Nasu Onsen Travel Guide: Discover Hidden Hot Springs in Japan

Shika-no-Yu, the original hot spring of Nasu Onsen, is believed to date back to the early 7th century.
Its acidic sulfur-rich waters are said to offer various health benefits, including relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain.
There are six baths with different water temperatures, allowing visitors to choose the one that suits them best. Taking several short dips in the hot water is said to be more beneficial than soaking for an extended period.
Although the building was reconstructed in 1941, it retains much of its original character. Its rustic wooden architecture evokes a sense of stepping back in time.

Nestled in a mountain valley at an elevation of 1,300 meters, Omaru Onsen Ryokan is a secluded hot spring inn in the remote reaches of Nasu Onsen, a hot spring area long renowned for its therapeutic waters.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), General Nogi Maresuke reportedly visited the inn every year for therapeutic bathing. Today, the inn features exhibits dedicated to the general and his connection to the area.
The inn's greatest attraction is its abundant natural hot spring water, boasting the highest flow rate in the Nasu Onsen area.
One of its highlights is Kawa-no-Yu, a spacious natural open-air bath created by damming a hot spring stream fed by the inn's private source on the mountainside behind the property.
Guests can enjoy four open-air baths of varying sizes, all featuring free-flowing spring water directly from the source, without added water or artificial heating, except during certain seasons when some heating may be required.

Kita Onsen Ryokan is located near the Yosasa River, about a 30-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, Kita-Yu-Iriguchi. Be sure to factor in the walking time when planning your visit.
However, with stunning scenery to enjoy along the way, the walk itself is part of the experience.
The inn's simple hot spring waters are said to help relieve conditions such as neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Also known as Tengu Onsen, the inn features tengu masks displayed throughout the property.
Its nostalgic atmosphere and abundant natural hot spring water are among its main attractions.
The inn is also known for having served as a filming location for a movie centered around a public bath.

Yahataonsen Zekkei Ichibokaku is a secluded inn surrounded by nature at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters, just steps from the Yahata Onsen bus stop. It is also located close to Kita Onsen.
The inn features neutral-pH, simple hot spring water that is gentle on the skin.
Rich in metasilicic acid, the water is believed to promote skin cell renewal and offer skin-beautifying benefits. It is also said to help relieve fatigue and sensitivity to cold.
The clean, well-maintained bathing facilities add to the appeal, providing a comfortable and relaxing hot spring experience.
With its high-altitude location surrounded by lush natural scenery, the inn is also an ideal place to enjoy fresh mountain air.

Several hot spring inns scattered across the southern part of Nasu Onsen are collectively known as Shin-Nasu Onsen.
The area began to develop in 1923, when hot spring water was piped in from Omaru Onsen and the first inn opened.
Despite being transported from another source, the water remains hot and is said to help relieve neuralgia and fatigue, among other conditions. It is classified as simple hot spring water.
Shin-Nasu Onsen offers a diverse selection of inns, ranging from charming retro-style properties to those featuring sophisticated modern designs.
The area's greatest appeal is the opportunity to soak in hot springs while taking in the surrounding natural beauty up close. Many facilities also welcome day-trip visitors looking to enjoy the baths without staying overnight.

Sandogoya Onsen is tucked away deep in the mountains, about a two-hour hike from the upper station of the Nasu Ropeway.
The area is home to several hot spring inns scattered throughout the mountains.
Its alkaline simple hot spring water is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and is said to help alleviate digestive disorders and chronic eczema.
One of the area's greatest attractions is the chance to admire a sky filled with countless stars. Since the inns generate their own electricity, only the soft glow of lamps remains after lights-out.
Gazing up at the star-filled sky while surrounded by untouched nature is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Getting there requires some effort, but the rewards are well worth the journey.

This expansive resort complex in Nasu Kogen features nine distinct accommodation options spread across its vast grounds. These include Oriental Garden, a resort-style accommodation area with guest room buildings surrounding a central pool, and Fukuro no Mori, a collection of detached cottage-style accommodations nestled in lush natural surroundings.
The resort also offers three hot spring bathing areas exclusively for overnight guests. One highlight is Yu-dokoro Hinoki, a luxurious open-air bathing facility built entirely from Japanese cypress (hinoki), from the bathtubs to the building itself.
The soothing fragrance of hinoki and the sulfur-rich waters that warm you from within create the perfect setting for a relaxing soak.

Nestled in the lush greenery of Nasu Kogen, this resort hotel exudes elegance and sophistication. From its Northern Italian-inspired exterior and lobby adorned with magnificent chandeliers to the fountain in its courtyard, every detail contributes to an atmosphere of refined luxury.
The hotel offers a variety of guest rooms, including comfort rooms featuring classic European-style interiors and plenty of natural light, as well as twin rooms, quad rooms, Japanese-style rooms, and semi-double rooms.

Nestled in the heart of Nasu Kogen in northern Tochigi Prefecture, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Nasu mountain range to the north and the Kanto Plain to the south.
Surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, guests can spend their vacation however they please, whether savoring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, enjoying a variety of activities, or unwinding in the hot springs or with rejuvenating spa treatments.

Nasu Animal Kingdom is home to approximately 600 animals across expansive grounds roughly 10 times the size of Tokyo Dome.
The park is home to several animal species rarely seen elsewhere in Japan, making it an exciting destination for visitors of all ages.
The grounds are divided into two areas, Kingdom Town and Kingdom Farm, connected by the free Wan Nyan Bus shuttle service.
With a variety of restaurants and shops to explore, Nasu Animal Kingdom is a popular attraction where visitors can easily spend an entire day.

One of the largest amusement parks in the northern Kanto region, Nasu Highland Park is divided into seven themed 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.
With seven unique restaurants scattered throughout the park, there are plenty of places to take a break and recharge after enjoying the attractions.

According to legend, around 630, a hunter named Kano Saburo Yukihiro ventured deep into the mountains in pursuit of a white deer and discovered a hot spring bubbling up in a valley. He then established a shrine at the site, marking the beginning of its history.
The shrine grounds are home to numerous attractions, including Yamato Sazareishi, a collection of small stones associated with the lyrics of Japan's national anthem; an enormous sacred tree estimated to be 800 years old; and the Third Torii Gate, said to have been donated by the famous warrior Nasu no Yoichi and revered as a powerful spiritual spot.

Run by a long-established butcher shop with over 70 years of history, this steakhouse offers premium locally raised Wagyu beef, including Tochigi Wagyu and Nasu Wagyu, at reasonable prices.
Located along Nasu Kaido Road, the restaurant is a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Tochigi Wagyu is prized for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, rich aroma, and beautifully marbled meat.
The A5-grade sirloin and filet steaks are particularly outstanding, offering an exceptional taste of this premium beef.

Nestled in the lush greenery of Nasu, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, La Vita e Bella Nasu Kogen serves authentic Italian cuisine within the elegant Nasu Kogen Michel Garden Court.
Designed to faithfully recreate a traditional British aristocratic manor house, Nasu Kogen Michel Garden Court captures everything from its architectural style to its intricate details. Here, guests can savor exquisite Italian cuisine in an extraordinary setting while enjoying the tranquility of Nasu's beautiful natural surroundings.

This popular highland bakery has attracted plenty of media attention, including winning a Gold Award at the Red Brick Bread Festival and being featured on the TV program Cambrian Palace.
With its charming storefront that looks like something straight out of an anime, the bakery is also a favorite among locals.
The bakery's bread is even served in restaurants, reflecting its commitment to quality and flavor. Whenever possible, it uses carefully selected ingredients, including locally produced wheat flour from Nasu Kogen, eggs from locally raised chickens, and its own signature cheese cream.

Shiobara Onsen refers to a collection of hot springs scattered primarily along the Hoki River valley in Nasushiobara City.
With approximately 150 hot spring sources, the area offers an impressive variety of mineral compositions and reputed health benefits, allowing visitors to choose a hot spring that best suits their needs and preferences.
Such a diverse range of hot spring waters within a single area is rare even in Japan.
More than 80% of the Shiobara Onsen area is covered in forest, creating a picturesque landscape where the hot spring town blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings.

Kinugawa Onsen, located along the upper reaches of the Kinugawa River in Nikko City, is one of the most popular hot spring destinations in the Kanto region.
Its alkaline simple hot spring water is tasteless and odorless, with a mild, gentle quality that appeals to a wide range of visitors. The soft, skin-friendly waters are said to help alleviate burns, skin conditions, gastrointestinal ailments, and fatigue.
Another major attraction is the magnificent natural scenery along the Kinugawa Valley. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views throughout the year, from lush greenery in spring and summer to vibrant autumn foliage and snow-covered landscapes in winter.