Looking for a place where to stay in Utsunomiya? You’ve come to the right place. On our third trip to Japan — and our second round-the-world trip — we decided to stop in Utsunomiya. It wasn’t in the original plan, but we realized it was the perfect point to take a break between Sendai and Nikko. And there was one irresistible reason: gyoza. Yes, those little stuffed wonders, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They say Utsunomiya is the Japanese capital of gyoza, and that was enough to make us want to stay there for one night.
We booked the train on Klook from Sendai to Utsunomiya – a strategic stop – and took the opportunity to explore this city that many overlook in their itineraries — but which is worth it, even if just for one night. From there we went to Nikko the next day on the local train.
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Why we decided to stop in Utsunomiya?
When planning our route between Sendai and Nikko, we realized Utsunomiya was the perfect spot for an overnight stop. And you know what? It turned out to be one of those simple decisions that pleasantly surprised us.
Utsunomiya isn’t one of those cities that gets major highlights in travel guides. Maybe that’s exactly why we found it charming. Here, we experienced an authenticity that’s hard to find in more popular destinations. The streets were peaceful, restaurants full of locals, and as we walked around, it felt like we were discovering a more genuine side of Japan.
Plus, the city is famous for its gyoza – and we’re not talking about just one or two places. There are dozens of specialized restaurants, each with its own special touch. If you’re a fan of this Japanese dish like we are, Utsunomiya is practically paradise. We dined at a small izakaya near the station and were amazed by the quality and flavors.
Location was another big advantage. Utsunomiya Station is very well connected, with rapid lines making travel easy whether coming from the north (like Sendai) or heading to Nikko. And the best part? The city is super easy to explore on foot, which made everything more convenient.
If you’re looking for an authentic place to break up your journey between two tourist destinations, Utsunomiya is a smart choice. Great food, local atmosphere, and no crowds. Sometimes it’s these small stops that make a trip unforgettable.
The culinary experience in Utsunomiya: serious gyoza
If there’s one thing Utsunomiya does well, it’s gyoza. They’re everywhere and truly the pride of the city. For those like us who love discovering local culture through food, this was the perfect reason to include Utsunomiya in our itinerary.
Right after arriving, we went straight to Utsunomiya Minmin Miyamirai Store, one of the branches of the city’s most famous chain. They serve gyoza three ways: pan-fried (yaki), deep-fried (age), and boiled (sui). We tried one of each and instantly became fans. The space is simple, service quick, and the gyoza full of flavor.
Another must-stop is Utsunomiya Gyōza-Kai (Kirasse Store), located in the basement of the mega Don Quijote store right by the station. Inside, you’ll find various counters from different gyoza-specialized restaurants all in one space – almost like a food court dedicated solely to this delicacy. We chose the ones from Menmen, known for being crispy outside and juicy inside. Delicious!
If you still have room in your stomach (we unfortunately didn’t), it’s worth checking out the famous Gyōza Street, an entire street dedicated to this specialty. Even the street lamps are shaped like gyoza! We just passed by to take some photos, but promised ourselves that on our next visit, that’s where we’ll eat.
In the end, we really felt it was worth stopping in Utsunomiya just for this culinary tour. It’s one of those experiences that makes a trip memorable, especially if you love authentic local food.
Other things to do in Utsunomiya
Even though the city’s highlight is gyoza, there are other interesting stops to fill the rest of your day – or night.
- Utsunomiya Station (JR) – Like in many Japanese cities, the main station has a small shopping center with various stores and restaurants. It’s a good place to walk around while waiting for your train.
- Utsunomiya Futaarayama Shrine (Futarasan) – Located on a hill, this shrine offers a nice view of the city and has a peaceful atmosphere. It’s walkable from the station.
- Enomachi Street – An area with restaurants and bars along a canal, ideal for an evening stroll or dining off the more obvious tourist circuit.
- Orion-dori – A covered shopping arcade with local shops, cafes and restaurants. It’s not touristy at all, making the experience even more authentic.
If you’re traveling between major cities or tourist spots and looking for a different, local and flavorful stop, Utsunomiya is a great bet.
Where to stay in Utsunomiya: 3 best hotels by category
Finding accommodation in Utsunomiya is easy and prices are more affordable than in many other Japanese cities. As always, we looked for hotels with ratings above 8 and with practical locations for those arriving and departing by train. These were our top picks:
- Budget: HOTEL MYSTAYS Utsunomiya – This is where we stayed. Spacious rooms, excellent location 3 minutes from the station, great value for money, breakfast buffet, laundry and gym. Ideal for quick stops and those who value practicality.
- Mid-range: Utsunomiya Tobu Hotel Grande – Comfortable and well located. Modern rooms, good service and consistent reviews. A short walk from the station and near main attractions.
- Luxury: Candeo Hotel Utsunomiya – New hotel with elegant design, sophisticated rooms, onsen (Japanese bath), highly praised breakfast and perfect atmosphere to relax after a day of travel.
Practical tips for visiting Utsunomiya
If you’re thinking about making a quick stop between Tokyo, Nikko or Sendai, Utsunomiya is a worthwhile choice. We decided to stop there without great expectations – and ended up having a much more interesting experience than we imagined. Here are our practical tips to make the most of it, even with limited time.
How much time to allocate?
For those just passing through, a few well-spent hours are enough. We stayed one night, which gave us time to try several gyoza places, take a leisurely walk around the city and see some main points. If you’re traveling between Sendai and Nikko for example, Utsunomiya fits perfectly as an intermediate stop.
How to get to Utsunomiya
The city is very well served by trains, both local and high-speed (Shinkansen). From Tokyo, the Shinkansen takes about 50 minutes. From Sendai, it’s about 1h30, also by Shinkansen. If you’re in Nikko, you can take the JR Nikko Line, which takes about 45 minutes. As Utsunomiya is an important railway hub, the journey is usually easy and direct.
See here how to buy train tickets in Japan.
Getting around
One of the things we liked most about Utsunomiya was how easy it was to explore on foot. The main station is close to the central area where many restaurants, shops and main attractions are located. If you want to visit something further away, like the castle ruins, you can take a local bus – but honestly, we did everything on foot without problems.
FAQs – Frequently asked questions about Utsunomiya
Is Utsunomiya worth visiting?
Yes! Although often overlooked in tourist itineraries, Utsunomiya is an excellent stop between Tokyo, Nikko or Sendai. The city is famous for its gyoza, has an authentic local atmosphere and is easy to explore on foot. For those who love food experiences and want to escape the crowds a bit, it’s a sure bet.
How many days to stay in Utsunomiya?
We recommend one night, especially if you’re traveling between Sendai and Nikko. It gives you time to try several gyoza places, walk around the city and feel the local atmosphere. Even in one well-spent afternoon you can see the main points.
Where to eat gyoza in Utsunomiya?
Our two favorites were Utsunomiya Minmin Miyamirai Store and Utsunomiya Gyōza-Kai (Kirasse Store). The first is a famous chain with pan-fried, deep-fried and boiled gyoza. The second has various counters from different restaurants and is located in the basement of Don Quijote store. If you have time, also check out Gyōza Street.
What’s the best area to stay in Utsunomiya?
The best area is near JR Utsunomiya Station. You’ll be close to gyoza restaurants, shops, transportation and main tourist spots. It’s a practical area for those arriving and departing by train.
How to get to Utsunomiya from Tokyo or Sendai?
From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) and arrive in about 50 minutes. From Sendai, the journey is also direct and takes about 1h30. If coming from Nikko, the JR Nikko Line takes about 45 minutes to Utsunomiya.
