【Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-】Nasuo Karasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture
The TV anime “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” follows Chika-chan, a female college student aspiring to be a manga artist, on spontaneous trips. The city of Nasuo Karasuyama in Tochigi Prefecture, featured in the 6th journey, has been selected as one of the “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” in the 2026 edition, making it a popular pilgrimage destination.
This article provides comprehensive information needed for actual sacred site pilgrimages. From access methods to detailed information about each spot, efficient pilgrimage routes, and local cuisine, this is a complete guide for Zatsu Tabi fans to fully enjoy Nasuo Karasuyama City.
What is Zatsu Tabi? Why Tochigi Prefecture Was Chosen as a Sacred Site
“Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” is a short anime series based on a manga by Ishizaka Kenta. The story depicts how the protagonist, Chika-chan, discovers the charm of various places across Japan through her unplanned “careless travels.”
Featured in the 6th journey, Nasuo Karasuyama City in Tochigi Prefecture is located approximately 50 minutes from Utsunomiya Station via the JR Karasuyama Line, a small city with a population of about 23,000. Scattered throughout are attractive tourist destinations that harmonize history and nature, including the nationally designated historic site mountain castle “Karasuyama Castle Ruins,” “Dokutsu Sake Brewery” utilizing an underground factory from late World War II, and “Ryumon Waterfall,” selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
With its selection in the 2026 edition of “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting” by the Anime Tourism Association, the city has become a sacred site attracting attention from anime fans nationwide. The unique charms featured in the work, such as the extremely thick hand-made soba noodles and underground sake cellar, are attracting many pilgrims.
Access Methods to Nasuo Karasuyama City
Access from the Tokyo Area
The gateway to Nasuo Karasuyama City is Karasuyama Station on the JR Karasuyama Line. It is close enough to the Tokyo area for day trips.
Basic Route:
- From Tokyo Station or Ueno Station via the Tohoku Main Line to Utsunomiya Station (approximately 50 minutes by shinkansen, approximately 1 hour 50 minutes by local train)
- Transfer to the JR Karasuyama Line at Utsunomiya Station
- Approximately 50 minutes to Karasuyama Station (2-car local train)
Important Notes About the Karasuyama Line:
- The number of trains is extremely limited, so checking the timetable in advance is essential
- About 1-2 trains per hour during daytime hours
- Even fewer trains operate on weekends and holidays
- Recommended to allow extra time for transfers at Utsunomiya Station
Access by Car
Using a personal vehicle allows for more flexible pilgrimage.
- Approximately 40 minutes from “Utsunomiya IC” on the Tohoku Expressway via National Route 293
- Approximately 50 minutes from “Naka IC” on the Joban Expressway via National Route 293
Parking is provided at each tourist spot, though waiting for parking is sometimes necessary at popular shops like Mori Shokudo during busy times.
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
Day Trip Pilgrimage Course (Using Train)
Introducing an efficient pilgrimage route using the JR Karasuyama Line.
Morning: Taki Station Area
9:00 Depart from Utsunomiya Station
↓
9:50 Arrive at Taki Station
↓ 5-minute walk
10:00 Visit Ryumon Waterfall (30 minutes)
↓ Immediate walk
10:40 Ryumon Hometown Crafts Museum / Ryumon Café (40 minutes)
↓ 15-minute walk
11:30 Visit and taste at Dokutsu Sake Brewery (60 minutes)
Lunch: Mori Shokudo
12:40 Travel from Taki Station to Karasuyama Station (approximately 10 minutes)
↓
13:00 Extra-thick soba at Mori Shokudo (60 minutes)
Afternoon: Karasuyama Station Area
14:10 Explore around Karasuyama Station
↓ 10-minute walk
14:30 Visit Yakumo Shrine (20 minutes)
↓ 15-minute walk
15:00 View Karasuyama Castle Ruins (Third Enclosure) (40 minutes)
↓ 20-minute walk
15:50 Tsurushō Tea Shop (30 minutes)
↓
16:30 Depart from Karasuyama Station
↓
17:20 Arrive at Utsunomiya Station
With this course, you can visit the major spots featured in the work without strain. However, adjustments based on the Karasuyama Line schedule will be necessary.
Leisurely Pilgrimage Course (1 Night 2 Days)
If you have ample time, staying at Karasuyama Hot Spring for a relaxed pilgrimage is also recommended.
Day 1:
- Arrive at Nasuo Karasuyama City in the afternoon
- Tour tourist spots around Karasuyama Station
- Stay at Karasuyama Hot Spring (known as alkaline simple hot spring with beautiful skin benefits)
Day 2:
- Tour the Taki Station area in the morning
- Lunch at Mori Shokudo
- Move to Utsunomiya Station in the afternoon and enjoy Utsunomiya gyoza
Detailed Guide to Major Sacred Sites
Taki Station (JR Karasuyama Line)
An unmanned station where Chika-chan alighted. The station building depicted impressively in the work retains a strong local train atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Retro exterior of the station building
- Rural landscape visible from the platform
- Quiet atmosphere at the station front
Photography Points:
The view from the front of the station building closely matches the angle in the work. Due to the limited number of trains, arrival and departure times are your photography opportunities.
Ryumon Waterfall
A representative tourist attraction of Nasuo Karasuyama City introduced in the work. With a width of 65m and height of 20m, it has been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.”
Access:
- Approximately 5-minute walk from Taki Station on the JR Karasuyama Line
- Free parking available
Highlights:
- Magnificent waterfall scenery
- Legend of a giant serpent residing here
- Natural beauty varying with seasons (especially popular in spring greenery and autumn foliage)
- Walking trails descending near the waterfall basin
Usage Information:
- Free to view
- No admission fee
- Open year-round
Water volume varies by season and rainfall. For an impressive sight, the day after rain or during spring snowmelt is recommended.
Ryumon Hometown Crafts Museum / Ryumon Café
A facility near Ryumon Waterfall featuring folk craft displays and rest areas.
Business Information:
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Café: 10:00-16:00)
- Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and new year period
- Admission: Free
Facility Contents:
- 1st floor: Folk craft displays, souvenir corner
- 2nd floor: Ryumon Café (light meals and drinks)
From Ryumon Café, you can enjoy a relaxing break while viewing the waterfall. Light meals and sweets using local ingredients are available, making it an ideal rest spot for pilgrims.
Dokutsu Sake Brewery (Shimazaki Sake Brewery)
A rare underground cave sake brewery visited by Chika-chan in the work.
History:
In the late stages of World War II, this underground facility was excavated for tank manufacturing. After the war, the stable temperature and humidity maintained in the environment proved ideal for Japanese sake storage, leading Shimazaki Sake Brewery to begin using it as a sake cellar.
Viewing Information:
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Irregular (check in advance)
- Viewing: Free
- Tasting: Available (drivers cannot participate)
Access:
- Approximately 15-minute walk from Taki Station
- Approximately 10-minute walk from Ryumon Waterfall
- Parking available
Highlights:
- Approximately 600m long underground cave
- Environment maintained at approximately 10-15°C year-round
- Japanese sake storage scenery
- Historical value as a war relic
Popular Products:
- “Tourikishi” series
- Limited sake from cave storage
- Products made from sake lees
The store has spacious viewing areas, but weekends and tourist seasons see many visitors. Visiting on weekday mornings for a leisurely tour is recommended. The tasting corner allows you to sample multiple brands and purchase your favorites.
Mori Shokudo
A long-established restaurant most impressively featured in the work, famous for its extra-thick hand-made soba noodles.
Business Information:
- Hours: 11:00-14:00 or until sold out
- Closed: Irregular (check in advance)
- Seating: Approximately 30 seats including tatami seating
Access:
- Approximately 5-minute walk from Karasuyama Station
- Parking: Several spaces in front of the restaurant
Menu:
- Mori soba (extra-thick hand-made): around 800 yen
- Kake soba: around 750 yen
- Tempura soba: around 1,200 yen
Characteristics:
The Nasuo Karasuyama area is known as a producing region for “Yamizo soba.” At Mori Shokudo, you can enjoy traditional extra-thick rustic soba. The noodle thickness is approximately 2-3 times that of regular noodles, very filling. The broth has a sweet flavor that may be acquired taste, though it has been loved by locals for many years.
Important Notes:
- As a popular restaurant, it becomes crowded at lunch time
- Early opening (around 11:00) or after 13:00 is relatively less crowded
- May close early due to sold-out merchandise, so avoid late times
- The tatami seating featured in the work is popular and often fully booked
Among sacred site pilgrims, visiting is a standard “finale” to their Zatsu Tabi pilgrimage.
Karasuyama Station
The terminal station of the JR Karasuyama Line and the gateway to Nasuo Karasuyama City.
Station Building Features:
- Relatively new station building (rebuilt 2014)
- Tourist information office included
- Waiting area displays regional tourism information
Nearby Facilities:
- Convenience stores (within 5-minute walk)
- Tourist map distribution
- Rental bicycles (advance reservation required)
A Nasuo Karasuyama City tourist map is displayed in front of the station, providing useful information for first-time visitors. Local staff can also recommend favorite spots.
Karasuyama Castle Ruins (Third Enclosure)
A nationally designated historic site mountain castle featured in the work where Chika-chan also visits.
History:
Founded in the 14th century, it served as the seat of the Karasuyama domain during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, it became abandoned, and portions of stone walls and enclosures remain today.
Access:
- Approximately 15-minute walk from Karasuyama Station
- Approximately 20-minute walk from the castle gate to the main keep ruins
Highlights:
- Stone wall remains
- Third enclosure plaza
- Views from the main keep ruins
- Development as Shiroyama Park
Important Notes:
- Mountain trails require suitable clothing and footwear
- Summer heat exhaustion prevention (hydration, hat, etc.)
- Winter precautions against cold and slippery surfaces
- Slippery ground around Ryumon Waterfall requires care
The third enclosure is relatively accessible, and you can feel the castle ruins atmosphere without climbing to the main keep. With extra time, climbing to the main keep offers a stunning panoramic view of Nasuo Karasuyama City.
Yakumo Shrine
A shrine in the Karasuyama city center drawing local devotion.
Access:
- Approximately 10-minute walk from Karasuyama Station
Features:
- Quiet sanctuary
- Local worship spot
- Amulets available (unavailable when priest is away)
Though only briefly shown in the work, pilgrims visit to feel the region’s history.
Tsurushō Tea Shop
A traditional tea shop operating in the area for many years, appearing in the work.
Business Information:
- Hours: 9:00-18:00 or so
- Closed: Sundays (verify in advance)
Products:
- Various Japanese teas
- Tea utensils
- Regional specialties
This rare shop retains the atmosphere of an old-fashioned tea establishment. Conversation with the shop owner is also enjoyable, sometimes providing local information.
Shinaga Tunnel
An old tunnel allowing one to feel the history of the Karasuyama castle town.
Features:
- Retro atmosphere
- Value as historical building
- Accessible by foot and bicycle
Depicted as an impressive background in the work, it is also popular as a photography spot.
Tips for Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage More
Using the Official Zatsu Map
The anime official website publishes a “Zatsu Map” with detailed maps of work-featured spots. Accessing it on a smartphone while visiting allows deeper immersion in the work’s world.
Creating a Pilgrimage Notebook
The Nasuo Karasuyama City Tourism Association provides special maps and information for sacred site pilgrims. Inquiring in advance allows organizing an efficient pilgrimage route.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May):
- Abundant water volume at Ryumon Waterfall
- Fresh greenery at Karasuyama Castle Ruins
- Pleasant weather
Summer (June-August):
- “Yamaage Matsuri” late July (outdoor kabuki with 460+ year history)
- Verdant scenery
- Refreshing coolness of Dokutsu Sake Brewery
Fall (September-November):
- Spectacular autumn foliage at Ryumon Waterfall
- New soba season (available at Mori Shokudo)
- Pleasant weather
Winter (December-February):
- Mystical frozen Ryumon Waterfall (during cold waves)
- Fewer tourists, allowing leisurely pilgrimage
- Warm soba is exceptional
Enjoying Local Cuisine
Yamizo Soba:
Beyond Mori Shokudo, several establishments in the Nasuo Karasuyama area serve Yamizo soba. Each has distinct characteristics, allowing comparison.
Local Sake:
Starting with Dokutsu Sake Brewery’s “Tourikishi,” Tochigi Prefecture is known as a sake-producing region. Ideal for gifts.
Utsunomiya Gyoza:
A standard course is stopping at Utsunomiya Station on the return trip to enjoy the famous Utsunomiya gyoza. “Utsunomiya Gyoza-kan Paseo Shop” inside the station building allows enjoying multiple famous shop gyoza at once.
Precautions and Etiquette During Pilgrimage
Photography Etiquette
- Request permission before photographing at eating establishments like Mori Shokudo
- Consider other patrons’ comfort
- Note photography-restricted areas at shrines and temples
- Avoid loud voices or prolonged stays in residential areas
Transportation Etiquette
- The Karasuyama Line is a local living route, so respect proper conduct
- Keep quiet on platforms and trains
- When photographing on roads, avoid obstructing traffic
Consideration for the Community
- Always take trash home
- Do not trespass on private property
- Greet locals
- Verify in advance operating hours and holidays for facilities
Safety Precautions
- Karasuyama Castle Ruins have mountain trails requiring appropriate clothing and shoes
- Summer heat exhaustion prevention (hydration, hat, etc.)
- Winter cold protection and attention to frozen surfaces
- Slippery ground around Ryumon Waterfall requires care
Nearby Tourist Spots
Meguro Sacred Site
Nasuo Karasuyama City is known as the birthplace of the former popular motorcycle maker “Meguro.” Worth visiting for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Yamaage Matsuri
Held late July annually, this traditional event with 460+ year history is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Planning a visit around this time is recommended.
Karasuyama Hot Spring
Alkaline simple hot spring known as a beautiful skin bath. Day-use facilities are available, ideal for soothing pilgrimage fatigue.
Stopovers in Utsunomiya
Utsunomiya Gyoza
Utsunomiya gyoza featured in the work. Many gyoza specialty shops surround the station.
Recommended Shops:
- Utsunomiya Gyoza-kan Paseo Shop (station building, enjoy multiple shop gyoza at once)
- Minmin Main Store (Utsunomiya gyoza establishment)
- Shōji (popular shop with lines)
Futarasan Shrine
Known as Utsunomiya’s chief shrine. Worth visiting if time permits.
Souvenir and Goods Information
Nasuo Karasuyama City Souvenirs
Dokutsu Sake Brewery:
- Tourikishi series Japanese sake
- Limited cave storage sake
- Sake lees products
Ryumon Hometown Crafts Museum:
- Regional folk crafts
- Ryumon Waterfall related goods
- Local specialties
Mori Shokudo:
- Dried soba noodles (souvenir version)
Anime-Related Goods
The Nasuo Karasuyama City Tourism Association distributes special maps and pamphlets for sacred site pilgrims. Pilgrimage maps are available for download on the official website.
Accommodation Information
Within Nasuo Karasuyama City
Karasuyama Hot Spring:
- Day-use bathing available
- Several lodging facilities
- Book reservations early
Within Utsunomiya City
As lodging in Nasuo Karasuyama City is limited, staying in Utsunomiya City for day trips is common.
Advantages:
- Wide accommodation options
- Enjoy Utsunomiya gyoza at night
- Broader sightseeing options next day
Checking Latest Information
Official Websites
- TV Anime “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” Official Website: latest sacred site information, Zatsu Map
- Nasuo Karasuyama City Tourism Association Official Website: tourism and event information
- Anime Tourism Association: Sacred Sites 88 information
SNS
- Check official Twitter account for latest information
- Reference other pilgrims’ information via hashtags “#ざつ旅” “#ざつ旅聖地巡礼”
Local Information Gathering
- Karasuyama Station tourist information office
- Nasuo Karasuyama City Tourism Association (phone inquiries also possible)
- Verify facility operating information directly to ensure accuracy
Conclusion: The Charm of Zatsu Tabi Tochigi Edition
Nasuo Karasuyama City in Tochigi Prefecture, featured in “Zatsu Tabi -That’s Journey-” Episode 6, offers abundant nature and history along with unique cuisine at a distance visitable as a day trip from Tokyo—a captivating sacred site.
The majestic scenery of Ryumon Waterfall, the unique Dokutsu Sake Brewery utilizing war ruins, Mori Shokudo’s extra-thick soba, and the city views from Karasuyama Castle Ruins. These spots depicted through the work offer new discoveries and emotions when visited in person.
Riding the local Karasuyama Line, enjoying a “careless journey” just like Chika-chan. Things may not go as planned, but that too is the essence of “Zatsu Tabi.”
Selected as one of the “88 Japanese Anime Sacred Sites Worth Visiting,” Nasuo Karasuyama City garners attention from anime fans nationwide. The entire community warmly welcomes pilgrim visits.
Using the information in this article, please enjoy your sacred site pilgrimage to Nasuo Karasuyama City in Tochigi Prefecture. It will be a journey of experiencing the work’s world while rediscovering regional charm.
