city, there is an old town called Kurano-machi, formerly flourished as a wholesale town where storehouses are lined along a small river where busy commercial boats used to come and go. The town was also a post station on the way to Nikko from Tokyo and feudal lords (Samurai lords) passed through the town to visit Toshogu Temple in Nikko.
Back in the day, Tochigi City was once a popular merchant town that supplied many different goods to Edo (you may know it as Tokyo these days) and other cities during the Edo Period (1600-1868). The towns folk of Tochigi City would mainly use the Uzuma River to transport their goods. Once a river full of the hustle and bustle of trading life, today it is now a peaceful river where one can enjoy its beauty and the 100 year old buildings that still stand. You can take a boat ride on the Uzuma River with a local boatman and enjoy a rare view of ancient Japan while being serenaded with a traditional song. Day rides are offered and are an excellent way to experience a unique view of the city. The boatman speaks simple English and an English sign is available when buying your ticket.
Located along the Uzuma River here, is Yokoyama Folk Museum. This beautiful building was originally run by the Yokoyama family who was both merchants and bankers. One side of the store was used to sell hemp to merchants along the river and the other half was used as a bank for the area during the Meiji era (1868-1912). When the building was first built, it was made so strong enough to withstand any natural disaster. Given the typhoons and earthquakes that have repeatedly rocked Japan this building has proven its worth.
You’ll be able to find your own additional fun while exploring this wonderful place.
