Awara(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ashikaga City, the most renowned ryokan is Kagami no Yu Ryokan, a centuries-old establishment famed for its natural hot spring waters rich in minerals. Each room features traditional tatami mats and private onsen baths overlooking serene gardens. Nearby, Yamabuki-no-Sato offers a tranquil retreat with outdoor foot baths and seasonal kaiseki meals using local ingredients like Ashikaga beef and wild mountain vegetables. Both properties are located near the Ashikaga Flower Park, making them ideal for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion in Tochigi's scenic countryside.

The Flower Park District around Ashikaga Flower Park is the most family-friendly area in Ashikaga City. Hotels here, such as Hotel Sunroute Plaza Ashikaga, offer spacious family rooms, kids' play areas, and free shuttle services to the park. Families can enjoy morning walks through blooming wisteria tunnels, participate in hands-on craft workshops at the park’s cultural center, or visit the nearby Ashikaga Zoo. The district also features easy access to restaurants serving kid-friendly Japanese dishes and safe, pedestrian-friendly pathways—perfect for stress-free family travel.

Ashikaga City stands out due to its deep-rooted connection to wisteria culture and Buddhist heritage. The city hosts the annual Ashikaga Wisteria Festival, where over 100,000 blooms cascade from ancient pergolas, creating one of Japan’s most iconic floral displays. Additionally, the city is home to Shōsō-in Temple, a historic Buddhist site housing rare artifacts from the Nara period. Local artisans still practice traditional lacquerware and pottery-making, often showcased during the Craft & Craftsmanship Fair. These elements combine to create a distinct blend of natural beauty and spiritual depth rarely found elsewhere in Japan.

Must-try local delicacies in Ashikaga City include Wisteria Tempura, made from edible wisteria blossoms dipped in crisp batter—a seasonal treat available only in spring. Another highlight is Ashikaga Beef Sushi, a fusion dish featuring tender local beef layered over vinegared rice, served with wasabi and soy sauce. For dessert, try Hana Gohan, a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste and wrapped in a fresh wisteria leaf. These dishes are best enjoyed at Nakamura Sushiya or Tsubaki Restaurant, both located near the flower park and known for their authentic, locally-sourced ingredients.

Nighttime in Ashikaga City shines at Ashikaga Flower Park, where illuminated wisteria tunnels glow in vibrant hues of purple and blue, creating a magical atmosphere. The Luminous Garden Walk runs from 6 PM to 9 PM, complete with soundscapes and interactive light installations. For a quieter experience, visit Kagami no Yu Ryokan for a moon-viewing onsen bath, where guests soak under starlit skies. Local cafes along Kamiyama Street also offer cozy evening tea sessions with live folk music, blending tradition and modern charm in perfect harmony.

Ashikaga City is a year-round destination thanks to its diverse seasonal events: Spring brings the Wisteria Festival, drawing visitors from across Japan; Summer features the Firefly Night Walk, where thousands of fireflies dance above the Tone River; Autumn hosts the Maple Festival, showcasing fiery red foliage around Shōsō-in Temple; and Winter transforms the city into a snowy wonderland with the Snow Lantern Festival, where paper lanterns illuminate snow-covered paths. Each season offers unique photo ops and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable visit regardless of travel time.

From Tokyo, the easiest way to reach Ashikaga City is by taking the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station, then transferring to the JR Ryomo Line to Ashikaga Station, a journey of about 1 hour 45 minutes. Alternatively, direct buses operate from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Highway Bus Terminal to Ashikaga, taking approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, many hotels offer free shuttle services to the city center and flower park. Consider purchasing the Tochigi Prefecture Pass, which grants unlimited rides on local trains and buses, saving time and money while enhancing your exploration flexibility.

Photographers love Ashikaga Flower Park’s Wisteria Tunnel, especially during sunrise when soft light filters through the lavender canopy. The Kamiyama Street Lantern Path, lined with traditional paper lanterns, offers stunning night shots. For architectural elegance, visit Shōsō-in Temple’s main hall, with its elegant wooden eaves and moss-covered stones. The Tone Riverbank at dusk, where fireflies flicker above the water, creates dreamlike compositions. Even the local train station’s vintage signboard adds a nostalgic touch—perfect for candid street photography capturing the soul of rural Japan.

For couples seeking romance, Kagami no Yu Ryokan offers private couple’s onsen baths with views of moonlit gardens and custom romantic dinner sets featuring Ashikaga beef and seasonal vegetables. Some suites include rooftop soaking tubs beneath open skies, ideal for stargazing. Couples can also book a morning tea ceremony or a private wisteria picnic in the park’s secluded garden. The hotel’s staff arranges surprise gifts like hand-written love letters and chilled sake—creating unforgettable moments in a peaceful, intimate setting away from urban crowds.

In Ashikaga City, you can participate in authentic lacquerware workshops at Kurokawa Lacquer Studio, where skilled artisans teach the intricate process of urushi lacquering using natural tree sap. Another highlight is the Pottery Making Class at Tone River Ceramics, where guests shape clay on a wheel and glaze their own souvenirs. Seasonal events like the Wisteria Art Market feature local artists selling handmade items inspired by nature. These hands-on experiences not only connect travelers to regional craftsmanship but also allow them to take home a meaningful, personalized keepsake.