Utsunomiya LRT: A Guide for International Visitors

Welcome to Utsunomiya! Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Utsunomiya Light Rail Transit (LRT) offers a convenient and scenic way to explore this vibrant city. This guide will help you navigate the LRT system, understand how to get there.

Utsunomiya LRT

Utsunomiya LRT Overview

The Utsunomiya LRT is a modern light rail system designed to provide efficient transportation within the city. Unfortunately, The LRT does not pass through tourist spots as it connects industrial parks and a shopping mall. However, it offers great scenic views as it travels from urban areas to the countryside. Since weekdays' mornings and evenings are rush hours, the best time for sightseeing is during the daytime.

Kinu river

Access and Location

Getting to Utsunomiya: Utsunomiya is the capital city of Tochigi Prefecture, located about 100 kilometers north of Tokyo. The city is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. Here are the most common ways to reach Utsunomiya:

• By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes.

• By Local Train: You can also take the JR Utsunomiya Line from Tokyo Station, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Once you arrive at Utsunomiya Station, the LRT is located on the east side of the station.

Utsunomiya Station East

How to Ride the Utsunomiya LRT

Buying Tickets:

• IC Cards: If you have a rechargeable IC card (such as Suica or Pasmo), you can use it to ride the LRT. Simply touch your IC card to the green card reader next to the door when you board. When getting off, please touch your IC card to the yellow card reader next to the door.

green card reader

yellow card reader

• Cash: Please take a numbered ticket from the numbered ticket machine on the platform before boarding.
  You can board from any door. However, as you will need to pay the fare at the driver's seat at the front of the train when you get off, it is convenient to use the door of the front car.
  Please check the fare on the monitor behind the driver's seat. When you get off, please insert the fare along with the numbered ticket into the fare box in the front car where the driver is.

Numbered ticket machine

Fare box

• One-day Pass: You can get on and off as many times as you like on the day of your ticket.
  Sales Location: Ticket Office at LRT Utsunomiya Station East
  Sales hours: 9 AM to 7 PM
  Fares: Adults: 1000 yen Children: 500 yen

Ticket Office

one-day pass

See Attractions Along the LRT Route

1. Bell Mall: Bell Mall is located at Utsunomiya Univ. Yoto Campus station. Bell Mall is a large shopping complex where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and dining.

2. Kinu River: When you cross the Kinu River using the LRT, you can see the surrounding rural landscape. The recommended station to get off at is Tobiyama Castle Site, which is beyond the Kinu River. Tobiyama Castle Site Station offers a view of the Japanese countryside. However, there is no castle there.

Enjoy your journey on the Utsunomiya LRT and have a wonderful time exploring all that this beautiful city has to offer!

Some photos were sourced from Utsunomiya Light Rail Co., Ltd.