Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県 Tochigi-ken^?) is a prefecture located in the Kantō region on the island of Honshu, Japan.^[1]

The capital is the city of Utsunomiya.^[2]
 
Nikkō, whose ancient Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples UNESCO has recognized by naming them a World Heritage Site, is in this prefecture.^[3]

Other famous parts of Tochigi include a region called Nasu known for onsen and local sake and ski resorts.
The Imperial family has a villa in Nasu. 
Another onsen resort is at Kinugawa Onsen.

Located in the center of the prefecture is the largest open plain in the Kantō region.

Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Tochigi was known as Shimotsuke Province.^[4]

In the early 15th century, Ashikaga Gakko, Japan's oldest school of higher education, was re-established, holding over 3000 students by the 16th century.


Located close to Tōkyō, Tochigi is home to many corporations and industrial zones, including the Kiyohara Industrial Complex, one of the largest inland industrial complexes in the country.

Tochigi is home to many universities and colleges including those for science and technology, literature, medicine, education, and art.