Things To Do
in Ashikaga
Ashikaga is a historic city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its beautiful ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and stunning garden landscapes. The city is home to the famous Ashikaga Flower Park, which boasts a breathtaking display of wisteria flowers in the spring.
Visitors can also enjoy exploring the bustling shopping streets and sampling local delicacies in Ashikaga.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $40 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Ashikaga Flower Park, where you can admire a variety of beautiful flowers. Capture stunning photos of the iconic wisteria trees in full bloom.
Enjoy a lunch at a nearby café featuring local specialties. Then, continue your exploration of the park, taking in the vibrant displays and seasonal attractions.
Wrap up your day by experiencing the park's illumination event, if available. The flowers beautifully lit at night create a magical atmosphere.
Visit Ashikaga Gakko, Japan's oldest school, and learn about its rich history. Take a stroll through the school grounds and admire the historical architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant specializing in traditional Japanese dishes. Afterward, participate in a guided tour to delve deeper into the school's legacy.
Explore the surrounding area, taking in local shops and cafes. Try some regional snacks as you admire the sunset views over the historic site.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage, including stunning temples and traditional architecture.
- Beautiful natural scenery, including seasonal cherry blossoms and scenic mountains.
- Famous for its agricultural products, particularly flowers and strawberries.
- Less crowded compared to larger Japanese cities, offering a more tranquil atmosphere.
- Cultural events and festivals that showcase local traditions and community spirit.
- Limited public transportation options compared to larger urban areas.
- Less international exposure, which can lead to language barriers for non-Japanese speakers.
- Economic opportunities may be fewer than in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka.
- Tourist attractions may be less developed, leading to fewer amenities for visitors.
- Potentially fewer entertainment and dining options in comparison to larger cities.
Best Activities in Ashikaga
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the famous Ashikaga Flower Park known for its stunning displays of wisteria flowers in spring and beautiful illumination displays in winter.
Explore the serene Banna-ji Temple, known for its picturesque setting and historical significance, especially during the autumn foliage season.
Take a leisurely stroll through the impressive Ashikaga Gakko, a historic educational institution featuring a peaceful and scenic campus.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ashikaga with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ashikaga
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its beautiful wisteria flowers and illuminated displays, offering stunning photo opportunities
Historical site with impressive views of the old school grounds, perfect for capturing the traditional architecture
Scenic temple grounds with a picturesque pond and serene atmosphere, ideal for capturing the tranquil beauty of the area
Food in Ashikaga
Ashikaga Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local specialty consisting of breaded and deep-fried ground meat patties, usually made with minced pork. It can be found at numerous local eateries and restaurants, such as Menchikatsu Kawakami.
Must-Try!
A popular Japanese shaved ice dessert that comes in various flavors such as matcha, strawberry, and melon. Try it at Kakigori Cafe Hatsune for a refreshing treat.
A regional variation of the beloved Japanese dish, yakisoba, made with local ingredients and often featuring a special sauce. Look for it at food stalls in Ashikaga or at Sano Yakisoba Yokocho.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ashikaga better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this enchanting food market in the evening to sample a variety of street food, from yakitori skewers to takoyaki (octopus balls), amidst the stunning backdrop of illuminated flower displays.
This covered shopping street is lined with stalls and shops offering an array of street food options, including taiyaki (fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste) and freshly grilled seafood.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Ashikaga, it is customary to bow as a sign of respect. The angle and duration of the bow may vary depending on the social context and the person's rank or status.
In many Japanese households and traditional establishments, it is customary to remove shoes before entering. Visitors should follow suit to show respect for the cleanliness of the space.
Using chopsticks in a respectful manner is important in Ashikaga. It is considered impolite to pass food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ashikaga with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ashikaga
Ensure a smooth experience
In Ashikaga, Japan, tipping is not a common practice. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, taxis, or other service industries. There is a strong cultural norm of providing excellent service without the expectation of a tip.
In Ashikaga, Japan, cash is the predominant form of payment, especially in smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger businesses and hotels, but it's always advisable to carry cash for purchases in smaller shops and restaurants. Contactless payments and electronic wallets are becoming more popular in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Ashikaga to witness the famous wisteria blooms at the Ashikaga Flower Park. Expect beautiful displays of cascading wisteria flowers in various colors.
Expect warm weather and an array of summer festivals and events, including fireworks displays and traditional Japanese celebrations.
Ideal time to enjoy the stunning autumn foliage as the leaves change color, creating picturesque landscapes in and around Ashikaga.
Winter brings a serene atmosphere to Ashikaga. While it may be cold, travelers can experience beautiful snowy landscapes and enjoy seasonal activities like hot springs and winter illuminations.
Ashikaga at Night
Hiking in Ashikaga
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
This beautiful park features a variety of walking trails surrounded by seasonal flowers. While it's not a traditional hiking spot, the peaceful pathways and views of flowers make for a lovely outdoor experience.
Located a bit further from Ashikaga, Mount Akagi offers various hiking trails. It's known for its scenic views and diverse flora and fauna.
A peaceful trail along the Tama River, perfect for a leisurely hike. The trail features beautiful river views and local wildlife.
This park has several walking paths and trails that provide a nice hiking experience while being right in town.
Located nearby, these trails offer a mix of natural beauty and scenic views. They are suitable for various hiking levels.
Aiports
How to reach Ashikaga by plane.
Located approximately 70 km east of Ashikaga, Narita International Airport is one of the primary international airports serving Tokyo and the Greater Tokyo area.
Situated about 90 km south of Ashikaga, Haneda Airport is another major airport in Tokyo, known for its proximity to the city center and extensive domestic and international flights.
Located around 230 km west of Ashikaga, Chubu Centrair International Airport serves the Nagoya region and handles both domestic and international flights.
Approximately 390 km southwest of Ashikaga, Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka region and is a major hub for international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group in Ashikaga, representing the majority of the population.
Includes people from various countries living in Ashikaga, such as Brazilian, Chinese, and other nationalities.
A significant portion of the population consists of elderly residents, reflecting Japan's aging demographic trend.
Children and young adults, including those in schools and universities in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is extremely popular in Japan, including in Ashikaga, with many local teams and schools competing at various levels.
Soccer continues to grow in popularity, with local clubs and youth leagues actively encouraging participation among the younger population.
Basketball is widely played in schools and community leagues, making it a favorite sport among the youth.
Badminton enjoys a significant following, with many local clubs and schools facilitating practice and competition.
Various forms of martial arts, including Judo and Kendo, are practiced and taught in Ashikaga, reflecting the city's cultural roots.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ashikaga.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine often includes seafood and meat, many restaurants in Ashikaga offer vegetarian and even vegan-friendly dishes. Look for establishments that specialize in Buddhist cuisine (Shojin Ryori) for excellent plant-based options.
Those seeking gluten-free options can enjoy dishes such as sashimi, yakitori (grilled skewered chicken), and rice-based dishes, which are commonly available and naturally gluten-free. Communicating specific dietary needs to restaurant staff is recommended for a tailored dining experience.