Located just about a 70-minute train ride from Tokyo, the Nasu area in Tochigi Prefecture is one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its natural beauty and famous hot springs. Here are ten recommendations for must-visit places and must-do activities to make the most of your time in Nasu.
1. Nasu Kogen
Nasu Kogen is a sprawling plateau located at the southern base of Mt. Chausu, the most iconic peak in the Nasu mountain range. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, which changes with the seasons. Nasu Kogen is famous for its hot springs and Nasu Onsen Village, situated in the northwestern part of the plateau. The area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking. Families can also enjoy attractions like the renowned Nasu Animal Kingdom. Nasu Kogen is an ideal destination to immerse yourself in the splendor of all four seasons.
2. Nasu Onsen Village and Nasu Yumoto Onsen
The history of Nasu Onsen Village dates back more than 1,390 years. According to local legend, the natural hot springs in the area were first discovered by a monk who was in pursuit of an injured white deer, and due to the local water curing the deer's wounds, the local inhabitants recognized its therapeutic benefits. It is said that the water found in the area's hot springs can help alleviate various ailments, such as neuralgia, muscular pain, and joint discomfort. Today, visitors to Nasu Onsen Village can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese hot spring culture by staying overnight at an elegant ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) or hotel. The village also features notable historical sites, including Nasu Onsen Shrine and the iconic Sessho-Seki, which had been selected a scenic beauty spot in Japan. Nasu Onsen Village is a perfect place to unwind while experiencing a blend of Japanese history and culture.
3. Shiobara Onsen Village and Itamuro Onsen
Shiobara Onsen Village, located in Nasushiobara City in Tochigi Prefecture, is a historic hot spring area with a legacy spanning approximately 1,200 years. Home to around 60 traditional Japanese inns, the hot springs in the area draw from over 150 different underground springs, many offering unique benefits. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Tochigi, Shiobara Onsen Village is a year-round destination and is particularly stunning during the fall foliage season. Here, visitors can unwind in the hot springs while taking in breathtaking views of the area’s natural splendor. The area's location along the Shiobara Gorge also offers opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby waterfalls, offering both the rejuvenating effects of a hot springs experience with invigorating outdoor activities.
Nestled in the mountains just a short distance from Shiobara Onsen Village, Itamuro Onsen is a serene hot spring destination often referred to as "a hidden hot spring." Renowned for its healing waters since Japan’s Heian period (around 1059 C.E.), the area proudly preserves its long-standing tradition of wellness. The mildly alkaline spring water is celebrated for its skin-beautifying and stress-relieving properties, drawing an increasing number of visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Despite its small size, Itamuro Onsen offers a tranquil environment surrounded by nature, stunning views of the Nasu Mountain Range, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.
With Shiobara Onsen Village offering a lively atmosphere and Itamuro Onsen providing a tranquil, traditional wellness experience, each area has its own unique charm. Both are cherished vacation destinations where visitors can immerse themselves in the abundant natural beauty and hot springs of Nasushiobara City!
4. Gojinka Festival
The Gojinka Festival is an annual fire festival held in Nasu at the end of May every year. This traditional festival is celebrated to appease the anger of Mt. Chausu, which has experienced numerous eruptions throughout recorded history, and to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest. Highlights of the festival include a vibrant fire performance by locals, a dramatic torchlight procession, and the ignition of a sacred giant fire pillar that majestically rises from the ground. The festival not only reflects the rich natural and historical heritage of Nasu but also offers a rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture through its dynamic and energetic traditional celebrations.
5. Tentaka Brewery
Tentaka Brewery, a renowned sake brewery located in Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, prides itself on crafting sake in harmony with nature. Known for its commitment to organic sake production, the brewery uses no chemical fertilizers or pesticides in its sake-making process, and its environmentally friendly methods have earned it international organic certification. Among the brewery's most famous brands is its Tentaka sake celebrated for its rich flavor and pleasant rice aroma. Tentaka Brewery has also won numerous awards at both domestic and international sake competitions and is recognized for its high-quality sake. It is also an ideal spot to visit, offering guests the opportunity to tour the brewery and experience the charm of sake while immersing themselves in the traditional culture of Tochigi.
6. Cheese Garden Nasu Honten
You'll find numerous shops specializing in ice cream and cheese when visiting Nasu area. Among them, Cheese Garden Nasu Honten stands out for its exquisite sweets and refreshments made from cheese. The imperial villa cheesecake, known for its rich flavor, is particularly popular. The store also features a café where you can savor freshly baked pizza and handmade desserts on-site. Additionally, the store is an excellent place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Nasu!
7. Roadside Station Meiji no Mori Kuroiso
Located in Nasushiobara City, Roadside Station Meiji no Mori Kuroiso is a destination where you can experience the rich nature and history of Tochigi Prefecture. This roadside station, with its historical building that preserves the ambiance of Japan’s Meiji period, features the “Suginamiki,” designated as a city historical site, as well as flower fields where visitors can stroll and enjoy seasonal scenery, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. The facility, which reopened this past April, is divided into three distinct areas: marché, crafts, and dining, where visitors can purchase fresh local produce and sample gourmet foods made in the Nasushiobara region. There are also treats like soft-serve ice cream made from Nasu's farm-fresh milk and dishes prepared with seasonal vegetables and local Nasushiobara beef. Conveniently located with easy access to both the Nasu Highlands and Nasu Onsen Village, it serves as an ideal stop while sightseeing in the area. Whether you're interested in nature, history, or local cuisine, this spot is perfect for a wide range of visitors, from families and history enthusiasts to nature lovers.
8. Sansuikaku
Located in Nasu Town, Sansuikaku is a 13-room luxury ryokan nestled in the quiet, natural foothills of Tochigi Prefecture. The ryokan offers a range of guest rooms with private hot spring baths, allowing you to unwind while taking in stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Its culinary offerings feature exquisite multi-course kaiseki meals crafted from the freshest local ingredients. For a truly unique experience, guests can savor Nasu Kuroge Wagyu Beef, a rare delicacy produced by carefully selected local ranchers and seldom available for purchase on the market; however, advance reservations are required.
Furthermore, Sansuikaku is renowned for its attentive service and warm hospitality, consistently attending to the needs and preferences of each guest. We highly recommend this ryokan to those seeking a luxurious and memorable traditional ryokan experience.
9. Shofuro Matsuya
Shofuro Matsuya is a historic ryokan with over 140 years of tradition, located in the picturesque natural surroundings of Nasushiobara City in Tochigi Prefecture. This charming inn features 13 rooms, each with its own open-air bath, offering guests an intimate and authentic Japanese experience. Meals are served kaiseki-style, highlighting local, seasonal ingredients sourced from the mountains and rivers of Tochigi, and can be paired with a selection of local sake, wine, and other curated beverages. The ryokan also offers a variety of amenities, including an onsite bar, souvenir shop, karaoke room, and a table tennis area, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation with family and friends. Shofuro Matsuya is a long-established ryokan that promises more than just soothing hot springs and delicious cuisine; it offers a complete, enriching ryokan experience.
10. Sachinoyu Onsen
At Sachinoyu Onsen, a ryokan nestled in Itamuro Onsen, Nasushiobara City, you can indulge in a unique bathing experience known as “tsuna no yu” that involves entering a waist-deep tub while holding onto a rope that hangs from a beam. The tub is filled with cobbles and gravel stones, providing a delightful sensory experience as the water soothes and stimulates your feet. This method is particularly renowned for enhancing blood circulation and alleviating joint pain in the knees and hips.
Another highlight at Sachinoyu Onsen is “Otaki no Yu,” a stunning waterfall-like stream that cascades from a height of 4 meters. The ryokan’s interior features tatami-matted corridors and traditional wooden structures, creating an authentic Japanese atmosphere. We highly recommend Sachinoyu Onsen to anyone seeking a traditional onsen experience amidst the natural beauty of Itamuro Onsen.
Special Tour Information
Indulge in a luxury experience amidst the fall foliage of Oku-Nikko.
Oku-Nikko is a tranquil retreat near the World Heritage Site "The Shrines and Temples of Nikko," and while it preserves its traditional Japanese charm, it also boasts a unique history and scenic beauty that attracted many Western diplomats during the Meiji era (1868-1912), setting the stage for Oku-Nikko to thrive as a summer resort destination along the shores of Lake Chuzenji. This fall, why not avoid the traffic and fly to Oku-Nikko by helicopter for a special "right now, right here, just for you" experience?
At just about an hour each way, your helicopter will whisk you from Tokyo to Tochigi Prefecture, offering a breathtaking aerial view of Oku-Nikko's stunning fall foliage. Soar above the vibrant, iconic autumn colors of Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka Winding Road, all while avoiding the hassle of the traffic below!
During your time in Oku-Nikko, you will stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, which is surrounded by the rich nature of Nikko National Park and was the site of the G7 Ministerial Meeting in 2023. You will also enjoy a guided tour of Oku-Nikko's natural beauty with a private guide. Additionally, you can experience a private dinner featuring locally sourced products at the former Italian Embassy Villa, a property once owned by the Italian Embassy and designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, along with other unique experiences in one of Japan's leading tourist destinations.
This special tour offers flexibility in arranging the itinerary according to your needs, allowing you to enjoy a unique "right now, right here, just for you" experience in Nikko!
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