Enjoy Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture in autumn 2024! The clearest stream in the Kanto Region and autumn leaves 【Oashi Valley

  • Tochigi
  • Sightseeing
Ashi Valley and autumn leaves

What is Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture?

Kanuma City in Tochigi Prefecture is located between Utsunomiya City and Nikko City, both of which can be reached in 30 minutes by train, or within 90 minutes from Tokyo by JR Nikko Line and Tobu Railway. The city is known for its seasonal flowers and clear rivers that flow from the mountains, attracting many tourists throughout the year. Another attraction of the area is its traditional culture, such as the Kanuma Autumn Festival, a stall event held at the Imamiya Shrine Festival.

In this issue, we will introduce the perfect spots for autumn foliage and experiences that allow you to fully enjoy nature!

The clearest stream in Kanto and autumn leaves Oashi Valley

A recommended spot in Kanuma City for autumn foliage is the Oashi Valley located in the northwestern part of Kanuma City. In this Oashi Valley, there are as many as 20 waterfalls of various sizes, and the Oodaki viewing platform in the upper reaches of the valley allows visitors to experience untouched nature, which attracts many tourists during the fall foliage season.
View from Shiraidaira Bridge
The "Great Maple Tree" at Shiraihei Bridge, located about 15 minutes downstream by car from Otaki Falls, is particularly famous, and the natural beauty created by Mother Nature is a popular photo spot. The autumn foliage usually blooms from early to mid-November. Why not enjoy hiking in the valley and taking pictures while viewing the autumn leaves?
Shiraidaira Bridge

Kanuma Autumn Festival

The Kanuma Autumn Festival, one of Kanuma's most popular autumn events, will be held for two days on October 12 (Sat.) and 13 (Sun.). This festival has a long history and is registered as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
During the two-day Kanuma Autumn Festival, 26 gorgeous carved floats, which are also called "moving Yomeimon" in reference to the national treasure of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, parade through the streets of Kanuma in a heroic manner.
On the first day, the sculpture floats of each town visit Imamiya Shrine to perform a Shinto ritual, and in the evening, they light lanterns and leave the shrine, returning to their own town for a musical performance called "Bussuke".
Bussetsu," a musical competition
On the second day, a citizens' parade will be held by various groups from the city, and the city's traditional performing arts will be performed at various places in the festival site. In the latter half of the festival, you can enjoy the sight of the sculpture floats coming one after another while you are there by "Arrai Hikiki", which can be called an exhibition of sculpture floats.
The sound of the heroic "Bussuke" musical performance echoes through the night on both days, making this festival a traditional autumn colorful event in Kanuma.
Kanuma Autumn Festival
Kanuma Autumn Festival Details:

You can enjoy Kanuma's local products at Machi-no-Eki: New Kanuma-juku

This is the place to buy local vegetables from Kanuma! Machi-no-Eki: New Kanuma-juku is a tourist information center that also sells Kanuma products. Tourist buses also stop here, and many locals stop by for a rest and souvenir shop as well as a resting place for tourists.
There is also a product center with locally grown vegetables and specialties, as well as a restaurant using local specialties, where you can enjoy everything from meals to sweets.
New Kanuma Inn, a town station
Business hours
【Honkan】9：00～19：00
・Information center 9：00～19：00
・Kanuma soba Oetsuji 10：30～16：00
・Hospitality center Nakamachiya
〈Weekdays〉11：00～16：00 〈Saturdays and Sundays〉10：30～16：00
・Street piano 14：00～16：00 (Sat. and Sun.)
【Products center】9：00～ 18：00
【Machi no Eki Stall Village】
・ Kanuma Machi no Ekiben Moumoutei 10:00-18:00 *Close as soon as they are gone
・ Kitchen Seven (NaNa) 11:00-15:00
Please check the official website for details beforehand.
Machi-no-Eki: Shin-Kanuma-juku Details:

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

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For train + accommodation in the Tochigi area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
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