population: 0.52 million

extension: 416.85 square kilometers

Museums

A great museum to visit in Utsunomiya is the Tochigi Prefectural Museum of Fine Arts. If you're interested in visiting other museums in the area, you could also check out the Utsunomiya Museum of Art and the Oya History Museum which showcases the history of the Oya stone quarries around Utsunomiya.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular local dishes to try in Utsunomiya are:

1. Gyoza: Utsunomiya is known as the "Gyoza Capital" of Japan, so trying gyoza (Japanese dumplings) from one of the many specialty shops is a must-do.

2. Miso-nikomi udon: A hearty dish made with thick udon noodles simmered in a miso-based broth with vegetables and meat.

3. Yuba: A traditional food made from the skin that forms on top of soy milk when it's heated. It's often served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in other dishes.

4. Oyaki: A steamed bun filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, and meat.

5. Basashi: Thinly sliced raw horse meat, usually served with soy sauce and ginger.

6. Soba: Buckwheat noodles served cold or hot with various toppings like tempura or grated daikon radish.

7. Nikkō yuba gohan: A rice bowl dish topped with yuba, tofu skin, and simmered vegetables, often served in the nearby city of Nikkō.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can try in Utsunomiya!

Activities

One activity that is popular among locals in Utsunomiya is visiting the Futaarayama Shrine. It's a beautiful shrine located on top of a hill with a great view of the city. You could also check out the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park, which is a historic park with many walking trails and a beautiful Japanese garden. Additionally, if you're a fan of gyoza (Japanese dumplings), Utsunomiya is known for having some of the best gyoza restaurants in Japan, so trying some local gyoza would be a fun and delicious experience!