Oyama: History, Craftsmanship and Nature

Oyama brings together traditional history, archaeological traces, craftsmanship and nature. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these aspects you want to shape your trip: historic sites, an insight into the Jōmon period, or activities in the Watarase Floodplain. These themes are quite distinct and offer different focuses for planning your trip.

History and Archaeological Traces

According to tradition, the Oyama Hyōjō was an important military council held in Oyama in 1600. It is said to have paved the way for three hundred years of stability under Tokugawa rule. Another historical connection is Oyama Goten, which has been mentioned since 1622 as a resting and overnight stop for the Tokugawa family's visits to Nikkō. The Oyama Hyōjō served as its model. The two places are thus linked in historical tradition, though this does not mean that the family stayed there overnight.

In the city of Oyama, tradition also links Suga Shrine to the year 940. Fujiwara no Hidesato is said to have founded it after bringing a deity from Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine to the site. Deep moats and high earthen ramparts remain at the former site of Oyama Clan Castle. The shrine's traditional history and the surviving features at the former castle site offer different ways to explore the city's past.

The Terano East Site archaeological site is known for Jōmon-period finds: water-related structures were discovered in a stream from that period in a concentration unique in Japan. The site's information center offers hands-on areas with a Jōmon pottery puzzle and the chance to try on earrings. A visit thus combines archaeological themes with activities to try for yourself.

Watarase: Wetland and Activities

The Watarase Floodplain is a Ramsar wetland on the southwestern edge of Oyama City, extending across several prefectures and municipalities. About 260 hectares of the second retention basin lie within Oyama City, equivalent to around 7.9 percent of the area's total. These figures show the city's share, while the wetland as a whole extends beyond these administrative boundaries.

Birdwatching, plant observation and cycling are possible year-round in the Watarase Floodplain. If you want to combine nature observation with exercise, there are two distinct options here: you can observe birds and plants, and cycling is also listed as an activity. When planning your trip, you can weigh quiet nature observation against an outing by bicycle, without treating the two as a set route.

Explore the City by Bicycle

The O-cycle rental bicycle is designed for leisurely rides around Oyama City, following the concept of sansō cycling. The bicycles used are NoiS Model-T bikes with small 20-inch tires and an easy pedaling feel. O-cycle bikes are available to rent at the Oyama Tourist Information Center and Machi-no-Eki Shikisai-kan. The rental information lists the Tourist Information Center's hours as Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed from December 29 to January 3. If a public holiday falls on a Monday, the center is closed the following day. Check the listed hours before your trip.

Yūki-tsumugi and a Kimono Experience

An experience with Yūki-tsumugi offers a way to engage with UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage: visitors can wear a kimono made from the fabric. The yarn is spun by hand, and the fabric is handwoven by skilled craftspeople. With advance reservation, you can also wear the kimono outside the venue. If you want to take up this option, confirm the reservation and seasonal conditions in advance. For a walk around the city in the kimono, it must be returned to the Craft Center by 3:30 p.m.; take this return time into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Sano, Mooka, Nasu-Yumoto, Utsunomiya, Nasu, Tochigi, Nikkō, Ashikaga

For the broader travel overview: Tochigi Prefecture.