Tochigi Prefecture: A Nature-lover’s Paradise near Tokyo
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Yo! My name is Ryan Suzuki. I was born and raised in California. I’ve moved around a few times, but the last city I lived in before JET was Garden Grove.I’m in my 2nd year on JET and I teach at Tochigi High School in Tochigi City. It’s an all-boys super science high school. It’s supposedly the 2nd best school in the prefecture, but I have yet to find any signs of intelligence…JK, these kids are alright.
Why did you apply for the JET program?
I will spare all of you the boredom of the generic answers people usually say. Ultimately, I wanted/needed a drastic change in my life. Since I was already studying Japanese and had friends living in Japan, JET seemed like one of the best ways for me to change environments. Also, it was a good opportunity to try out teaching as a potential career.
How did you end up in your prefecture? Was it a preference of yours?
Tochigi was not a preference of mine, but it was pretty close to the area I wanted to be in. Using just the local lines, I’m only 1.5 hours from Tokyo, so I can’t really complain. As for how I ended up here…your guess is as good as mine.
What has been your favorite memory in your prefecture so far?
That’s hard to say. I’ve made some great memories with all sorts of people. However, my weekend Bonenkai trip in Kinugawa Onsen was quite an experience. I might have seen more naked coworkers than I wanted to, but sitting in an outdoor onsen during a snowfall was really beautiful. Following that, it was pretty sweet watching my coworkers go crazy at the hotel dinner party.
Is there a “best†time to visit your prefecture?
Definitely fall. Nikko and the surrounding area have beautiful scenery during the color changing season. Also, in November there is an awesome wine festival hosted at the Coco Winery in Ashikaga city. Each attendee gets a bottle of wine after paying an entrance fee, and that is pretty much a guarantee to have a good time.
What are your “Must Dos†for visiting JETs?
Besides great nature, Nikko has the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toshogu Shrine. It’s the resting place of the Tokugawa shogunate founder, Tokugawa Ieyasu. For the mountain hikers, Mt. Nantai is also in Nikko and provides a great day hike. If you’re an onsen-maniac, then I recommend Kinugawa Onsen. Finally,if you have time, you should stop by Dale Brown’s place. He’s a 2nd year JET as well, and apparently…well you’ll just have to go there and see for yourself.
What do you feel is unique to your prefecture, something JETs can’t find anywhere else?
I apologize for being repetitive, but Nikko is the selling point of my prefecture. However, if you like shoyu-style ramen, Sanno City is famous for that stuff. It’s pretty damn good. Utsunomiya is the capital of Tochigi and is known for its gyoza. From what I’m told, there’s a monkey bar – a drinking establishment with real monkeys inside – in Utsunomiya as well. I don’t think the monkeys actually serve you drinks though…or do they?
Anything else you want to add?
If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email or find me on Facebook. Ryanjsuzuki@gmail.com
Ryan Suzuki
