Station Yūsui no Sato Shioya

Discover the Heart of Tochigi’s Natural Heritage

Yūsui no Sato Shioya is a vibrant roadside station nestled in the serene hills of Shioya Town, nestled between the majestic Nikko Mountains to the west and the flowing Kinugawa River to the south. Strategically located along National Route 461, it serves as a welcoming oasis for travelers journeying to popular destinations like Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. The station is renowned for its pristine Shōjinze Spring, a nationally recognized "Top 100 Famous Springs" with a steady flow of 65,000 tons daily and a year-round temperature of 11 degrees Celsius, nurturing the surrounding ecosystem.

Beyond its natural marvels, Yūsui no Sato Shioya offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy local farm produce at the fresh market, savor regional cuisine at the rural restaurant, or explore the area’s heritage through events like the annual Furusato Nagoryū Festival and the traditional Wind-Seeing Kagura dance. With hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and the popular Shioya Spring Marathon, this roadside station is more than a stop—it’s a gateway to the authentic spirit of Tochigi.

Yūsui no Sato Shioya stands out for its access to the nationally recognized Shōjinze Spring, a pristine water source from the mid-slope of Kōgenzan Mountain that flows at a constant 11 degrees year-round. This unique spring is the foundation of the station’s signature product: artisanal mineral water ice cream, made exclusively from the pure spring water and local dairy. Visitors can also experience the rare cultural tradition of Fūmi Kagura, a designated Intangible Cultural Property performed annually at the Ōsugi Shrine, offering a glimpse into centuries-old local heritage.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit the farm produce market by 8:30 AM to secure the day’s fresh vegetables, especially the seasonal radishes and mountain vegetables, which are often sold out by midday.

• Hidden Gems: Head to the free rest area near the entrance and take a short 5-minute walk to the Shōjinze Spring, where you can drink the nationally recognized water directly from the source—best enjoyed in the morning when it’s coolest.

• Weekend Special: On the first Sunday of April, attend the Omiya Kagura performance at the Oyama Shrine, a designated Intangible Cultural Property, which is held as part of the local festival and features traditional masked dancing.

• Best Dining Time: Order the local mountain vegetable and tofu stew at the farm restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to ensure it’s served hot and fresh—this dish is only prepared on weekdays and sold out by 1:00 PM.

• Unique Experience: Visit the information center between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM to receive a free map of the local hiking trails, including the trail to the Omiyakōzō rock formation, which is only available during daylight hours.

• Local Event Tip: Join the "Shōjinze Marathon" in December, which starts at 8:00 AM—arrive by 7:00 AM to pick up your participant number and enjoy a free warm drink at the starting area.

• Best Photo Spot: Walk to the East Kogoya Lake fishing area at sunrise (around 5:30 AM in summer) to capture the lake reflecting the early morning light with the distant hills in the background—this view is most striking just before the weekend fishing crowds arrive.

Spring (April): Windy Festival held on the first Sunday of April features traditional Kagura performance.

Summer (August): Annual Furusato Nagaryu Festival on August 15 includes fireworks and a singing contest.

Autumn (November): Fishing season at Higashikoyako Lake ends, with weekly gatherings through November.

Winter (December): The Spring Water Village Marathon takes place, attracting runners nationwide.