JapanTravel Tips

Transportation and Navigation around Tochigi Prefectural Museum

1. Can you tell me about the nearest train station to Tochigi Prefectural Museum?

The nearest train station to Tochigi Prefectural Museum is Utsunomiya Station, which is serviced by the JR Tohoku Shinkansen Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, and Tobu Tojo Line. The journey from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station via the Shinkansen takes approximately one hour. From Utsunomiya Station, it takes about 10 minutes by bus or taxi to reach the museum.

2. Is there parking available at the museum?
Yes, there is a paid parking lot available at the museum for cars and motorcycles. It costs 200 yen for the first hour and an additional 100 yen for every following 30 minutes.

3. What are the opening hours of Tochigi Prefectural Museum?
The museum is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). However, it may have different opening hours during national holidays or special exhibitions so it is best to check their website beforehand.

4. How much does it cost to enter the museum?
The standard admission fee for adults is 400 yen, while students and seniors (over 65 years old) can enter for a reduced price of 200 yen. There are also discounts available for groups of 20 people or more.

5. Are there any guided tours available at the museum?
Yes, guided tours in Japanese are available upon request with advance reservation for groups of up to 30 people. The tour lasts about an hour and costs an additional fee of 300 yen per person.

6. Can I take photos inside the museum?
Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, however flash photography and selfie sticks are not permitted. Additionally, some special exhibitions may have restrictions on photography so it is best to check with staff before taking photos.

7. Is there a gift shop at the museum?
Yes, there is a gift shop located near the museum entrance where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and replica artifacts related to Tochigi prefecture’s history and culture.

8. Are there any restaurants or cafes at the museum?
There is a small cafe on the first floor of the museum that serves light snacks and beverages. There are also several food options nearby including restaurants and convenience stores.

9. Are there any English explanations or audio guides available at the museum?
Yes, English descriptions are available for most exhibits and there are also audio guides in multiple languages (including English) that can be rented for 300 yen.

10. Can I bring my pet to the museum?
No, pets (with the exception of guide dogs) are not allowed inside the museum.

2. How do I get from the train station to the museum?


There are a few different options for getting from the train station to the museum:

1. Walk: Depending on the specific location of the train station, it may be possible to walk to the museum. This could take anywhere from 10-30 minutes, so it’s important to check your route beforehand and make sure you are comfortable with the distance.

2. Public Transportation: Many cities have a public transportation system that includes buses or subways that can take you to different parts of the city. You can check online for routes and schedules or ask at the train station for information on how to get to the museum via bus or subway.

3. Taxi/ride-sharing service: You can also opt to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to get from the train station to the museum. This option may be more expensive, but it can be convenient and save time.

4. Shuttle service: Some museums offer shuttle services from nearby train stations or other popular locations in the city. Check with the museum beforehand if they offer this service and how you can reserve a spot.

5. Bike rental: If you enjoy biking, some cities have bike rental programs where you can rent a bike from one location and drop it off at another location. This can be a fun and efficient way to travel around a city.

Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to plan ahead and have directions ready before making your way to the museum.

3. Are there any bus routes that stop at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum?


Yes, there are several bus routes that stop at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum.

1. From JR Utsunomiya Station: Take the Tobu Bus bound for “Kawachi Kouen” and get off at the “Kencho-mae” stop. The museum is a 5-minute walk from there.

2. From JR Utsunomiya Station (West Exit): Take the Toho Bus bound for “Nasushiobara Eigyojo” and get off at the “Kencho-mae” stop. The museum is a 5-minute walk from there.

3. From Tobu-Nikko Station: Take the Tobu Kinugawa Line bound for Shimo-imaichi or Tobu Nikko and get off at the “Honjuku” stop. Transfer to the Tobu Bus bound for “Kawachi Kouen” and get off at the “Kencho-mae” stop. The museum is a 5-minute walk from there.

4. From Kanuma Station: Take the Toho Bus bound for “Nasushiobara Eigyojo” and get off at the “Kencho-mae” stop. The museum is a 5-minute walk from there.

For more detailed information, it is best to check with your local transportation authority or use a route planning app such as Google Maps or Hyperdia.

4. Is there parking available at the museum for those driving their own car?

Yes, there is paid parking available at the museum for those driving their own car. The cost of parking may vary depending on the day and time of visit. Visitors can check the museum’s website or contact them directly for more information on pricing and availability.

5. Are there any bicycle rental options near the museum for visitors wanting to explore on two wheels?


There are several bicycle rental options near the museum for visitors wanting to explore on two wheels. Some popular options include Capital Bikeshare and Bike and Roll DC, both of which have stations within walking distance of the museum. There are also several rental shops nearby, such as Rent a Bike Soho and Segway of Virginia. Visitors can also rent a bike through services like Spinlister or LimeBike for more affordable options.

6. What is the best way to travel to the museum from Tokyo or other major cities in Japan?


The best way to travel to the museum from Tokyo or other major cities in Japan is by taking a train. The nearest station to the museum is Kanazawa Station, which is accessible by bullet train (shinkansen) from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other major cities in Japan. From Kanazawa Station, you can take a bus or taxi to the museum. Alternatively, you can also rent a car and drive to the museum.

7. Is it possible to take a taxi directly to the Tochigi Prefectural Museum?

It is possible to take a taxi directly to the Tochigi Prefectural Museum, but it may be more convenient and cost-effective to take public transportation. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from JR Utsunomiya Station or a 5-minute walk from Utsunomiya-shi Station on the Tobu Utsunomiya Line. Taxis in Japan can be quite expensive, so it may be better to save money by using public transportation.

8. Are there any discount transportation packages available for group visits to the museum?


Yes, there are several discount transportation packages available for group visits to the museum. These packages may include discounted rates on bus or van rentals, discounted admission to the museum, and guided tours of the museum. Some packages may also include discounts on nearby hotels or restaurants. It is best to contact the museum directly to inquire about any current group transportation packages that may be available.

9. Can I bring my own transportation device, such as a Segway or electric scooter, inside the museum premises?


No, outside modes of transportation, such as Segways or electric scooters, are not allowed inside the museum premises for safety reasons. There are designated parking areas for visitors to park their personal modes of transportation before entering the museum.

10. Is there wheelchair accessibility throughout the museum and its surrounding areas?


Most museums have wheelchair accessibility throughout the building and in the surrounding areas, such as parking areas and outdoor exhibits. However, it is best to check with the specific museum you plan on visiting to ensure that all areas are accessible for wheelchair users. Many museums also offer wheelchairs for rent or loan within the building.

11. Are there any park-and-ride options available for visitors coming from outside of Tochigi city?

Yes, there are park-and-ride options available for visitors coming from outside of Tochigi city. The closest one to Tochigi city is the Utsunomiya Station Park and Ride, located about 20 minutes away by car. There may also be other options available depending on your specific location and the events/destinations you plan to visit in Tochigi city. It is recommended to check with the local tourist information center for more details and recommendations.

12. What kind of transportation would you recommend for a day trip from Tokyo to visit both Nikko and Tochigi Prefectural Museum?


The most convenient way to visit both Nikko and Tochigi Prefectural Museum in one day would be to take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station, which takes approximately 50 minutes. From there, you can take a local train or bus to Nikko and then continue on to Tochigi Prefectural Museum. Alternatively, you can also take a tour bus or rent a car for more flexibility in your itinerary.

13. Are there any guided tour buses that include stops at Tochigi Prefectural Museum on their itinerary?

There are no guided tour buses specifically dedicated to Tochigi Prefectural Museum, but there are some tour buses that make stops at various locations throughout Tochigi Prefecture, including the museum. It is best to check with local travel agencies or bus companies for more information on these tours.

14. Can I buy tickets or passes for public transportation at the museum’s gift shop or information desk?


It depends on the specific museum, but in most cases, no. Museums typically do not sell tickets or passes for public transportation. However, some museums may provide information about local transportation options and where to purchase tickets. It is best to check with the museum’s staff or visit their website for more information.

15. Is it easy to navigate around Tochigi city using public transportation, even if I don’t speak Japanese?


Yes, it is relatively easy to navigate around Tochigi city using public transportation even if you do not speak Japanese. The city has a well-developed transportation system, including buses and trains, with clear signage in English and helpful staff at stations. Additionally, there are mobile apps and websites that provide English translations and route planning for public transportation in Tochigi.

16. What is the average travel time by train between Utsunomiya and Tochigi Prefectural Museum?

The average travel time by train between Utsunomiya and Tochigi Prefectural Museum is approximately 20 minutes.

17. Does the museum have its own shuttle service for visitors staying in nearby hotels?

It depends on the specific museum and its location. Some museums may have shuttle services for nearby hotels, while others may rely on public transportation or suggest other means of getting to the museum. It is best to check with the museum or your hotel for more information about transportation options.

18. Can I purchase a one-day pass for all public transportation within Tochigi city?

Yes, you can purchase a one-day pass called the Tochigi City Transportation Pass for unlimited rides on all public transportation within Tochigi city. The pass costs 500 yen and can be purchased at ticket vending machines in train stations or from bus drivers.

19. Are there any scenic walking paths or cycle routes that lead to the museum?

Yes, there are several scenic walking paths and cycle routes that lead to the museum. Here are some suggestions:

1. Burke-Gilman Trail: This paved bike and pedestrian path runs along the shoreline of Lake Washington and passes by many parks and scenic spots before reaching the museum.

2. Discovery Park Loop Trail: This 2.8-mile loop trail starts at Discovery Park and winds through forests, meadows, and beaches before ending at the museum.

3. Green Lake Loop: This popular 2.8-mile loop around Green Lake offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding neighborhoods before connecting to the Burke-Gilman Trail and leading straight to the museum.

4. Myrtle Edwards Park: This waterfront park features a scenic walking path that runs along Elliott Bay with stunning views of the Seattle skyline and ends near the museum.

5. Cascade Bicycle Club Commute Map: The Cascade Bicycle Club has created a map of recommended bike routes in Seattle, including several options that lead to the museum from different parts of the city.

Be sure to check local regulations for biking or walking on these paths as some may have specific rules or designated hours for certain activities.

20. If I am driving, how do I reach the parking lot of Tochigi Prefectural Museum from the nearest highway exit?


Assuming you are starting from the nearest highway exit, follow these steps:

1. Take the exit towards Route 50 (Tochigi direction).

2. After exiting, turn left onto Route 50.

3. Continue on Route 50 for about 6 kilometers.

4. Take a slight right onto Route 460 (Touhoku/Kagimachi direction).

5. Stay on Route 460 for about 7 kilometers.

6. Turn left onto National Route 352 (Uzumasa/Yoshibashi direction).

7. Continue on National Route 352 for about 2 kilometers.

8. Turn right onto Kaminamimauibara Road.

9. Continue on Kaminamimauibara Road for about 2 kilometers.

10. Turn left onto Shirayama Shinden Street and continue for about 1 kilometer.

11. Turn right onto Kamikawabatamachi-michi Street and continue for about half a kilometer.

12. The parking lot of Tochigi Prefectural Museum will be on your left-hand side.