Historic Sites of Tochigi

Tochigi Prefecture's historical landscape spans from the Jomon period to the industrial era. This collection highlights the administrative heart of ancient Shimotsuke Province, featuring Nara-period temple ruins and provincial capital sites. It also explores the region's feudal defense systems through mountain castle ruins like Karasawayama and Karasuyama, alongside industrial heritage sites like the Ashio Copper Mine smelter and the Edo-period administrative hub of Sakuramachi Jinya.

Historic Sites of Tochigi — 地図

A

Karasawayama Castle

Mountain castle established in the 10th century by Fujiwara no Hidesato. Features high stone walls and the Karasawayama Shrine.

Saigen Jiro / CC0

B

下野国分寺跡

Ruins of an 8th-century provincial temple established by Emperor Shomu. The site includes foundation stones for the lecture hall and a seven-story pagoda.

C

黒羽城

A Sengoku-period mountain castle that served as the seat of the Ozeki clan for nearly 400 years.

D

烏山城

Built in 1418 by Nasu Mitsutaka, this hill castle features extensive dry moats and stone fortifications.

E

Kawasaki Castle

A 12th-century mountain fortress established by the Shioya clan, featuring well-preserved embankments and moats.

F

西方城跡

Sengoku-period hilltop ruins characterized by intricate dry moats and terraced earthworks.

G

足尾銅山精錬所跡

Remnants of the Honzan Smelter, including brick chimneys and foundations from the late 19th-century industrial peak.

H

下野国庁跡　　国指定史跡

The administrative center of the ancient Shimotsuke Province during the 8th and 9th centuries, featuring reconstructed gates and building layouts.

I

下野国分尼寺　国指定史跡

The 8th-century ruins of a provincial nunnery, located near the main Kokubunji temple complex.

J

寺野東遺跡　国指定遺跡

A Jomon period archaeological site featuring a large-scale circular settlement and ancient water-processing facilities.

K

桜町陣屋跡　国指定史跡

The former administrative office where philosopher Ninomiya Sontoku led agricultural restoration projects during the late Edo period.

L

茂木城跡

A mountain castle founded in 1192 by the Motegi clan, also known as Kikyo Castle for its bellflower-shaped layout.

Tripomaticで旅行を計画