Tochigi City: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Carp Streamers

Tochigi City, located in the heart of Japan, is a beautiful place with Edo-period history, artistic heritage, and scenic landscapes. As visitors walk through its well-preserved storehouses (kura) and along the peaceful Uzuma River, they experience the charm of old Japan.

One of the most exciting events in Tochigi City is the Uzuma Carp Streamers Festival. Every spring, hundreds of colorful carp-shaped flags fly above the river. These streamers symbolize hopes for children’s healthy growth and strong future.

This article introduces Tochigi’s rich cultural history, its Edo-era merchant town, and its connection to the famous ukiyo-e artist, Kitagawa Utamaro, offering a great experience for visitors interested in Japanese traditions.

Uzuma Carp Streamers: A Springtime Tradition

From mid-March to mid-May, Uzuma River is decorated with around 1,151 koi-nobori (carp streamers). These colorful decorations represent strength, perseverance, and wishes for children’s prosperity. They are connected to Tango no Sekku (Boys’ Festival), held on May 5th.

In the past, koi-nobori were displayed at homes, but Tochigi City now celebrates this tradition on a large scale. The event shows community pride and respect for traditional culture.

Uzuma River’s Role in History

During the Edo period, Uzuma River was an important transportation route. Merchants used boats to carry goods, helping Tochigi City grow into a major business center.

Today, visitors can take a leisure boat ride on the river, passing by historic storehouses and enjoying the beautiful old scenery.

Tochigi’s Edo-Era Merchant Town

Tochigi City was once a prosperous trading town and earned the nickname "Koedo" (Little Edo) because of its traditional architecture. The town survived World War II damage, so many old storehouses and merchant homes still exist today.

Places to Visit

• Kurazukuri Street: Walk through historic merchant streets, now home to museums, cafés, and traditional shops.
• Tsukada Historical Legend Hall: Visit an Edo-period merchant’s home and learn about its history.
• Yokoyama Local Museum: Explore a large merchant estate with a beautiful garden.
• Tochigi City Literary Museum: Admire Western-style Taisho-era architecture with a charming retro feel.

Kitagawa Utamaro: The Ukiyo-e Master’s Connection to Tochigi

One of Japan’s most famous ukiyo-e artists, Kitagawa Utamaro, is closely linked to Tochigi City.

Utamaro was known for his bijinga (beautiful women portraits). He met Tochigi’s wealthy merchant Zenno Kihei (Tsuuyo-tei Tokunari) through kyōka (witty, playful poetry). Their artistic relationship led to a special commission, resulting in Utamaro’s three-part masterpiece:

• Fukagawa no Yuki (Snow in Fukagawa)
• Shinagawa no Tsuki (Moon in Shinagawa)
• Yoshiwara no Hana (Flowers in Yoshiwara)

These works were created in Tochigi City, making it an important place for ukiyo-e art.

Tochigi City Museum of Art

Art lovers should visit Tochigi City Museum of Art, which displays original paintings by Utamaro such as:

• Onna Daruma-zu (Woman Daruma)
• Shōki-zu (Shōki the Demon Queller)
• San Fukujin no Sumo-zu (The Three Lucky Gods' Sumo Match)

It also features high-quality reproductions of his three-part masterpiece, including Fukagawa no Yuki, Shinagawa no Tsuki, and Yoshiwara no Hana.

Note: Utamaro’s original works are not part of a permanent exhibition. Special exhibitions change regularly, so visitors should check the official museum website for current display information.

Festivals and Events in Tochigi

Tochigi City has many traditional festivals throughout the year:

• Tochigi Autumn Festival (Every two years, October–November): Large doll floats parade through the town.
• Tochigi Warehouse Town Fireworks Festival (August): A beautiful fireworks event along Uzuma River.
• Tochigi Utamaro Festival (October): A festival celebrating Utamaro, featuring the "Utamaro Procession", a parade inspired by Edo-period style.

Getting to Tochigi City

By Train:

• From Tokyo Station: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Oyama Station (40 min), then transfer to JR Ryomo Line (10 min) to Tochigi.
• From Asakusa Station: Take the Tobu Nikko Line (Limited Express) (70 min).

By Car:

• From Tohoku Expressway, take Tochigi IC, about 10 minutes to the city center.

Tourist Information & Apps

• Tourist Information Center "Kura-navi" (North Exit, Tochigi Station): Located to the right side of the rotary, this center offers brochures and maps in multiple languages.
• Kura Musee App: An audio guide for discovering Utamaro’s art and Tochigi’s historic streets.

Conclusion

Tochigi City is a wonderful mix of history, art, and seasonal celebrations. Whether you come for the Uzuma Carp Streamers Festival, walk through its merchant town, or admire Utamaro’s masterpieces, this city offers a timeless experience of Edo Japan.

For those wanting to explore Japanese history and culture, Tochigi City is a must-visit destination.