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Nogi Town is located in the southern part of Tochigi Prefecture, with an area of approximately 30.27 square kilometers. It borders Oyama City to the north and east, Koga City in Ibaraki Prefecture to the south, and Tochigi City to the west. The population is around 24,000, with about 10,000 households (as of September 2023). The town features a mostly flat terrain consisting of Kanto loam, which is characterized by low disaster risk. The western part is blessed with the expansive Watarase Yusuichi and rivers such as the Omoi River and Watarase River, while the eastern part includes the town’s center, featuring a railway station, commercial facilities, and residential areas.
The town has a long history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times, with many ruins from the Paleolithic to Kofun periods. During the Kamakura period, an ancient road known as the Okuno Odo existed. In the Edo period, Nogi became a bustling post town along the Nikkō highway, a vital transportation hub. In 1889, the town system was established, merging Nogi-juku, Tomonuma, Nodorimura, Minami-Akatsuka, Marubayashi, Nakaya, Junjima, Sagawano, Kawada, and Wakabayashi into “Nogi Village.” In 1963, Nogi Town was officially established. The area, which was predominantly rural, began to develop industrial zones during this period, leading to urban development centered on agriculture and industry, revitalizing the town. The first railway station, “Nogi Station,” was opened in 1963, resulting in a rapid population increase. Today, Nogi Town, centered around Nogi Station, is located approximately 60 km from Tokyo, making it the closest town to the capital within the prefecture. It is recognized as a bedroom community due to its excellent access, allowing direct transportation to Shinjuku and Ueno.
A notable spot in the town is the Nogi Shrine, which features a large owl statue at its entrance and is surrounded by a sacred ginkgo tree believed to be 1,200 years old. The Chochin Momi, held annually on December 3rd, is particularly famous. During this festival, participants vigorously tussle with lanterns attached to 20-meter bamboo poles, attempting to extinguish each other’s flames, and it is referred to as a “strange festival in Kanto,” attracting many spectators each year. Another landmark is the Old Shimotsuke Brick Kiln, established in the 21st year of the Meiji era for firing red bricks. Its unique octagonal structure, measuring about 100 meters in circumference, is designated as a cultural asset of national significance. Nogi Town’s sunflower field is located about a 24-minute walk from JR Tōhoku Main Line’s Nogi Station. Each summer, it hosts the Sunflower Festival, featuring a vast field of approximately 200,000 sunflowers, which transforms into a giant maze made of sunflowers, delighting visitors.
Nogi Town is served by JR’s Nogi Station, which connects to the Shonan Shinjuku Line and Ueno Tokyo Line of the JR Utsunomiya Line. The town is traversed by National Route 4, known as the Nikkō Highway, which connects Koga City and Oyama City, accommodating a high volume of vehicular traffic. Additionally, there is a demand-responsive transport service called “Kira Wheel,” which can be used for local travel within the town.
The train is convenient for commuting to work or school as you can get to Ueno, Shinjuku, and other areas without having to transfer.
There are no local bus routes within the town, so you will have to use your own car or a demand taxi.
According to information on 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 56,000 yen for a 1K and 63,000 yen for a 2K. The average price per tsubo for land is about 110,000 yen per tsubo. Nogicho is a town surrounded by nature, with a living environment surrounded by lush greenery. Nature is close by, and it is an environment where you can enjoy nature walks and the like.
Characterized by a natural environment and relatively inexpensive property prices, the area is known as an attractive residential area for people seeking a quiet lifestyle.
It is important to keep in mind that there is a risk of natural disasters.
Nogi Town has 2 nursery schools, 2 kindergartens, 5 elementary schools, and 2 junior high schools. The Children’s Medical Expense Subsidy System covers all medical expenses for children under 18 years old (up to March 31 after reaching 18 years). Child allowances are provided as follows: ¥15,000 for children under 3 years, ¥10,000 for the first and second child aged 3 years and older until they enter elementary school, ¥15,000 for the third and subsequent children, and ¥10,000 for junior high school students.
Nogi Town also has its unique childcare support measures. The Birth Celebration Fund provides ¥20,000 for the first and second child born and ¥100,000 for the third and subsequent children. The Childbirth and Childcare Support Grant Program offers ¥50,000 as a childbirth support gift after an interview at the time of pregnancy notification and another ¥50,000 as a childcare support gift after a visit with the baby. Additionally, the Nogi Town Scholarship for Enrollment in Elementary and Junior High Schools for Third Child and Beyond provides ¥50,000 for each child entering elementary and junior high school from the third child onward. Other initiatives include subsidies for purchasing child seats, subsidies for purchasing bicycle helmets, and three-passenger bicycle rentals, actively supporting families raising children.
Compared to neighboring areas, the city offers a wide range of child-rearing subsidies and grants, making it a recommended city for those raising children.
There is no education period beyond high school, and commute times to other areas and education costs tend to be high.
Nogi Town has various supermarkets, drugstores, and clothing stores, primarily around Nogi Station. There are about three supermarkets within the town, so shopping for groceries and daily necessities is convenient. However, there are no large shopping malls where everything can be found in one place, requiring trips to nearby cities or towns for such needs. Having a car significantly expands shopping options in the area. The JA Oyama Nogi Matsubara Ohashi Direct Sales Store is located along National Route 4. Operated by the JA, it offers fresh local vegetables at relatively low prices, and is also popular for selling bread from a well-known local bakery.
There are many shops selling daily necessities around the station, so you won’t have any trouble with your daily shopping.
There are very few large stores or places where you can buy fashionable clothing.
The average annual income in Nogi Town is 3.1 million yen. The town was originally an agricultural region, but due to its close distance to the city center, it is now becoming a commuter town. Agriculture is still one of the main industries, but there are also three industrial parks in the town, with about 34 companies located there, providing a certain number of jobs. The area is also promising job opportunities in areas closely related to daily life, such as childcare institutions, educational institutions, medical institutions, and retail.
Kimachi has a vibrant local economy, with many local companies and businesses hiring. It is characterized by community-based employment, allowing you to work while building connections with the local people.
Some people apply for jobs in the city center because it is relatively easy to commute to the city center. However, although the transportation infrastructure for commuting is well developed, the number of buses and trains may be fewer than in the city center.
