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Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue: A Dumpling Goddess

A whimsical tribute to Utsunomiya's famous gyoza, the 'Gyoza Venus' statue is a must-see for foodies and quirky art enthusiasts visiting Japan's dumpling capital.

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The Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue, affectionately known as the 'Gyoza Venus,' is a quirky and unique monument celebrating Utsunomiya's status as Japan's gyoza capital. This abstract stone statue depicts a goddess wrapped in gyoza dumpling dough, embodying the city's culinary pride. Located near Utsunomiya Station, it's a must-see for food lovers and those seeking a fun photo opportunity.

A brief summary to Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue

  • 1-23 Kawamukocho, Utsunomiya, 3 Chome Kawamukocho, Tochigi, 321-0965, JP
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Snap a photo with the statue to commemorate your visit to Utsunomiya, Japan's gyoza capital.
  • Explore nearby Gyoza Street for a taste of Utsunomiya's diverse gyoza offerings.
  • Visit during the annual Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival in early November for an immersive gyoza experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue is located on the pedestrian deck of Utsunomiya Station, making it easily accessible on foot. From the station's main exits, follow signs for the west exit. The statue is located on the second floor above a bus shelter. It's hard to miss, but look for the crescent shape of the dumpling goddess.

  • Public Transport

    Utsunomiya Station is a major transportation hub, accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train) and local JR lines. Upon arrival at Utsunomiya Station, follow the signs to the west exit and the statue on the pedestrian deck. The Utsunomiya Light Rail (LRT) also connects to the station. The adult fare is between 150 to 400 yen, and 80 to 200 yen for a child, depending on the distance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Utsunomiya Station. Ask the driver to take you to the west exit of Utsunomiya Station ('Utsunomiya eki nishi-guchi'). The statue is located on the pedestrian deck. A short taxi ride from anywhere near the station should cost approximately 780 JPY as a base fee, plus 485 JPY per kilometer. A ride from JR Utsunomiya Station to the main stores in town should cost 500 to 1,000 yen.

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Discover more about Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue

The Utsunomiya Gyoza Statue, or 'Gyoza Venus,' is a playful tribute to the city's deep-rooted gyoza culture. Utsunomiya is widely recognized as the gyoza capital of Japan, boasting hundreds of restaurants serving various styles of these delicious dumplings. The statue, created by sculptor Kōji Nishimatsu in 1994 as part of a TV program, features a goddess-like figure emerging from a gyoza, symbolizing the city's culinary identity. Crafted from locally sourced Oya stone, the statue stands approximately 1.5 meters tall and weighs over 1.7 tons. The distinct crescent shape and rippled edges of the gyoza are clearly visible, with the goddess's face, arms, and upper body emerging from the center. While some find its artistic merit debatable, it's undeniably a fun and memorable symbol of Utsunomiya's gyoza obsession. The statue has been relocated a couple of times. Originally located outside the station's east exit, it was moved to the west exit in 2008. During this move, it was damaged when a crane wire snapped, but it was quickly repaired. In 2014, it was moved again to its current location on the pedestrian deck of Utsunomiya Station to make it easier to find. The history of gyoza in Utsunomiya dates back to World War II, when Japanese soldiers returning from Manchuria brought gyoza recipes with them. The dish quickly gained popularity and Utsunomiya became known for its gyoza. Today, the city has a gyoza association, an annual gyoza festival, and numerous gyoza-themed attractions, including Gyoza Street and even gyoza-shaped manhole covers.

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