sumikai.comGyoza, Japanese dumplings filled with meat and vegetables, play a central role in this increase. Over 60% of tourists have visited Utsunomiya specifically to enjoy the infamous gyoza at one of over 200 specialty restaurants. This local delicacy is not only appreciated by tourists but also attracts locals to the city, which is known for its culinary offerings.
New transport and tourism strategies
A significant factor in the increase in tourist numbers is the new LRT tram line, which opened in August 2023. This modernized transport connection was used by around 10% of visitors and counted over eight million passengers by April 2025. Despite the positive developments, some representatives of the tourism industry criticize the one-sided focus on gyoza and call for a broader representation as a cultural and adventure region.
Tourism spending in Utsunomiya in 2024 was an impressive 114.15 billion yen (approx. 684 million euros). Overall overnight stays rose 5.8% to 8.3 million, with 279,000 foreign guests - a 13% increase compared to 2019 - reaching a new high. Travelers from Taiwan were predominant with around 50,000 guests, followed by China, the USA and South Korea.
Cultural highlights and gyoza festivals
Utsunomiya is not only known for its gyoza, but also for cultural highlights. The city is home to the Utsunomiya Gyozakai, which organizes an annual gyoza festival at the beginning of November. In addition, a statue of a Venus goddess wrapped in gyoza skin, made from local Oya stone, adorns the entrance area of the station.
Miyajimacho-dori Street, known as 'Gyoza Street', was named in April 2018 and features various gyoza-related elements, including special dumpling-shaped poles and gyoza decorations on the electricity poles. Popular restaurants like Utsunomiya Minmin offer a variety of gyoza variations and are known for their long queues.
Governor Tomikazu Fukuda has announced that he will further expand tourism development measures and position the region more strongly as a cultural destination. Despite the record numbers, Tochigi remains in the middle field compared to classic tourism hotspots such as Kyoto or Tokyo.
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