I have to move to Tochigi for work, specifically – Oyama City , I’m currently in Saitama.
I like spending time outdoors running and hiking so my question is for people who are more familiar with the area, is Utsunomiya better to for this type of hobby/ lifestyle or is Oyama City okay? Ideally, I’d like to be with 5k-10kms of the mountains something like that.
I’m keen to hear from people who are more familiar with the area, I plan to make a trip there next week to check out the area myself but any insider knowledge will be appreciated.
3 comments
For running and hiking Oyama is fine, especially since you will work there. Utsunomiya is a bit better in many regards, but not enough to justify the drive to and from Oyama daily. There’s small mountains near the city, but it’s quite easy to get to Nikko or Nasu for more options.
Also, if you like western style burgers, Oyama has a decent place called K’rocodile Diner.
Not an expert, but my wife (then fiance) lived in Utsunomiya for several months. When we got married we moved to Omiya and she commuted to Utsunomiya for 3 years. I often met her and went out with her coworkers after work.
Utsunomiya is a small , regional city, but has a city feel. Some cool jazz bars, there used to be a pub (not sure if it is still there) plenty of izakayas and restaurants and karaoke, and it is plenty close to nature.
Oyama – well, one time we got drunk and thought the last train would take us back to Omiya. It did not. Stopped at Oyama. We stayed in a love hotel because that was the only open place, watched hilarious adult videos, ate bad pilaf. The next day, with crushing hangovers, we walked around Oyama. There is a Mister Donuts. There is a river. There is a guy that lives down by the river.
So…
Oyama is actually a great location imo! The city itself is kinda normal, but it’s close to a lot of nature and Tokyo stations are only like an hour away!
The Ryomu line goes to Gunma along some pretty nice small mountains with lots of trails and spots to explore! The Mito line is also nice, there really isn’t that much, but if you like that kinda vibe like me, it’s fun to explore!
I’ve been there a few times, so, great location, city itself is just kinda normal.
Utsunomiya is also pretty cool
If you have anymore questions lemme know, I used to live around Oyama actually