1. What is the most unique cultural experience one can have in Tochigi?
2. Can you recommend any must-visit temples or shrines in Tochigi?3. What are some traditional dishes or foods that visitors should try while in Tochigi?
4. Are there any traditional festivals or events in Tochigi that tourists should attend?
5. How does Tochigi celebrate and maintain its historical samurai culture?
2. How do the locals in Tochigi celebrate traditional festivals and events?
The locals in Tochigi celebrate traditional festivals and events in a variety of ways. Some common practices include participating in religious ceremonies, parades, and traditional performances.
One popular event is the Tochigi Autumn Festival, held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. This festival celebrates local harvests and includes a parade featuring traditional dances, music, and floats decorated with autumn produce. The festival also includes food stalls selling local specialties such as mochi rice cakes and sweet potatoes.
Another significant event is the Tochigi Spring Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of April. This festival celebrates the arrival of spring with colorful decorations of cherry blossoms throughout the city streets. The festival also includes performances of traditional music and dance, as well as food stalls serving local delicacies like oden (a type of hot pot) and soba noodles.
In addition to these larger festivals, there are numerous smaller events that take place throughout the year in different towns and villages within Tochigi. These events often involve local traditions such as religious rites or cultural practices that have been passed down for generations.
Overall, celebrating traditional festivals and events is an important part of Tochigi’s culture and brings the community together to honor their history and heritage.
3. What are some traditional crafts or arts that are popular in Tochigi?
1. Tochigi Ceramic Ware: The prefecture is famous for its traditional pottery, particularly the Satemu-yaki style of white and black ceramics produced in Mashiko, which is one of the top ceramic districts in Japan.
2. Inden-ya Leather Crafts: This traditional craft involves coating dyed deerskin with urushi lacquer to create beautiful leather goods such as bags, wallets, and accessories.
3. Oya Stone Carvings: Oya stone, a type of pumice rock found only in Tochigi, is used by skilled craftsmen to create intricate sculptures and hand-carved ornaments.
4. Kabuki Theater: Tochigi is home to several Kabuki theaters which are quite popular among locals and tourists alike. The region also has a strong tradition of local kabuki performances known as Shimotsuke Kabuki.
5. Kanuma Wood Art: Kanuma City is well-known for its woodworking traditions and produces high-quality furniture, lacquered woodenware, and other wood crafts using techniques passed down for generations.
6. Kiryu Textiles: Kiryu City in Tochigi has been producing fine silk textiles since the Edo period (1603-1868), renowned for their beautiful colors and intricate designs.
7. Mashiko Pottery: Along with Satetsu-yaki ceramics, Mashiko is also famous for its Mashikoyaki pottery which features bold colors and patterns inspired by nature.
8. Hagi-doko Dolls: These traditional dolls originated in Haga District of Tochigi and are prized for their delicate beauty and detailed craftsmanship.
9. Yatai Paper Lanterns: Handmade paper lanterns are still made in historic workshops in Ashikaga City using traditional methods passed down through centuries.
10. Utsunomiya Randoseru Backpacks: These sturdy backpacks made from cowhide have been produced in Utsunomiya for over 300 years and are popular all over Japan for their durability and style.
4. Are there any special rituals or ceremonies practiced in Tochigi?
There are several rituals and ceremonies practiced in Tochigi, some of which are unique to the region.
1. Koyashi Nenbutsu: This is a Buddhist ceremony held at Kinugawa Shrine in Nikko. It is believed to bring blessings and good fortune to those who participate. During this ceremony, participants chant the name of the Buddha while walking around the shrine.
2. Hanami Festival: The Hanami festival, also known as the cherry blossom viewing festival, is a popular event held in many cities and towns in Tochigi during the spring season. People gather with family and friends to picnic under the cherry blossom trees and enjoy their beauty.
3. Toshogu Grand Procession: This is an annual parade held at Toshogu Shrine in Nikko to honor Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The procession features people dressed in traditional samurai attire and carries portable shrines through the streets.
4. Kurakake Matsuri: This festival is held every year on November 15th at Fukiage Inari Shrine in Nasu during which large towers made of bamboo are erected by local young men who then climb and perform acrobatic stunts on top of them.
5. Ushi-Oni Festival: This ritual, also known as “Bull Demon Festival” is held annually at Asasara Shrine in Otawara City. Participants dress up as demons and dance while carrying bull-like masks on their heads to ward off evil spirits and pray for good harvests.
6. Aizome Dezuiri: This ceremony involves dyeing fabric with natural indigo dye at Mashiko kilns, a famous pottery town in Tochigi prefecture. Traditional Japanese patterns are applied by stencil or freehand onto cotton fabric which is then dyed using natural indigo leaves producing vibrant blue colors.
5. How has the culture of Tochigi been influenced by its neighboring prefectures?
The culture of Tochigi has been influenced by its neighboring prefectures in various ways, including:
1. Food: As Tochigi is located in the Kanto region of Japan, its cuisine is heavily influenced by the food cultures of neighboring prefectures such as Tokyo, Gunma, and Ibaraki. Some popular dishes in Tochigi include soba noodles (from Gunma), natto (from Ibaraki), and tonkatsu (from Tokyo).
2. Festivals: Many festivals in Tochigi have been heavily influenced by neighboring prefectures. For example, the Nasu Onsen Fire Festival was originally brought to Tochigi from Aomori Prefecture, and the Ashikaga Flower Park’s famous wisteria festival was inspired by a similar event held in Yamanashi Prefecture.
3. Tourism: The popularity of nearby tourist destinations such as Nikko and Kawagoe have had a significant impact on tourism in Tochigi as well. Many visitors to these areas also choose to visit Tochigi due to its close proximity and similar cultural attractions.
4. Art and craft traditions: Traditional arts and crafts from neighboring prefectures have also influenced those found in Tochigi. For example, the Ashikaga School of Tea Ceremony was founded by a tea master from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture.
5. Sports: Due to its location near Tokyo, many sports teams in Tochigi compete against teams from neighboring prefectures in various leagues and tournaments. This has fostered friendly rivalries and exchanges between athletes from different areas, contributing to the overall sporting culture of Tochigi.
6. What are some must-visit historical sites or landmarks related to Tochigi’s culture?
1. Nikko Toshogu Shrine: This iconic shrine is dedicated to the first shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Ashikaga School: The Ashikaga School was one of the most important centers of learning in Japan during the Kamakura period, and its ruins can still be found in Tochigi today.
3. Oya Stone Museum: Located in Oya, this museum showcases the history and traditional techniques of stone quarrying in the region, which has been a major industry since ancient times.
4. Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Museum: This interactive open-air museum displays 60 traditional Japanese houses from different eras, providing insights into rural life in Tochigi.
5. Hachimanyama Castle Ruins: These ruins are all that remains of a castle built in the early 14th century, showcasing Tochigi’s feudal history.
6. Ohira Tanada Rice Terraces: These terraced rice fields have been preserved for centuries using traditional methods and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Otawara City Museum: Featuring archaeological artifacts and historical documents related to the area’s ancient settlements and cultures.
8. Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine: Dating back over 1,200 years, this shrine is one of Japan’s oldest and enshrines deities believed to protect travelers and pilgrims.
9. Kanuma Castle Ruins Park: These ruins are all that remains of a castle built in 1337 by Ashikaga Yoshiakira, showcasing Tochigi’s rich samurai history.
10. Kinugawa Onsen Ropeway: Take a ride on this cable car for stunning views of Kinugawa Onsen and its surrounding mountains, as well as an up-close look at Mount Kammenjozan’s limestone cliffs.
7. Can you tell me about any famous legends or folktales from Tochigi?
One famous legend from Tochigi is the story of “Ushikoku-no-Taishi” (Prince Ushikoku). According to the legend, a prince named Ushikoku was ordered by his father to go to Tochigi and subdue a giant serpent that had been terrorizing the people there. With the help of a magical sword, Ushikoku vanquished the serpent and saved the village. However, he fell in love with a local woman named Otohime and decided to stay in Tochigi with her instead of returning home. It is said that their descendants became powerful samurai clans in Tochigi.
Another famous folktale from Tochigi is called “Kakumonki,” which recounts a series of supernatural occurrences that took place during the construction of a temple called Kakubutsuji in Nikko city. The monk who oversaw the temple construction believed these occurrences were caused by ghosts of workers who had died during the construction and thus held Buddhist rituals to soothe their spirits. This tale reflects both the spiritual beliefs and cultural significance of historic temples in Tochigi.
8. What are some traditional dishes or drinks that are unique to Tochigi’s cuisine?
Some traditional dishes and drinks that are unique to Tochigi’s cuisine include:
1. Yuba: A local specialty made from soy milk skin.
2. Nikko-yoshoku: A fusion of western-style cooking with traditional Japanese ingredients, influenced by the international visitors who came to Nikko during the Meiji Period.
3. Tochigi wagyubuta: Pork raised in Tochigi prefecture that is known for its high quality and tenderness.
4. Gyoza: Dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, often served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar and sesame oil.
5. Miso-nikomi udon: Udon noodles cooked in a rich miso-based broth with vegetables, mushrooms and other toppings.
6. Nokogiri amazake: A popular local drink made from fermented rice that has a milky texture and sweet taste.
7. Tochi no mi shochu: A type of distilled spirit made from locally grown chestnuts.
8. Kanpyo sake: Traditional fermented sake infused with dried gourd strips, giving it a unique flavor.
9. Soba orishi soba: Buckwheat noodles served on a wooden platform (orishi) with hot soup poured over them for an interactive dining experience.
10. Kinugawa onsen manju: Steamed buns filled with red bean paste or other fillings, often enjoyed as a snack while visiting the hot springs in Kinugawa Onsen area.
9. Is there a specific dress code for visiting shrines or temples in Tochigi?
There is no specific dress code for visiting shrines or temples in Tochigi, but it is generally recommended to wear modest and respectful clothing. This can include covering shoulders and knees, avoiding revealing or tight-fitting clothes, and removing hats and shoes before entering the main shrine area. It is also recommended to avoid wearing excessively flashy or distracting clothing out of respect for the sacred atmosphere.
10. How do younger generations in Tochigi participate in preserving their cultural heritage?
Younger generations in Tochigi participate in preserving their cultural heritage through various means, such as:
1. Education and Awareness: Schools often incorporate lessons about local history and culture into their curriculum, helping younger generations develop an understanding and appreciation for their heritage.
2. Festivals and Events: Many traditional festivals and events are still celebrated in Tochigi, and younger generations actively participate by learning traditional dance, music, and other cultural practices.
3. Artisan Workshops: There are various workshops where younger people can learn traditional crafts, such as pottery-making and papermaking, from skilled artisans who have been practicing for many years.
4. Volunteer Work: There are opportunities for younger generations to volunteer at local museums, temples, and shrines to help preserve historical artifacts and buildings.
5. Digital Preservation: With the rise of technology, there has been a push towards digital preservation of cultural heritage in Tochigi. Younger generations contribute by creating digital archives, documenting traditional practices, and promoting them on social media.
6. Local Cultural Organizations: There are several organizations dedicated to preserving Tochigi’s cultural heritage that actively involve younger members in their efforts.
7. Revival of Traditional Practices: Some young residents have started initiatives to revive dying traditions, such as traditional cuisine or language by organizing workshops or hosting events.
8. Cultural Exchange Programs: The government of Tochigi regularly organizes cultural exchange programs between local communities and other countries, providing opportunities for young people to learn about different cultures while showcasing their own.
9. Sustainable Tourism: Many young people in Tochigi have started businesses or work for companies that promote sustainable tourism focusing on preserving local culture while boosting the economy.
10. Passing Down Family Traditions: In many households in Tochigi, older generations continue to pass down family traditions to their children through storytelling, cooking together or taking them to visit ancestral places – instilling a sense of pride in their heritage.
11. Are there any seasonal cultural activities or events that visitors should know about in Tochigi?
Yes, there are several seasonal cultural activities and events that visitors should know about in Tochigi:
1. Tochigi Spring Festival – Held every year in April, this festival celebrates the arrival of spring with colorful parades, traditional performances, and food stalls.
2. Tochigi Tanabata Festival – This famous summer festival takes place in July and features large floats decorated with paper lanterns, traditional dance performances, and fireworks.
3. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Grand Spring Festival – In May, this festival is held at the Toshogu Shrine to celebrate the birth of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
4. Waraji Matsuri (Straw Sandal Festival) – During this unique event in August, participants carry large straw sandals through the streets to symbolize walking towards prosperity and success.
5. Kinu River Fireworks Display – One of Japan’s largest fireworks displays takes place in August along the Kinu River with over 18,000 fireworks lighting up the sky.
6. Yukimi Lantern Festival – In November, hundreds of lanterns are lit around Chuzenji Lake in Nikko to honor the souls of ancestors and pray for peace and happiness.
7. Kamakura Festival – During winter months (December to February), Kamakura snow houses are built at Kirifuri Highland in Nikko which visitors can enter and enjoy warm drinks while admiring frozen waterfalls nearby.
8. Strawberry Picking Season – From December to May is a popular time for visitors to go strawberry picking at local farms in Tochigi prefecture.
9. Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival – Known as “gyoza town,” Utsunomiya hosts an annual gyoza festival in November where visitors can enjoy unlimited servings of delicious dumplings from different vendors.
10.Cozy Winter Illuminations – Various parks, gardens, and historical landmarks in Tochigi are illuminated with colorful lights from November to February creating a magical winter atmosphere for visitors.
11. Sake Brewery Tours – Visitors can tour various sake breweries in Tochigi during the winter months when sake production is at its peak and participate in tasting events.
12. How does modernization and technology have an impact on traditional culture in Tochigi?
Modernization and technology have had a significant impact on traditional culture and way of life in Tochigi. With the introduction of new technologies, traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing, and pottery have become more mechanized and efficient. This has led to increased productivity and profitability for these industries, but also a decline in traditional techniques and practices.
In addition, the rapid growth of cities in Tochigi due to modernization has resulted in changes in lifestyle and social structures. Traditional forms of entertainment such as festivals and rituals are now competing with more modern forms of entertainment. As a result, there has been a decrease in interest and participation in traditional cultural activities.
Furthermore, the rise of mass media and the internet has exposed people in Tochigi to global trends and influences. This has led to the adoption of new customs, values, and behaviors that are different from traditional ones. For example, younger generations may be more interested in Western fashion and music rather than traditional clothing or music.
Moreover, technology has made it easier for people to travel both domestically and internationally, leading to increased exposure to different cultures. While this can be beneficial for promoting cultural exchange and diversity, it can also lead to the erosion or blending of traditional culture with outside influences.
In conclusion, while modernization and technology have brought numerous benefits to Tochigi’s economy and society, they have also had an impact on its traditional culture by changing lifestyles, values, social structures, and exposure to outside influences. It is important for efforts to be made towards preserving and promoting Tochigi’s unique traditions amidst these rapid changes.
13. Can you recommend any local markets or fairs where one can experience authentic Tochigi culture?
1. Nasu Rindo Kogen Farmers Market in Nasushiobara City: This farmers market offers a variety of fresh local produce, such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.
2. Nikko Toshogu Shrine Spring Grand Festival: Held annually in May at one of Japan’s most famous shrines, this festival showcases traditional performances and food stalls.
3. Tochigi Autumn Festival in Tochigi City: This festival celebrates the harvest season with food, music, dance performances, and street vendors selling local specialties.
4. Sano Ramen Fair in Sano City: This event features various styles of ramen from all over Japan, with special regional variations from Tochigi prefecture.
5. Utsunomiya Oyama Cherry Blossom Festival in Utsunomiya City: This popular festival celebrates the arrival of spring with light-up events, food booths, and live performances under beautiful cherry blossom trees.
6. Mashiko Pottery Market in Mashiko Town: This outdoor market sells traditional Mashiko pottery made by local artisans and hosts pottery-making demonstrations.
7. Kawaji Onsen Snow Festival in Kawaji Onsen Village: Held every February to March, this winter festival features impressive snow sculptures and offers local foods such as mochi (rice cakes) and hot sake.
8. Tochigi Strawberry Picking Farms: Many farms around Tochigi offer visitors the chance to pick their own strawberries during the winter months. It’s a perfect opportunity to taste the delicious fruit while experiencing farming culture firsthand.
9. Ashikaga Flower Park Winter Illumination in Ashikaga City: Each winter, this park lights up its famous wisteria trees with over 4 million LED lights for a magical winter spectacle.
10. Moka Market Street (Machi Ichiba) in Moka City: This street market is a great place to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers, as well as traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
11 . Oya Stone Market in Utsunomiya City: This market specializes in handmade crafts made from the unique Oya stone, a type of volcanic rock found only in Tochigi prefecture.
12. Ashikaga Orihime Matsuri (Star Festival) in Ashikaga City: Held in August, this festival celebrates the famous legend of two lovers represented by the stars Vega and Altair. The main attraction is a giant fireworks display that lights up the summer night sky.
13. Tochigi Sake Breweries Tour: Many breweries around Tochigi offer tours where visitors can learn about the process of making sake and sample various types of locally-produced sake. It’s a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture while indulging in delicious drinks.
14. In what ways does nature play a role in shaping the culture of Tochigi?
Nature plays a significant role in shaping the culture of Tochigi in several ways:
1. Agricultural Heritage: The abundant greenery and fertile soil in Tochigi have made it an ideal location for agriculture, which is deeply ingrained in the local culture. Rice farming has been a traditional occupation for centuries and still a vital part of the economy. The appreciation and respect for nature’s bounty have been passed down from generations, reflected in festivals like Saimen-sai (Rice Planting Festival) and Mizukake Matsuri (Water Throwing Festival).
2. Hot Springs Culture: One of the prominent features of Tochigi’s landscape is its numerous hot springs, known as onsen. This geothermally heated water is believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting tourists from all over Japan. Onsen bathing has become an integral part of Japanese culture, with many traditions and customs associated with it.
3. Natural Landscapes: The prefecture is home to several natural parks, lakes, rivers, and mountains that offer scenic views and serve as popular recreational spots for locals and visitors alike. The stunning seasonal landscapes, such as cherry blossom viewing in spring or koyo (autumn foliage) viewing in fall, are deeply appreciated by the people of Tochigi.
4. Traditional Crafts: Nature also serves as a source of materials for traditional crafts in Tochigi, such as papermaking (washi), indigo dyeing (aizome), wood carving (sashimono), and doll making (ningyo). Local artisans use natural elements like wood, paper fibers, dyes from plants, etc., to create unique products that reflect the connection between nature and culture.
5. Shintoism: Shintoism is a religion native to Japan that focuses on reverence for nature and spiritual forces within it. In Tochigi, many shrines dedicated to various deities associated with nature, including mountains, rivers, and agriculture, are essential aspects of the local culture. The rituals and festivals held at these shrines reflect the deep connection between the people and nature.
In conclusion, nature plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of Tochigi by influencing its economy, traditions, customs, religion, arts and crafts, and overall way of life. The respect for nature’s beauty and resources is deeply ingrained in the people’s values and has contributed significantly to the prefecture’s unique cultural identity.
15. How do people traditionally greet each other and show respect in Tochigi’s culture?
In Tochigi’s culture, people traditionally greet each other by bowing and exchanging verbal greetings such as “Konnichiwa” (hello) or “O-genki desu ka?” (how are you?). They also may show respect by using honorific language, such as adding the suffix “-san” after someone’s name. Other traditional ways of showing respect include offering small gifts or gestures of appreciation, speaking politely and attentively, and avoiding any form of physical contact unless necessary.
16. Are there any specific etiquette rules to follow when interacting with locals in Tochigi?
1. Greet with a bow: In Tochigi, it is customary to greet people with a bow, rather than a handshake. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the level of familiarity with the person.
2. Use polite language: When speaking to someone older or in a professional setting, it is important to use polite language, such as adding -san after their name or using formal sentence endings.
3. Take off your shoes: If entering someone’s home or a traditional restaurant, you should take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance.
4. Respect personal space: Tochigi locals value personal space and may feel uncomfortable if you stand too close or touch them in conversation.
5. Be punctual: Punctuality is highly valued in Tochigi and being late without a valid reason may be seen as disrespectful.
6. Avoid public displays of affection: Unlike some Western cultures, public displays of affection are not common in Tochigi and may make people uncomfortable.
7. Offer gifts when visiting someone’s home: It is considered polite to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home in Tochigi.
8. Use chopsticks properly: If eating with chopsticks, be sure to use them properly and avoid leaving them sticking upright in your food as this is seen as bad luck.
9. Don’t be too loud or disruptive: Japanese culture values harmony and being too loud or disruptive in public spaces may be seen as rude by locals.
10. Follow local customs at temples and shrines: When visiting temples or shrines, follow local customs such as washing your hands before entering and bowing respectfully at the altar.
11. Ask before taking photos: Before taking photos of people, especially strangers on the street, it is polite to ask for their permission first.
12. Always thank people: Saying “arigato” (thank you) is an important part of Japanese culture and is expected in most interactions.
13. Be patient: In Tochigi, it is common for things to move at a slower pace, so it is important to be patient and not rush people or processes.
14. Try to speak some Japanese: Even if you only know a few basic phrases, attempting to speak Japanese shows respect and can help bridge the communication gap.
15. Learn about local customs: Before visiting Tochigi, try to learn about some of their customs and traditions so you can show respect and avoid causing any unintentional offenses.
16. Follow the rules: Finally, always follow rules and regulations in Tochigi, such as not smoking in non-designated areas or littering in public spaces.
17. Can you recommend any traditional accommodations, such as ryokans, for a more immersive cultural experience?
Some traditional ryokans in Japan that offer a truly immersive cultural experience are:
1. Hoshinoya Tokyo – located in the heart of Tokyo, this luxury ryokan offers guests modern amenities coupled with traditional Japanese hospitality and design.
2. Gora Kadan – situated in the hot spring town of Hakone, this ryokan is housed in a former summer retreat for the Imperial Family. Guests can enjoy traditional kaiseki cuisine and a range of cultural activities.
3. Koyasan Onsen Fukuchi-in – nestled in the serene mountains of Koyasan, this ryokan is connected to a 12th-century temple and offers guests an authentic temple-stay experience.
4. Yamamuro Onsen Haneda Ryokan – located in the scenic mountain town of Yudanaka, this ryokan has been operated by the same family for over 100 years and offers guests rustic yet comfortable accommodations.
5. Yoshiike Ryokan – situated in the historic city of Nikko, this ryokan was founded over 400 years ago and has preserved its traditional architecture and ambiance, providing guests with a time-traveling experience.
18 . Has there been any recent efforts made by the local government to promote and preserve their cultural heritage?
There have been several recent efforts by the local government to promote and preserve their cultural heritage. These include:
1. Heritage conservation projects: The local government has initiated various projects to protect and restore historical buildings, monuments, and sites that hold cultural significance. This includes regular maintenance, restoration work, and organizing events to promote these sites.
2. Promoting traditional crafts: The government has collaborated with local artisans to promote and preserve traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and embroidery. This is done through workshops, exhibitions, and providing financial support to these artisans.
3. Cultural festivals: The government has been actively supporting and organizing cultural festivals to showcase the region’s unique traditions, music, dance, and food. These festivals attract tourists and help in promoting the local culture.
4. Heritage walks/tours: The local government has organized walking tours or heritage trails for tourists and locals to explore the cultural landmarks of the city. This helps in creating awareness about the city’s history and its importance in preserving it.
5. Cultural education programs: The government has implemented educational programs in schools and colleges to teach students about their cultural heritage and its importance in their identity.
6. Preservation laws: The local government has also established laws to protect the city’s cultural heritage from modern developments that may destroy or alter them irreversibly.
7. Special funding for preservation projects: The government has allocated funds specifically for cultural preservation projects such as maintaining historical buildings or organizing events related to the city’s culture.
Overall, there is a concerted effort by the local government to promote and preserve their cultural heritage as it plays a crucial role in defining the community’s identity and attracting tourism.
19 . Are there any language barriers that visitors should be aware of when exploring the culture of Tochigi?
Japanese is the main language spoken in Tochigi and many locals may not be proficient in English. It is recommended for visitors to learn some basic Japanese phrases or bring a translation app to help with communication. Some tourist sites may have English information and signage, but it is always helpful to have a guide or translator when exploring the culture of Tochigi.
20 . Overall, how welcoming is the local community towards tourists interested in learning about their culture?
20. The local community is very welcoming towards tourists interested in learning about their culture. They are proud of their traditions and are happy to share them with visitors. They are also willing to answer questions and provide insight into their way of life.