Craft Beer Tourism in Japan- Romantic Village Brewery, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

The Tohoku Expressway, which is the longest highway in Japan connecting the Kanto region to Aomori, is a major route. Around five minutes by car after exiting the Utsunomiya Interchange, you’ll find one of Tochigi Prefecture’s 25 roadside stations (as of December 2024), called Michi-no-Eki "Utsunomiya Romantic Village"—home to the Romantic Village Brewery.

Romantic Village Brewery
Address: 254 Myosato-cho, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

Although roadside stations (michi-no-eki) are generally located along major highways, Romantic Village is a bit off the beaten path, not directly on a main road even though it’s close to the interchange. When I first looked at the map, I thought it might be a secluded spot. Usually, these stations are popular destinations, but unless you go there intentionally, they might seem a bit out-of-the-way. However, as I got closer, I realized my worries were unnecessary.

I headed there from Utsunomiya Station, taking Prefectural Route 22 (Myosato Road) north. Following my GPS, I turned right as directed, and on my right side, I first saw a large spa complex called Villa de Agris, which includes hot springs and pools. Continuing straight, Romantic Village was on my left, but on the right, I could see a glass-covered facility that I later found out was a multipurpose dome. The area, based on the brochure, includes lodging (Fairyland by Marriott), a dog run, and a large resort complex—so many visitors might come with specific purpose for staying or relaxing.

The Romantic Village Brewery is located inside this complex, specifically behind the main “Aozora-kan” souvenir shop, which is the heart of the Michi-no-Eki. It’s attached to a restaurant called Mugi no Rakuen (Wheat Paradise), where you can enjoy freshly brewed craft beer.

Since I was driving, I couldn’t taste the beers onsite, but I asked to buy bottles, and I was directed to the souvenir shop instead.

That day, I purchased two beers: KIBUNA (a saison) and CASCADE Premium Lager. The souvenir shop had a wide variety, including a local Tochigi beer called New Sachi Hogo Gold, made with local wheat.

They also offer guided brewery tours by reservation during certain seasons, so planning a visit around that could be a great idea.

Romantic Village Brewery – A Starting Point for Craft Beer Tourism in Naha
About 10 km northwest of Romantic Village, approximately a 15-minute drive, is Nikko Brewing. Getting there by public transport is a bit tricky: you can walk from the JR Nikkō Line’s Shutoken-Ōsawa Station or take a bus from Imaichi Station.

However, it’s much easier if you drive. From the Ohsawa IC on the Nikkō-Utsunomiya Road, connecting from the Tohoku Expressway, access is convenient. The brewery even has a small parking lot with space for several cars, making it very accessible for visitors arriving by car.