Nasu Highlands (Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Nasu Highlands (Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture) is a highland resort area in northern Kanto that is a popular tourist destination offering a perfect balance of abundant nature, hot springs, and leisure facilities. The hilly area, centered around Mount Chausu, formed by volcanic activity, offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons with its ranches, marshes, and beech and larch forests. Since the Meiji period, the area has been developed as a summer resort and health resort, and is now home to a family-friendly amusement park, animal encounter facilities, outlet malls, museums, and accommodations (hot spring inns and pensions). The area's appeal lies in its easy access from central Tokyo, its wide range of activities, and the soothing hot springs.

Highlights

• Chausu-dake (Nasu-dake) and Nasu Ropeway: You can take a ropeway to the summit of this active volcano, where you can see fumes. From the summit, you can enjoy views of the Nasu mountain range and the Kanto Plain, and there are also well-maintained hiking routes.
• Nasu Highlands Observatory Driving Course: Enjoy the magnificent views from the observation points along the plateau road, perfect for a drive.
• Nasu Animal Kingdom: A facility where you can interact with animals and enjoy shows. Popular with families with small children.
• Nasu Highland Park: An amusement park with everything from thrilling rides to rides for children. Seasonal events are also held.
• Nasu Hot Springs (Nasu Yumoto and others): There are hot springs with different qualities scattered around the area, and you can enjoy a day trip or stay overnight at a luxury inn. Strolling around the hot spring town is also very charming.
• Nasu Garden Outlet: An outlet where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food. Convenient for families and couples.
• Museums and cultural facilities: There are many unique themed facilities scattered around, including a stained glass museum, trick art museum, and other art galleries.
• Ranch and agricultural experience: You can enjoy milking experiences and soft serve ice cream at Nasu Highlands Ranch and dairy factory.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train + BusThe nearest Shinkansen station is JR Nasushiobara Station (in Nasushiobara City, adjacent to Nasu Town). It takes about 60-80 minutes by Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo (Tokyo Station/Ueno). From Nasushiobara Station, it takes about 40-60 minutes by local bus (such as Kanto Bus) or shuttle bus to the Nasu Highlands area (towards Nasu Yumoto and Nasu Ropeway).
• Express bus: Direct express buses are sometimes operated from Tokyo (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, etc.) to Nasu, taking approximately 2-3 hours. The number of buses varies depending on the season.
• carAccess: From the Tohoku Expressway, Nasu IC or Nasu Kogen Smart IC. Approximately 2-3 hours from Tokyo (depending on road conditions and departure point). Parking is available on the plateau, but may be full during peak seasons.
• Local transportation: As tourist spots are scattered around, it is efficient to rent a car or take a taxi. Seasonal shuttles and sightseeing buses are also available.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: Combine the main attractions (Nasu Garden Outlet + farm, Animal Kingdom, hot spring bathing) and it will take about 6 to 10 hours.
• 2 days, 1 night: Stay overnight at a hot spring, then spend the next day hiking, visiting museums, and relaxing at the outlets. Recommended.
• Two nights or more: Suitable for hiking, nature walks, and leisurely touring multiple leisure facilities.

Nearby spots

• Nasu Animal Kingdom
• Nasu Highland Park
• Nasu Hot Springs (Nasu Yumoto, Itamuro, etc.)
• Nasu Garden Outlet
• Nasu Stained Glass Museum, Trick Art Museum
• Nasu Heisei Forest (nature walks, trekking)
• Theme museums such as the Nasu Teddy Bear Museum

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• congestion:Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season (mid-October to early November), and the New Year's holiday period are extremely busy, so be sure to make your parking and accommodation reservations early.
• Weather/Clothing:The highlands are very cold in the mornings and evenings, and the weather is changeable. Bring a jacket even in spring and autumn, and be careful of snow and frozen roads in winter. You may need studless tires or chains.
• Mountain climbing and walking:If you are heading to mountainous areas such as Mt. Chausu, be sure to bring hiking boots, a map, and plenty of food and drink. There are some no-entry areas in the fumarolic zone, so be sure to follow the signs.
• Onsen Manners:Follow the rules of public baths and inns (such as how to handle tattoos and washing your body before bathing). Also, check the rules for mixed baths and private baths.
• Nature conservation:Please be sure to take your trash with you, do not feed the plants or wildlife, and stick to designated routes.
• Facility information changes:Business hours, holidays, and operational status (ropeway, shuttle bus, etc.) may change depending on the season and inspections, so please check the official website or tourist information in advance.

Nasu Highlands shows different faces with each season, making it a tourist destination you'll want to visit again and again. Plan your trip according to your goals and enjoy nature, hot springs, and leisure activities safely.