Netty's Moonlit Stories

My Spring Escape to Tochigi

Spring of last year, I decided to step off the beaten path and explore a lesser-known corner of Japan, not far from Tokyo. My destination? Tochigi Prefecture. With only a few days to spare, I kept it simple and focused on two areas that promised unique experiences: Ashikaga and Oyama.

Tochigi, situated just north of Tokyo, might not be as famous as some other regions, but it’s got so much to offer. The perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty is waiting for those who take the time to visit its charming towns. I spent my time in Ashikaga, taking in the beauty of its famous flower parks, and then headed to Oyama, where I had the chance to go strawberry picking, one of the sweetest experiences of the trip. It was a journey that surprised me in the best way possible, leaving me with unforgettable memories and a real fondness for this hidden gem of Japan.

On the first day of my trip, I decided to leave early so I could beat the crowds and get to the flower park before it got too busy. It’s a few hours’ drive to Ashikaga, so I knew I’d have plenty of time to enjoy the journey. Along the way, I stopped at a couple of highway service areas, one of my favorite things about road trips. There’s always something exciting about discovering little restaurants and shops to explore. I remember enjoying a hearty bowl of udon paired with crispy tempura, perfect fuel for the rest of the drive.

As I continued on my way, I couldn’t help but feel that rush of excitement. I visited Ashikaga Flower Park a few years ago, and I still vividly remember the stunning colors and the sweet scent of wisteria that filled the air. It was such a beautiful place, and I couldn’t wait to experience it all over again.

When we finally arrived, I was surprised to see how many cars were already parked. People had started lining up, so we joined the crowd and made our way toward the entrance. The closer we got, the bigger the crowd grew. By the time I was almost at the gate, it felt like I was in the middle of a small sea of people. I took a deep breath and reminded myself, “I got this!”

Inside Ashikaga Flower Park

Upon entering the park, we were immediately greeted by the sweet, enchanting scent of wisteria flowers. As we walked deeper into the park, every corner seemed more beautiful than the last. The flowers were in full bloom, their vibrant colors filling the air. I saw wisteria in every hue, from deep purple to soft pink and even a delicate blue. Each one was so unique, but it was the towering wisteria trees that truly took my breath away. Their branches stretched wide, creating stunning canopies of color, like a curtain of blossoms swaying gently in the breeze.

One tree in particular, a giant purple wisteria, absolutely captured my heart. The soft purple blossoms hung in such clusters that it felt almost magical, like walking into a dream. I stood there for a moment, just taking it all in, unable to resist snapping a picture. It was too beautiful to ignore.

The park itself is expansive, with many gardens and charming little buildings scattered throughout. There are cozy cafes and food stands where you can take a break and enjoy the scenery. In the middle of the park, there’s a lovely seating area beneath a soft curtain of light pink wisteria. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a snack, and watch the world go by. Kids were running around, laughing, and playing while groups of people chatted and admired the flowers. I even spotted a group of elderly Japanese women, happily identifying each flower they saw and sharing their joy with one another. It was a beautiful, peaceful scene.

As I continued to stroll, I couldn’t help but notice a banner advertising “Wisteria Soft-Served” ice cream. My heart skipped a beat. I had to try it! I joined the long line with a sense of excitement growing inside me. When it was finally my turn, I was handed a swirl of beautiful purple ice cream, with the same sweet scent of wisteria that had filled the air all around me. The first bite was everything I hoped for—refreshing and sweet, with a slightly grainy texture that only added to the charm. It was the perfect treat to enjoy while taking in the sights of the park.

After that delightful ice cream, we were starting to feel a little tired from all the walking, but we weren’t quite ready to leave. So we took one last stroll through an area of the park we hadn’t explored yet. That’s when I was completely stunned by a wall of white wisteria. It was absolutely breathtaking. The soft, cascading flowers seemed almost otherworldly in the light. On our way back, we came across even more beautiful flowers, many of which I didn’t even recognize by name, but each one was just as magnificent as the last.

Ashikaga Flower Park is truly a hidden gem, and I’m so glad I got the chance to visit. If you ever find yourself in Tochigi, I highly recommend taking the time to wander through this magical place. The flowers, the atmosphere, and the peaceful moments all make it an unforgettable experience.

On our second day of the trip, we decided to fulfill our craving for good strawberries. I’ve heard that Tochigi is best known for its large, sweet strawberries. So there we were, waking up early and driving to where the juicy, plump strawberries were waiting for us.

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A Sweet Stop at Ichigo no Sato

When we arrived at Ichigo no Sato, I was filled with excitement, knowing I’d get to pick my own strawberries. But before we could dive into the strawberry patch, we were asked to wait for our turn. Luckily, we had made a reservation ahead of time, so we had a scheduled time slot to stick to. While we waited, I couldn’t resist roaming around and checking out the strawberries they had displayed. I noticed these delicate, light pink strawberries, so pale they almost looked white. They were called Milky Berry (ミルキーベリー), and I was tempted to pick one up right then and there. But I decided to hold off, thinking I’d wait until after the picking experience. I didn’t want to carry them inside the farm just yet.

When it was finally our turn, we were given clear instructions on where to go and how long we could stay in our assigned area. We were also given baskets to collect our strawberries, along with strict guidelines on how to pick them without damaging the plants. These weren’t the ordinary strawberries you see in supermarkets. They were big, plump, perfectly shiny, and the most vibrant red you could imagine. And the taste? Absolutely incredible. Each one was so juicy and sweet that I couldn’t stop picking and eating. We ended up completely full, unable to stop devouring those delicious, plump strawberries.

After we finished picking, I made my way back to the counter to grab those Milky Berries I had been eyeing earlier. But when I got there, to my surprise, they were already sold out! Apparently, they fly off the shelves quickly. I couldn’t help but feel a little sad, but it just means one thing: I’ll be back to Ichigo no Sato, and next time, I’m getting those Milky Berries first!

As we left Ichigo no Sato, I couldn’t help but feel content and satisfied, not just from the delicious strawberries but from the simple joy of the day. There’s something magical about picking your own food, and being surrounded by all that sweetness made the experience feel even more special. And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, I treated myself to a strawberry soft-served ice cream. It was pure heaven, the creamy sweetness of fresh strawberries in every bite. It was the perfect way to end the experience, and honestly, it felt like a little moment of bliss.

The whole visit was like a little slice of happiness, and I know it’s one I’ll treasure for a long time. Next time, when I return for those Milky Berries, I’ll be ready to savor every moment (and every bite!). If you’re ever in Tochigi, I highly recommend stopping by Ichigo no Sato. It’s the kind of place that’ll leave you with a smile on your face, a satisfied stomach, and a heart full of joy. I know I’ll be back!