A Travel Guide to Nasu Onsen, a Hot Spring Area Dotted with Hidden Hot Springs

Shika-no-Yu, the original hot spring of Nasu Onsen, is said to have opened in the early 7th century.
The spring quality is simple acidic sulfur spring water and is said to offer a range of benefits, including relief for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain.
The baths are divided into six types by temperature, so you can choose the one you prefer. It is said to be more effective to repeat short hot baths rather than soak for a long time.
Although it was rebuilt in 1941, it still retains its old appearance, and the weathered wooden architecture feels as though time has stood still.

This secluded hot spring ryokan stands in a mountain valley at an elevation of 1,300 meters in the deepest part of the Nasu hot spring area, long popular as a place for recuperation.
It is also known as a place where General Nogi Maresuke came every year for therapeutic stays during the Meiji period, and the inn displays exhibits related to him.
Its pride is its hot spring water, said to have the greatest volume in the Nasu hot spring area.
Including Kawa-no-Yu, a large natural open-air bath created by damming a hot spring stream flowing from the inn’s private source in the mountain behind it, guests can enjoy four open-air baths of varying sizes with free-flowing spring water that is neither heated nor diluted, though some heating is used during certain seasons.

Kita Onsen Ryokan, located near the Yosasa River, is about a 30-minute walk from Kita-Yu-Iriguchi, the nearest bus stop, so keep that in mind.
That said, the walk should not feel too difficult thanks to the beautiful scenery along the way.
The spring quality is a simple hot spring and is said to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and more.
It is also called Tengu Onsen, and tengu masks are displayed throughout the property.
Its retro atmosphere is part of its charm, along with its abundant hot spring water.
It is also known for having been used as a filming location for a movie themed around baths.

Yahatonsen Zekkei Ichibokaku is a standalone inn surrounded by nature at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, located just a short walk from the Yahatonsen bus stop. It is also close to Kita Onsen.
The spring quality is a neutral simple hot spring, and one of its charms is that it is gentle on the skin.
It contains a high amount of metasilicic acid, which is expected to have beautifying effects on the skin and help promote skin turnover. It is also said to help with recovery from fatigue and sensitivity to cold.
Its clean bathing area is another part of its appeal, making for a pleasant hot spring experience.
Because of the high elevation and abundant nature, one more highlight is the chance to enjoy the fresh, clear air.

Several hot spring ryokan are scattered in the southern part of Nasu Onsen, and these are collectively called Shin-Nasu Onsen.
The area developed after hot spring water was drawn from the source of Omaru Onsen in 1923 and ryokan began to open there.
Even though the water is piped in, the spring water temperature is still high, and it is said to help with neuralgia, recovery from fatigue, and more.
Its spring quality is classified as a simple hot spring.
Shin-Nasu Onsen has a wide variety of inns, ranging from retro-style properties to those with refined modern designs.
Its greatest attraction is being able to bathe in hot springs while looking out at nature up close, and many facilities also offer day-use bathing.

Sandogoya Onsen lies deep in the mountains, about a 2-hour hike from the Nasu Ropeway Sancho Station.
Several hot spring ryokan are scattered around Sandogoya Onsen.
The spring quality is an alkaline simple spring, characterized by being colorless, odorless, and clear. It is said to help with digestive disorders and chronic eczema.
One of its major attractions is the chance to see a sky full of stars. Because the inns generate their own electricity, only lamp light remains after lights-out.
Seeing the night sky while surrounded by nature will surely be a memorable experience.
It takes some effort to get there, but the experience should be well worth it.

A large-scale resort complex in Nasu Kogen with nine different accommodation facilities spread across its vast grounds, including the resort-style Oriental Garden, where guest room buildings surround a central pool, and Fukuro no Mori, cottage-style lodgings where you can feel close to nature.
There are three hot spring areas exclusively for guests. Yu-dokoro Hinoki is a luxurious open-air bath where not only the tubs but the entire building is made of Japanese cypress.
You are sure to relax with the soothing scent of hinoki and sulfur spring water that warms you from the core.

A resort hotel standing on a lush highland. Its Northern Italian-style exterior, lobby decorated with luxurious chandeliers, and fountain in the courtyard all create an elegant atmosphere.
Guest rooms include comfort rooms filled with natural light and decorated with European classic interiors, as well as twin rooms, fourth rooms, Japanese-style rooms, and semi-double rooms.

A hotel located almost in the center of Nasu Kogen, which stretches across northern Tochigi Prefecture.
Surrounded by grand natural scenery, with the Nasu mountain range to the north and the Kanto Plain to the south, guests can enjoy meals made with local ingredients, take part in activities, and relax in the hot springs or spa in whatever way suits their ideal vacation.

Nasu Animal Kingdom is home to about 600 animals on a vast site roughly 10 times the size of Tokyo Dome.
It also keeps rare animals that are unusual even on a national level, making it enjoyable not just for children.
The grounds are divided into Kingdom Town and Kingdom Farm, with a free Wan Nyan Bus connecting the two areas.
With plenty of restaurants and shops as well, it is one of Nasu’s most popular attractions and a place you can enjoy all day long.

One of the largest amusement parks in northern Kanto, the park is divided into seven areas: Coaster Plaza, Rock’n’Roll Plaza, Galaxy & Star Plaza, Tropicana Park, Carousel Park & Victorian Garden, Fantasy Land of Forest and Water, and King’s Court.
There are also seven unique restaurants scattered throughout the park, making it easy to take a break when you get tired from all the fun.

Around 630, a hunter named Kano Saburo Yukihiro pursued a white deer deep into the mountains and discovered hot springs bubbling up in a valley. That discovery led to the founding of the shrine on this site.
The grounds are full of highlights, including the Yamato Sazareishi mentioned in the lyrics of Japan’s national anthem, a massive sacred tree estimated to be 800 years old, and the Third Torii Gate, donated by Nasu no Yoichi and known as a powerful spiritual spot.

This steakhouse is operated directly by a long-established butcher shop with more than 70 years of history, allowing it to serve high-quality local Japanese beef such as Tochigi Wagyu and Nasu Wagyu at reasonable prices.
Located along the Nasu Kaido road, it is a popular restaurant loved by both tourists and locals.
Tochigi Wagyu is known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and richly aromatic marbled beef.
Among its offerings, the steak menu featuring A5-rank sirloin and filet is truly exceptional.

Nasu is one of Japan’s leading sightseeing destinations. In this lush setting, La Vita e Bella Nasu Kogen, located inside Nasu Kogen Michel Garden Court, offers authentic Italian cuisine.
Nasu Kogen Michel Garden Court recreates the manor house of the British aristocracy down to its architectural methods and fine details, letting guests enjoy a meal in an extraordinary setting while feeling the soothing power of Nasu’s natural surroundings.

A highland bakery featured in many media outlets, including the Red Brick Bread Festival Gold Award and Cambrian Palace.
Its charming storefront looks like something out of an anime world and is also very popular with locals.
Because its bread is also served in restaurants, the bakery is particular about its ingredients and uses carefully selected materials as much as possible, including wheat flour from Nasu Kogen, eggs from local free-range chickens, and original cheese cream, all in pursuit of great flavor.

Shiobara Onsen is the collective name for the hot springs scattered mainly through the valley along the Hoki River in Nasushiobara City.
Because hot spring water flows from Approx. 150 different sources, one of its greatest attractions is the ability to choose a hot spring that suits your physical condition and preferences from among many spring qualities and benefits.
It is rare even across Japan for such a wide variety of spring qualities to be found within a single area.
More than 80% of Shiobara Onsen’s area is forest, and the scenery created by the harmony between nature and the hot spring town is another highlight.

Kinugawa Onsen, located in the upper reaches of the Kinugawa River in Nikko City, is one of the most popular hot spring destinations in the Kanto region.
The spring water is an alkaline simple hot spring that is colorless and odorless, with no strong characteristics. Its soft, skin-friendly water is said to help with burns, skin conditions, stomach and intestinal ailments, and recovery from fatigue, making it popular with a wide range of visitors.
The grand natural scenery along the Kinugawa Valley is another reason for its popularity, and you can enjoy spectacular seasonal views throughout the year, including fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowy landscapes.