Discover Nasu: Forests, Onsen and Cultural Trails

In Nasu, forests, onsen and cultural sites offer different starting points for a stay: Nasu Heisei-no-Mori is known for forest exploration, Nasu Hot Spring Village for onsen, and Sessho Seki is associated with local folklore. There is also autumn trekking through valleys and the Nasu Ropeway on Mount Chausu. If you’re looking for a hotel in Nasu, you can start planning by considering which of these interests will shape your trip.

Forest at Nasu Heisei-no-Mori

Nasu Heisei-no-Mori covers 560 hectares and was donated to the public by the Imperial Household in 2008. You can explore the forest independently. Guided walks with a nature specialist are offered in the Forest Learning Zone at the Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Field Center; advance reservations are required. If a guided walk is important to you, plan ahead to make a reservation and check the latest program information.

The Field Center also offers creative activities, including making keychains, hangers and hand cream. The activities have different focuses: guided walks emphasize experiencing nature, while the creative activities focus on making things.

The trails in the Forest Recreation Zone at the entrance to the Field Center are fully wheelchair accessible; several lead to Komagome Waterfall. Check the accessibility information again before your trip.

Onsen and getting there

The onsen of Nasu Hot Spring Village are said to date back to the 8th century and to be among the oldest in Japan. This gives the onsen tradition a historical dimension alongside the area’s nature and culture. From Tokyo, you can reach Nasu Hot Spring Village by high-speed train and then by bus from Nasushiobara Station. Check current connections before your trip.

Forest trails, trekking and views

The Nasu Hot Spring Village area has forest trails and opportunities for autumn trekking through valleys. Valley trekking is therefore a seasonal option, while the forest trails offer another outdoor activity in the area. Seasonal conditions may vary; check the latest information before planning specific outings.

The Nasu Ropeway connects its lower station to the ninth station of Mount Chausu in about four minutes. Operations may vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check the latest operating information before your ride. The Nasu Ropeway offers views of the Nasu Plain; in clear weather, Mount Bandai, the Nikko Mountains, the Kanto Plain and Mount Tsukuba can also be seen from the summit of Mount Chausu.

Cultural route and local folklore

The Yugyo Willow Tree and Sessho Seki Trail connects Nasu Yuzen Shrine with Sessho Seki and passes places associated with Matsuo Basho. In local folklore, Sessho Seki is linked to a nine-tailed fox. The route thus brings together named stops and connections to Basho with a story belonging to the legends surrounding Sessho Seki.

Find a hotel in Nasu based on your travel interests

When looking for a hotel in Nasu, a good place to start is with the activities you’re planning. Check the hotel’s exact address and the connections you’ll need for your plans. For travel to Nasu Hot Spring Village, take current train and bus connections from Nasushiobara into account.

Discover more destinations: Nikkō, Ōtawara, Utsunomiya, Nasushiobara, Mashiko, Mooka, Yaita, Ashikaga.

See the broader travel overview: Tochigi Prefecture.