Shimotsuke City in Tochigi Prefecture was established in 2006 after a merger. It boasts numerous cultural attractions, including the ruins of Shimotsuke Yakushi-ji Temple and the ruins of Shimotsuke Kokubunji Nunnery. Kanpyo (dried gourd) is a major local specialty. The city has friendly city ties with Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture. Tenpyo-no-Oka Park boasts a mountain cherry blossom tunnel, and the scenery when the flowers are in full bloom is said to be spectacular. At Ishibashi Iris Garden, you can see German irises. One of the attractions is the opportunity to not only view them, but also purchase them. Thanks to its abundant natural environment, the city offers a feast for the eyes every day, with a variety of scenery and flowers to see throughout the year.