TOCHIGI CITY, Japan - Marylandian -- In Japan, May 5th is Children's Day, a public holiday celebrating the health and happiness of children. Prior to 1948, it was called Boys' Day, but then the government declared it "a day to celebrate all children." Children's Day customs include: flying Koinobori or carp streamers, displaying samurai costumes and dolls, and bathing in iris leaves and roots (to promote good health and ward off evil). Carps symbolize courage, strength, perseverance and success, due to their ability to swim upstream against strong currents.

Uzuma no Koinobori Festival

In Tochigi City, the famous Uzuma no Koinobori event, brandishing 1,151 colorful Koinobori along the Uzuma River (walking distance from Tochigi Station), is being held through May 11, 2025.

Event Details:

Duration: 30-minute Traditional-style Boat Rides Along the Uzuma River, Beneath the Koinbori.

Experience: During the ride, the boatman explains the history of the area. (In Japanese only.)

Hours: 10 am to 4 pm daily (March – November)

10 am to 3 pm daily (December – February)

*subject to extreme weather conditions

Cost: 1,000-yen adults; 700-yen children

Website: http://www.k-yuransen.com/ (Japanese)

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About Tochigi City

Just 70 minutes from Asakusa Station by TOBU Nikko Line (via the TOBU SKYTREE Line), Tochigi City was one of the most prominent commercial centers during the Edo period (1603 - 1867). The City prospered in maritime trade with Edo via the Uzuma River and even today, it is often referred to as a "Little Edo" or "Little Old Tokyo." Tochigi City is a beacon of well-preserved kura (warehouses), with an old Japanese townscape feel. It's worth a visit, as a place to immerse and unwind amid the ambience of simpler, bye-gone days.

In addition to the Uzuma River Koinbori Festival, Tochigi city offers a variety of attractions and experiences for tourists.

●      Stroll Kuranomachi Promenade: A charming promenade along the Uzuma River, lined with beautifully restored warehouses.

●      Tochigi Edo Cuisine: In order to promote Koedo through the taste buds, experts were invited to research Edo-period cuisine. By re-evaluating local cuisine and traditional ingredients, Tochigi City's official "Tochigi Edo Cuisine" was established.

●      Fruit Picking: Tochigi is famous for seasonal fruit farming year-round, but it's especially renowned for having Japan's largest strawberry crop.

●      Museums and Galleries:

Yokoyama Kyodokan: A folk museum exhibiting Edo-period furniture and furnishings. In the library, there is a collection of hemp ashes (historically made into charcoal) with their decorative containers, as well as period tools and machinery, such as an ice cream machine.

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Tochigi Dashi Kaikan: This festival float museum preserves the floats - designated as tangible folk cultural properties by the prefecture - allowing visitors to enjoy the excitement of the festival at any time.

Kuranomachi Citizen's Gallery (https://mindtrip.ai/attraction/tochigi/kuranoma...): A museum exhibiting works by artists and craftsmen with strong ties to Tochigi City, especially contemporary ceramic artisans.

Other Tochigi City Seasonal Events

Uzumagawa Lantern Festival (https://www-tochigi--city--kura--navi-jp.transl...): (July 1 to September 30) A fantastical summer night event that lights up the Uzuma River. Over 100 lanterns featuring cut-paper art, often depicting the city, are installed from the Kaiun Bridge to the Korai Bridge to Uzuma Park.

Tochigi Autumn Festival (https://www.tochigi-kankou.or.jp/akimatsuri/): (Beginning of November 2026) Only every-other-year: The whole city comes to life for the autumn festival, living up to the nickname of little Edo. Incredible floats are adorned with sculptures and gold and silver embroidery.

About Tobu Railway Group
TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 80 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort. For more information visit: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/recommend...