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Shika no Yu

A historic hot spring that was opened about 1300 years ago.

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Head Editor : Shika no Yu

Nasu Hot Spring's origin, 'Shika no Yu,' is believed to have been opened around 1300 years ago in the early 7th century. The hot spring was discovered when hunters chasing a wounded deer found it healing itself in the spring waters, hence the name 'Deer's Hot Spring.' Historical records mention Shika no Yu as early as the year 738, making it the oldest recorded hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture.

The bathing area retains the ambience of a traditional Japanese hot spring sanatorium, offering six different types of baths with temperatures ranging from 41°C to 48°C (five types in the women's bath as there is no 48°C bath). Before entering the hot springs, it's customary to perform "kaburi-yu," a unique method of bathing where adults pour hot spring water over their heads about 200 times with a ladle, and children about 100 times. This rare bathing method is said to prevent fainting, nausea, and is beneficial for headaches and shoulder stiffness. Due to the high temperature of the springs, it's recommended to bathe for about 15 minutes per session, up to four times a day.

The facility, reconstructed in 1941 into a wooden structure, exudes a rustic charm, and combined with the peaceful surrounding scenery, offers a glimpse into Japan's original landscape. Shika no Yu is a popular day-trip hot spring destination where you can experience Japan's traditional scenery.

Highlights

  • Tochigi Prefecture's oldest hot spring, dating back about 1300 years.
  • Retains the atmosphere of a traditional sanatorium with the unique "kaburi-yu" bathing method.
  • The wooden building was reconstructed in 1941.
  • The surrounding scenery enhances the experience of Japan's original landscape.

Photos

  • Shika no Yu, the birthplace of Nasu Hot Springs.

    Shika no Yu, the birthplace of Nasu Hot Springs.

  • The building, reconstructed in 1941, has a nostalgic atmosphere.

    The building, reconstructed in 1941, has a nostalgic atmosphere.

  • Strongly retains the ambience of a hot spring sanatorium.

    Strongly retains the ambience of a hot spring sanatorium.

  • Offers six different types of baths with temperatures ranging from 41°C to 48°C (five types in the women's bath).

    Offers six different types of baths with temperatures ranging from 41°C to 48°C (five types in the women's bath).

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Sorry, we don’t.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Not available.

Q

Is towel rental or purchase available?

A

Commemorative towels are available for purchase (400 yen), no rentals.

Q

Is re-entry possible?

A

Once you change and leave, that's the end of your visit.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
鹿の湯
Postal Code
325-0301
Address
181 Yumoto, Nasumachi, Nasugun, Tochigi
Telephone
0287-76-3098
Closed
Open every day (closed on days for facility maintenance)
Business Hours
8:00am - 6:00pm (Admission allowed until 5:30pm)
Admission
Adults 500 yen, children (elementary school students) 300 yen, toddlers free, half-day bathing experience ticket 1200 yen (1500 yen on weekends and holidays)
Access
About 35 minutes by bus from JR Utsunomiya Line Kuroiso Station, get off at the "Nasu Yumoto Onsen" bus stop, then a 2-minute walk.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)