UTSUNOMIYA CITY宇都宮市
KANUMA CITY鹿沼市
SAKURA CITYさくら市
NAKAGAWA TOWN那珂川町
TAKANEZAWA TOWN高根沢町
KAMINOKAWA TOWN上三川町
NASUKARASUYAMA CITY那須烏山市
NASUSHIOBARA CITY那須塩原市
NASU TOWN那須町
SHIOAYA TOWN塩谷町
YAITA CITY矢板市
OTAWARA CITY大田原市
NIKKO CITY日光市
ASHIKAGA CITY足利市
SANO CITY佐野市
TOCHIGI CITY栃木市
MIBU TOWN壬生町
OYAMA CITY小山市
NOGI TOWN野木町
SHIMOTSUKE CITY下野市
HAGA TOWN芳賀町
ICHIKAI TOWN市貝町
MOOKA CITY真岡市
MASHIKO TOWN益子町
MOTEGI TOWN茂木町
Moka City is located in the southeastern part of Tochigi Prefecture, covering an area of approximately 167.34 square kilometers. It borders Utsunomiya City, Haga Town, and Ichikai Town to the north, Mashiko Town to the east, Chikusei City and Sakuragawa City to the south, and Shimotsuke City and Kaminokawa Town to the west. The population is about 77,000, with approximately 30,000 households (as of October 2023).
Lying at the northern edge of the Kanto Plain, the city features the Kinu River Lowland, Moka Lowland, and Gogyō River Lowland to the west, with the Kinu River flowing through the western part, while the Yatsugatake Mountains extend to the east. The average temperature is 13.5°C, with snowfall that rarely accumulates, making it a relatively comfortable area throughout the year. There are various theories regarding the origin of the place name, but one suggests it comes from “Maioka,” meaning “hill where cranes dance,” referring to the area once known as “Dai-machi,” which was covered with marshes and home to many waterfowl.
The history of Moka City flourished as a production area for Moka cotton during the Edo period. Though it declined after the Meiji period, modern industrialization progressed through the Showa period, leading to the establishment of various industrial parks. Today, Moka City has achieved a balanced development in industry, agriculture, and commerce while preserving much of its natural environment and maintaining good access to urban areas. Moka City is famous for producing the most strawberries in Japan, focusing on varieties like “Tochiotome,” “Skyberry,” “Tochiaika,” and “Tochihime” through ongoing improvements. It is also known as the only city in Japan where steam locomotives run year-round. Tourists flock to see the steam and diesel trains on weekends. The ‘ SL Kyuroku-kan ‘ in front of Moka Station features exhibitions of steam locomotives. It hosts events such as train riding and driving experiences, attracting many visitors due to its free admission. Another popular tourist spot is ‘ Omae Shrine ‘, located along the Gogyō River. Believed to have been established over 1,500 years ago, its main hall, worship hall, and both gates are designated cultural properties of the prefecture. It is popular for its blessings for good fortune, wealth, and matchmaking, while the “Ashio Mountain Shrine,” dedicated to traffic safety for motorcycles, also attracts many motorcycle enthusiasts from within and outside the prefecture every year. One of Moka City’s famous festivals is ‘ Moka Summer Festival ‘. The highlight is the “Moka Summer Festival Fireworks Festival,” featuring about 20,000 fireworks, making it a major event that attracts many spectators from both inside and outside the city.
The Moka Railway runs through Moka City, connecting Shimodate Station in Chikusei City to Motegi Station in Motegi Town, with six stations: “Moka Station,” “Kitamoka Station,” “Nishida Station,” “Kitayama Station,” “Kugedat Station,” and “Teranai Station.”
The main roads passing through Moka City include National Route 121, which crosses the city from east to west in the northern part, National Route 294, which connects Mashiko Town to Chikusei City, and National Route 408, which links Utsunomiya City to Moka City. The North Kanto Expressway also runs through Moka City, allowing access from Moka IC to Kanagawa Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture. Moreover, the Kanto Bus operates local bus routes within Moka City. The Moka City Community Bus, ‘ Ichigo Bus ‘, also provides service to major facilities in the city.
There are many well-maintained roads, including expressways and national highways, making it convenient to travel by car to neighboring cities, towns, and villages and other prefectures.
There are not many trains running, so commuting to work or school on a daily basis may be inconvenient.
According to information from a real estate information website, the average rent in the city for a newly built apartment within a 10-minute walk from the station is about 53,000 yen for a 1K and 65,000 yen for a 2LDK. The average land price per tsubo is about 80,000 yen per tsubo. Moka City is an attractive area for living as it is rich in commercial facilities and nature, and it is a city with many advantages as it has many popular spots for tourists.
Relatively new houses and condominiums are being constructed in this area, making it relatively easy to acquire new homes and properties.
Trains are limited to local routes, making it difficult to get to other big cities.
Moka City has 11 nursery schools, 12 kindergartens, 14 elementary schools, 9 junior high schools, and 4 high schools. There are no junior colleges or universities.
Child medical expense subsidies are available for children under 18 years old (up to March 31 after turning 18), covering full expenses (some exclusions apply). Child allowances are provided: 15,000 yen for children under 3 years old; 10,000 yen for the first and second child from 3 years old until before entering elementary school; 15,000 yen for the third child and beyond; and 10,000 yen for middle school students (some income restrictions apply).
Moka City offers various unique support systems. The maternity allowance provides 20,000 yen per baby to pregnant women. When a baby is born, a congratulatory payment of 20,000 yen is given for the first and second child, and 30,000 yen for the third child and beyond. Additionally, Moka City provides 50,000 yen per baby as childbirth and child-rearing support. For children under 6 years old, half of the purchase price for child seats is subsidized, with a limit of 10,000 yen per seat. There are also subsidies for diapers and diaper disposal bags for infants under 2 years old. The “Postpartum Care Program” offers support for mothers and babies, including body care and childcare consultations at medical facilities within the city. This service is relatively affordable and offers options for overnight or day visits, making it easy to access. Mothers can consult about breastfeeding care and baby care challenges. Moka City distributes the “Tochigi Smile Card” to households with children under 18. By presenting this card, families can receive various discounts and services offered by participating stores.
There is a lot of nature and the security is good, so you can raise your children without worry.
There are no educational institutions beyond high school in the city, so transportation and education costs tend to be high.
Moka City features a variety of shopping facilities, including small to medium-sized stores, supermarkets, and roadside stations, making it a convenient area for daily shopping. Aeon Town Moka is a medium-sized shopping mall located a 12-minute walk from Moka Station on the Moka Railway. It houses a supermarket, electronics retail store, clothing shops, and restaurants, providing a one-stop shopping experience for daily necessities. The parking lot is spacious, ensuring comfortable access by car. Michi no Eki Ninomiya is a beautifully renovated roadside station located a 13-minute walk from Higuchi Station on the Moka Railway, having been updated in 2020. It offers local specialties such as strawberry sweets and snacks made from “Tochi Otome,” along with fresh vegetables and side dishes available for purchase. In addition, there are about 13 supermarkets in the city, primarily focusing on stores like Torisen and Ohtani.
There are many small and medium-sized supermarkets and prices tend to be low, so you won’t have any trouble buying daily necessities.
There are no large shopping malls in the city, so you’ll need to go to nearby areas to enjoy shopping.
Mooka City is a city centered around agriculture and manufacturing, with jobs in the public sector, tourism, and regional development.
Moka City is a region with thriving industries, mainly agriculture and manufacturing, but recently the service and tourism industries have also been growing.
Due to the lack of public transportation, commuting to Tokyo or other prefectures is difficult in this area. It is important to gather information about the characteristics of the area and future employment trends.
