Published date: October 7, 2024
[Recommended for Longer Stays!] The Stylish Area of Kuroiso in Tochigi
Room Type Stayed
Dormitory
1 guest(s)
190 ~
Some info has been automatically translated by AI.
Experience of the stay
In the Kuroiso area of Nasu-Shiobara City in Tochigi Prefecture, I stumbled upon a lovely hotel that captivated my heart. Until now, I had the impression that Tochigi was mainly known for popular tourist destinations like Nikko and Utsunomiya, but it feels like I’ve discovered a hidden gem. In front of the station, there are stylish restaurants, a library, and attractive shops lining the streets, making it an area that is enjoyable even if you use public transportation.
This travel story will provide you with plenty of experiences centered around the hotel. I will detail the names and information about the shops I visited, so please save this as a reference for your favorites.
First of all, I would like to introduce the charm of the hotel itself, "Chus."
On the first floor, there’s a select shop featuring a range of carefully sourced craft items and foods from across the country, which is exciting just to look at. You can find locally produced items from Kuroiso, such as spices, fruits, vegetables, coffee, and even cheese—perfect for picking out special souvenirs.
Further inside, there’s a cafe space where you can enjoy drinks and food for eat-in. One of the highlights is the spice curry made with abundant Tochigi ingredients. When I visited, three types of curry were available, allowing me to fully enjoy the local flavors. The menu seems to change regularly, making the prospect of trying something new on a return visit another joy of this place. The curry shown in the photos also includes one I had on a different day. You can enjoy it without staying overnight, so if you're planning to visit Kuroiso, be sure to stop by.
On the second floor, the hotel space opens up. The design of the shared spaces is particularly wonderful, showcasing a refined sense of style. There are many beautiful spots that make you want to take photos, ensuring a stimulating experience. Additionally, there’s a lounge where guests can mingle, making it a great way to spend your time relaxing with friends or enjoying unique encounters with other guests.
Experiences during the trip
Now, let me introduce some of my recommended shops that I actually visited. They are all located close to Kuroiso Station and Chus, and I hope you enjoy them along with your stay.
1. Cafe: Iris Bread & Coffee
A wonderful place where you can enjoy coffee brewed carefully by a barista along with seasonal creative sweets. The pairing of coffee and sweets is exceptional, and I discover new flavors every time I visit. Also, don’t miss the butter chicken curry available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays—it's exquisite, so be sure to try it if you get the chance.
2. Bakery: Kanel Bread
A bakery next door to Iris Bread & Coffee. The homemade bread is popular, inviting you in with the aroma of freshly baked goods. Taking coffee to go and enjoying it while strolling through Kuroiso is another great way to experience the area. It's also perfect as a souvenir, and in addition to bread, there are plenty of baked sweets to choose from, making it hard to decide.
3. Italian: Pizzeria Pico
An Italian restaurant known for its pizza and pasta, located near the cafe and bakery. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere inside is fantastic, so it's a place you should definitely visit for dinner or lunch.
4. Antique Shop: Yoshida Shoten
A treasure trove for lovers of miscellaneous goods. You might find a unique treasure just for you. I purchased a Kashiwaki wooden coaster for my home. There are other eye-catching items like plates, baskets, glassware, and pottery that are enjoyable to look at.
5. Library: Nasu-Shiobara City Library Miruru
A library worthy of being called a book cafe, with a cafe inside where you can immerse yourself in reading for an entire day. It's right next to the station, making it perfect for waiting for your train.
6. Other Spots
There are many other attractive spots in this area, so let me just mention their names.
Izakaya: Sake and Sakana Akubi (reservation recommended)
Cafe: SHOZO Kuroiso Main Store
To everyone who has read this far, have you perhaps thought, "Aren't my stomachs enough?" It's true—there's so much delicious food in this area that it may be difficult to enjoy everything in one stay. That's why I strongly recommend a longer stay. By staying longer, you can explore the area at a relaxed pace as if you were experiencing life there. Enjoy eating, playing, and fully savoring the Kuroiso area with plenty of leisure time.Get Extra Bonus Coins! Sign up with this user's referral code now!