Moka City is located in the southeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture. The city boasts the largest production of strawberries in Japan, and I went on a cycling tour around Moka City while tasting strawberry sweets and eating delicious local gourmet.
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Departing from Igashira Park
Igashira Park boasts a vast area. Located in the northern part of the city, this nature-rich park has an athletic field, a boat pond, a rose garden, and a swimming pool. The park is a place of relaxation and enjoyment for visitors in all four seasons.
In 2022, the area where the surrounding facilities including Igashira Park are gathered was named “Igashira Resort,” and outdoor activities such as glamping can be enjoyed in the whole area. There are also hot spring facilities, so taking a bath after cycling is also recommended.
In summer, the “10,000 Person Pool” on the grounds attracts many visitors.
The park is also famous for hosting music festivals. Starting from Igashira Park, I headed south to the next spot because of the strong north wind.
I also enjoyed the peaceful scenery.
Roadside Station Ninomiya
Roadside Station Ninomiya is located in the former Ninomiya Town of Moka City. Opened in 1997 and renovated in 2020, the roadside station is located along Route294 and is crowded with shoppers on weekdays for fresh vegetables and strawberries in winter.
There is also a bike rack.
When you visit Roadside Station Ninomiya, you must try the gelato. There are several kinds of gelato using strawberries.
I had the strawberry rare cheese flavor. The strawberry pulp and the slight sourness of the rare cheese are perfect.
This is a good place to take a break and enjoy a drink.
The store also offers sweets made from strawberries. The strawberry premium roll cake is a very popular item, and reservations by phone are recommended. There are also confections and fresh vegetables perfect for souvenirs.
Kitayama Station on Moka Railway
It went to the northeast direction about 19km from the road station. I went to Kitayama Station of Moka Railway.
This station is located on the border with Mashiko Town.
A train was just coming. The signboard is very cute.
Moka Railway is popular among railroad fans because of the SL trains that run on Saturdays and Sundays.
There is also a strawberry orchard within walking distance from Kitayama Station, and many visitors come here to pick strawberries when they are in season.
After seeing them off, go to the next destination.
Pietra, Coppe Pan Specialty Shop
Coppe Pan (hot dog buns) Specialty Shop Pietra is located in a place called Tajima. Located along Gogyo River, the shop is surrounded by a rural landscape. The vintage-style building is stylish.
The rustic appearance is very appealing.
There were some items that were not in the showcase, but they would make them if ordered.
There is a wide variety of flavors, from deli to sweets. It is hard to decide which one to order. I also enjoyed conversing with the kind and friendly owner.
I chose a mont blanc whip and keema curry.
The fluffy dough made me happy when I picked it up. I had the Mont Blanc whip right away.
The Mont Blanc cream with just the right amount of sweetness was smooth and pleasant on the tongue.
I decided to take the keema curry home in my back pocket.
On the way back to Igashira Park, I stopped by Gogyo River that runs through the city.
The river seems to be a swan flyover site. The swans seemed to be spending their time relaxing in the river.
It was a relaxing experience to see a winter scene.
I saw a red torii gate in the countryside. Away from the city for a while, you can see a peaceful landscape. This is one of the charms of Moka City.
Course Introduction
▼ Igashira Resort
https://igashira-resort.com/
▼Roadside Station Ninomiya
https://michinoeki-ninomiya.jp/
Summary
I took a course around Moka City and cycled about 44km. I enjoyed the winter scenery and eating gelato made from strawberries, which are in season.
There are many things to see in the city of Moka, but there is also a lot to see in the tranquil scenery when you ride away from the city. It is also a good idea to include things that can only be tasted in season in your route.
