Enjoy Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture in autumn 2025! The clearest stream in the Kanto Region and autumn foliage in Ashi Valley.

  • Tochigi
  • Sightseeing
Ashi Valley and autumn leaves
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, and attracts many tourists throughout the year. In this issue, we will introduce some of Kanuma City's autumn attractions, including "Oashi Valley," which is perfect for autumn foliage, "Kanuma Autumn Festival," a festival representing Kanuma's autumn season, and "Machi-no-Eki: New Kanuma-juku" where you can enjoy Kanuma's local specialties!

The clearest stream in Kanto and autumn leaves Oashi Valley

One of the recommended spots for autumn foliage in Kanuma City is the Oashi Valley located in the northwestern part of Kanuma City. There are as many as 20 waterfalls of various sizes in Ashi Valley. The upstream Ohtaki Waterfall has a viewing platform where visitors can feel the pristine nature, and is crowded with many tourists during the fall foliage season.
View from Shiraidaira Bridge
The "Great Maple Tree" at Shiraihei Bridge, a 15-minute drive downstream from Otaki Falls, is especially famous, and the natural beauty created by 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 11 (Sat.) and 12 (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, 27 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".
Bussuke" (musical performance)
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:

Enjoy Kanuma's local specialties at Machi no Eki Shin-Kanuma-juku (New Kanuma Inn)

This is the best place to buy local vegetables in Kanuma! Machi-no-Eki: New Kanuma-juku is a tourist information center that also sells Kanuma products. Tourist buses also stop by here, and many locals stop by for a rest and souvenir shop.
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-juku, 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〉10：30～16：00
・ Machinaka Piano 9：00～18：00
【Products Museum】9：00～18：00
【Machi no Eki Food stall village】
・ Kanuma Machi-no-Ekiben Moumou-tei 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 in advance.
Machi-no-Eki: Shin-Kanuma-juku Details:

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