Tochigi Prefecture

is a prefecture located in the Kanto region on the island of Honshu, Japan. The capital is the city of Utsunomiya. Utsunomiya is famous for its many delicious gyoza specialist shops.

Nikko, whose ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples UNESCO has recognized by naming them a World Heritage Site, is in this prefecture. Nikko is approximately one hour by train from Tokyo.

Other famous parts of Tochigi include a region called Nasu known for onsen and local sake and ski resorts. The Imperial family has a villa in Nasu. Nasu Shiobara is a major Shinkansen station.

Another onsen resort is at Kinugawa.

History

Prior to the establishment of the present-day system of prefectures, Tochigi was Shimotsuke Province.

The establishment of the Nikko Toshogu in 1617 brought Nikko to national attention. The Tokugawa Shogunate developed the Nikko kaido (part of the major road connecting Nikko with Edo) and required lavish processions to worship Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa line of shoguns.

Geography

Cities

14 cities are located on Tochigi Prefecture.

Towns

These are the towns in each district.

ǂScheduled to dissolve after the mergers.

Mergers

(as of March 20, 2006)

On January 1, 2005, the city of Kuroiso, and the towns of Nishinasuno, and Shiobara merged to form Nasushiobara city.

On February 28, 2005 the towns of Kuzu and Tanuma from Aso District merged with the old city of Sano to form the new city of Sano. Aso District was dissolved as a result of this merger.

On March 28, 2005 the towns of Kitsuregawa and Ujiie merged to form Sakura city.

On October 1, 2005 the towns of Ogawa and Bato from Nasu District merged to form the new town of Nakagawa.

On October 1, 2005 the towns of Nasu and Karasuyama from Nasu District merged to form the new city of Nasukarasuyama.

On October 1, 2005 the town of Kurobane and the village of Yuzukami from Nasu District merged into the city of Otawara.

On January 1, 2006 the town of Awano from Kamitsuga District merged into the city of Kanuma.

On January 10, 2006, the town of Minamikawachi from Kawachi District, the town of Ishibashi and the village of Kokubunji (both from Shimotsuga District) merged to form the new city of Shimotsuke. (Merger Information Page)

On March 20, 2006, the city of Imaichi, the town of Ashio from Kamitsuga District, the town of Fujihara and the village of Kuriyama (both from Shioya District) merged with the old city of Nikko to form the new city of Nikko. With this merger, there are no more villages left within Tochigi Prefecture.

Future mergers

The city of Utsunomiya is scheduled to merge with the towns of Kamikawachi and Kawachi (both from Kawachi District) during March 2007.

Tourism Attractions

Nikko is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site. This encompasses Rinnoji, Nikko Toshogu, Futarasan Shrine, and Taiyuin. The Kegon Falls, also in Nikko, is popular with tourists. To travel between the city and the falls, automobiles and buses take the irohazaka, a road with dozens of switchbacks.

External links

Tochigi Prefecture | Kanto region | Prefectures of Japan

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