Tochigi Kurazukuri — Edo Warehouse District

**Walking route:** Start at Tochigi Station, walk north across the Uzuma River, and follow the main street (Kuranomachi-dori) through the historic district. Key stops: Tochigi City Hall (Western-style architecture from 1921, free entry to lobby). Yokoyama Kyodokan (merchant house museum, ¥200, displays Edo-period merchant tools and family artifacts). Okada Kinen Museum (wealthy merchant's residence, beautiful interior garden, ¥500). **Sake breweries:** Tochigi City has 3 active sake breweries offering tastings. Sugita Sake Brewery (established 1863, tasting ¥300) is the most accessible, located mid-district. Tochigi's sake uses local spring water and Yamada Nishiki rice — clean, slightly dry flavor profile. Buy bottles at brewery shops (¥1,500–3,000). **River boat ride:** Uzuma River boat rides depart from the Kura-no-Machi Yuran-sen dock (near the station). The 20-minute ride passes under willow trees and alongside kurazukuri warehouses, piloted by boatmen in happi coats who narrate local history (Japanese only). Best in spring (cherry blossoms along the bank) or autumn (foliage). **Café culture:** Several kura have been converted into cafés. Café Aoi (blue kura exterior, rare) serves matcha lattes and homemade sweets in a 120-year-old building. Kura Café Osho uses a former rice warehouse for gallery-café space — excellent coffee, quiet atmosphere. **Festivals:** The Tochigi Autumn Festival (early November) features large festival floats (dashi) paraded through the kurazukuri streets, accompanied by traditional music. Free event, draws 100,000+ visitors over 2 days. **Combine with:** Visit Ashikaga (30 min by train) for wisteria or Mashiko (40 min by bus) for pottery. Tochigi City works well as a half-day side trip.