Reception
Evening Tour 1:
The Art & Culture of Gyoza – Tour with Hands-On Culinary Workshop
Date: Monday, December 1st, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Begin your evening on Utsunomiya’s famous Gyoza Street, where you’ll discover why this city is celebrated as Japan’s “Gyoza Capital.” Together with a local gyoza master, you’ll roll up your sleeves to learn the delicate art of crafting these perfect dumplings. The highlight of the night is sitting down to savor the flavors of your very own handmade gyoza. A memorable experience that blends culinary fun with cultural discovery. This hands-on workshop is an excellent and engaging activity, perfect for foodies, families, couples, and colleagues seeking a shared cultural experience.
Evening Itinerary
- 6:00 PM: Depart from the conference venue
- Explore: Stroll through Gyoza Street and uncover Utsunomiya’s deep connection with this iconic dish
- Create: Join a hands-on gyoza-making workshop with a local master
- Savor: Enjoy the dumplings you’ve prepared, fresh from the pan
- 9:00 PM: Tour concludes
Tour Information
- Guides: Guided by a professional English-speaking guide
- Age: Suitable for ages 5 and above (same price for all participants)
- Weather: This tour runs rain or shine. In case of rain, adjustments may be made to ensure guest comfort and enjoyment
- Walking: Comfortable shoes recommended (Total walking: approx. 1km+ / 20min)
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and halal-friendly options (excluding pork and alcohol) are available upon request. Please inquire at the time of booking.
- Beverages: Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages are available for purchase separately
- Participants:Our tours require a minimum of 3 participants to operate, with a maximum of 9-12 participants per tour.
Contact: Takehito Azuma (tazuma@cc.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp)
Utsunomiya Gyoza Experience – Culture, History & Hands-On Workshop
A memorable experience that blends culinary fun with cultural discovery: stroll Gyoza Street, learn the story behind Japan’s “Gyoza Capital,” then make and enjoy your own handmade dumplings with a local master. Perfect for foodies, families, couples, and colleagues.
Evening Tour 2:
The Flavors of Utsunomiya – Gyoza & Izakaya Hopping Tour
Date: Monday, December 1st, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Begin your evening by discovering why Utsunomiya is known as Japan’s “Gyoza Capital.” After a brief look at the history and culture of this beloved dish, you’ll visit three izakayas and gyoza shops on a guided journey through the city’s lively nightlife. Taste different styles of gyoza, enjoy popular Japanese dishes, and savor drinks in authentic local settings. A memorable experience that blends food, culture, and the vibrant atmosphere of Utsunomiya after dark.
Evening Itinerary
- 6:00 PM: Depart from the conference venue
- Discover: Learn the story of Utsunomiya’s gyoza culture
- Taste: Visit three izakayas and gyoza shops to sample different dumplings and Japanese dishes
- Experience: Enjoy drinks and immerse yourself in Japan’s casual dining culture
- 9:00 PM: Tour concludes
Tour Information
- Guides: Guided by a professional English-speaking guide
- Age: 20 years and above if drinking; minimum 16 years old without alcohol (same price for all participants)
- Weather: This tour runs rain or shine. In case of rain, adjustments may be made to ensure guest comfort and enjoyment
- Walking: Comfortable shoes recommended (Total walking: approx. 2 km / 30min)
- Dietary Needs: This tour cannot cater to special dietary requirements
- Food & Beverages: Includes two drinks during the tour, along with a sample dish at each stop. Extra food and drinks are available for purchase separately
- Participants:Our tours require a minimum of 3 participants to operate, with a maximum of 9-12 participants per tour.
Contact: Takehito Azuma (tazuma@cc.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp)
The Flavors of Utsunomiya — Gyoza & Izakaya Hopping Tour
A memorable experience that blends after-dark energy with local flavor: trace the story of Japan’s “Gyoza Capital,” then hop between three izakayas and gyoza shops to taste different styles, enjoy favorite small plates, and raise a glass like a local—guided, easy-paced, and delicious from first bite to last.
Evening Tour 3:
The Spirit of Utsunomiya – Sake Discovery & Tasting Tour
Date: Monday, December 1st, 2025 | Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Begin your evening by exploring why Utsunomiya is celebrated as a hidden gem for sake. The city is home to three renowned breweries, including one of only two in Japan to have won the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Champion title twice, and another that has earned an IWC Trophy. Thanks to pure water flowing from the Nikko mountains, Utsunomiya’s sake is known for its exceptional quality.
You’ll first enjoy a guided introduction to sake, learning about its varieties, brewing traditions, and tasting techniques. The evening continues at a hidden local sake bar, where tasting of local sake is paired with selected dishes to highlight the flavors. A memorable experience blending education, culture, and indulgence. Perfect for sake lovers and curious beginners.
Evening Itinerary
- 6:00 PM: Depart from the conference venue
- Discover: Introduction to Utsunomiya’s award-winning sake and its connection to Nikko
- Taste: Guided sake class with tasting of different styles and varieties
- Experience: Visit a hidden local sake bar for a curated pairing of local sakes and seasonal dishes
- 9:00 PM: Tour concludes
Tour Information
- Guides: Guided by a professional English-speaking guide and sake specialist
- Age: 20 years and above
- Weather:This tour runs rain or shine. Adjustments may be made to ensure guest comfort and enjoyment
- Walking: Comfortable shoes recommended (Total walking: approx. 1.5km / 30min)
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian & Vegan options are available upon request in advance.
- Food & Beverages: Includes guided sake tasting and pairing dishes. Extra food and drinks are available for purchase separately
- Participants: Our tours require a minimum of 3 participants to operate, with a maximum of 9-12 participants per tour.
Contact: Takehito Azuma (tazuma@cc.utsunomiya-u.ac.jp)
Discover the Spirit of Utsunomiya through Sake
Uncover the secrets of Utsunomiya’s award-winning breweries and taste why the city’s sake is celebrated worldwide. Enjoy a guided introduction to sake styles, then head to a hidden local bar for a curated tasting session. A memorable evening for sake enthusiasts and curious beginners alike.