Otawara Overview
Ōtawara is a city located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2020, the city had an estimated population of 72,189 in 30,136 households, and a population density of 210 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 354.36 square kilometres (136.82 sq mi). The city's name may also be spelled "Ohtawara" as indicated by the official city website.
Otawara Key Statistics
Population72923
Area354 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés11 / 0 / 3
Practical Essentials for Otawara
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
Getting Around Otawara
Train Travel to Otawara
Otawara is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Otawara
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Otawara
Cover Your Trip to Otawara
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Otawara
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Otawara downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Otawara.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Otawara Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Otawara.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Otawara.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Otawara
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Otawara
¥3,400,000*est
Median household income / year
78*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Otawara
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Otawara
When was Otawara founded?
Otawara was founded on December 1, 1954.
How old is Otawara?
Otawara is roughly 72 years old.
What is the population of Otawara?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 72,923.
What is the land area of Otawara?
Otawara covers roughly 354 km².
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Otawara?
The city has roughly 11 parks, 0 museums and 3 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Otawara expensive to live?
Otawara is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Otawara?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Otawara?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Otawara has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Otawara?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Otawara?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Learn more ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Otawara?
Otawara hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Otawara?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Otawara?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Otawara?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Otawara?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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