Explore the Historic Utsunomiya Castle Ruins

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start by getting onto the Tohoku Expressway from your location in Kanto. Depending on your starting point, you may need to use local roads to reach the expressway. Continue on the Tohoku Expressway until you reach the Utsunomiya Interchange. Take the exit and follow the signs towards Utsunomiya city center. The journey should take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from central Tokyo, depending on traffic. Once you arrive in the city, use a navigation app or follow local signs to reach the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins located at 2-24 Honmarumachi. There is free parking available nearby.

• Train

  For those using public transportation, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station. The trip takes about 50 minutes on the Tohoku Shinkansen. Upon arrival at Utsunomiya Station, exit the station and head to the bus terminal. Take bus number 1 or 2 towards the city center. Alight at the stop named 'Honmaru' which is the closest stop to Utsunomiya Castle Ruins. The entire journey from Tokyo to the castle ruins will take approximately 1.5 hours, including the bus ride. Note that the Shinkansen ticket can cost around 5,000 yen one way.

• Local Bus

  If you are already in Utsunomiya and wish to reach the castle ruins from the city center, you can take a local bus. From Utsunomiya Station, board the bus headed towards 'Shimozato' or any bus that stops at 'Honmaru'. The fare is usually around 200-300 yen. The journey should take about 10-15 minutes, and you will need to get off at the 'Honmaru' bus stop. From there, the Utsunomiya Castle Ruins are a short walk away.