Nasu Hot Spring, Tochigi Prefecture Complete Guide 2026 Edition｜Thorough Explanation of History, Water Quality, Access, and Recommended Accommodations
Nasu Hot Spring, located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture, is one of the leading hot spring destinations in the Kanto region, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. Scattered throughout the Nasu Plateau at the foot of Chausu-dake, an active volcano, are diverse hot springs including the “Seven Hot Springs of Nasu,” captivating visitors with abundant hot water and diverse water qualities. This article provides a thorough explanation of the charm of Nasu Hot Spring, covering its history, water quality characteristics, access methods, recommended accommodations and day-trip hot springs, and nearby tourist attractions.
History and Origins of Nasu Hot Spring
Ancient Hot Spring History Spanning Over 1,300 Years
The opening of Nasu Hot Spring dates back to around 630 AD, during the reign of Emperor Shumei, the 34th Emperor of Japan. According to legend, a hunter named Kano Saburo Yukihiro discovered the spring when he saw a wounded deer soaking in the hot water to heal its wounds, and this became the origin of the name “Shika no Yu” (Hot Spring of Deer).
Since this discovery, Nasu Hot Spring developed as a hot spring spa town, and during the Edo period, it was systematized as the Seven Hot Springs of Nasu. In the Meiji era, an imperial villa was established, cementing its status as a prestigious hot spring destination. Today, the Nasu Imperial Villa remains a symbolic presence on the Nasu Plateau.
The Seven Hot Springs of Nasu
The Seven Hot Springs of Nasu refers to seven hot springs that represent the Nasu hot spring area. Each possesses unique characteristics and receives high evaluations from hot spring enthusiasts.
- Shika no Yu (Hot Spring of Deer)：The birthplace of Nasu Hot Spring and the most historic hot spring
- Takao Hot Spring：A hidden hot spring situated in a quiet mountain area
- Yahata Hot Spring：A hot spring located in part of Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring Town
- Benten Hot Spring：Characterized by milky white sulfurous hot water
- Kita Hot Spring：Positioned at the innermost part of the Nasu hot spring area, a single inn
- Daimaru Hot Spring：A hot spring situated at an elevation of 1,300 meters
- Santogoya Hot Spring：A hidden hot spring among hidden hot springs located in the mountains of Chausu-dake
These hot springs each possess different water qualities and atmospheres, offering the pleasures of hot spring tours.
Water Quality and Benefits of Nasu Hot Spring
A Hot Spring Destination Where Diverse Water Qualities Can Be Enjoyed
One of the major attractions of Nasu Hot Spring is the ability to enjoy diverse water qualities in a single hot spring destination. The volcanic activity of Chausu-dake, an active volcano, generates abundant hot water and diverse hot spring minerals.
Main Water Types：
- Sulfurous Hot Spring：The representative water type of Nasu Hot Spring, characterized by milky white cloudy hot water. It has a distinctive sulfur aroma and is expected to have bactericidal properties and benefits for skin diseases.
- Simple Hot Spring：Colorless and transparent with minimal irritation, a water type that is gentle on the skin. Suitable for fatigue recovery and health promotion.
- Weakly Alkaline Hot Spring：Known as the “hot spring of beautiful skin” as it makes skin smooth, particularly popular with women.
- Magnesium Hot Spring：Said to be effective in alleviating muscle pain and joint pain.
Benefits of Hot Springs
Each water type of Nasu Hot Spring is expected to provide the following benefits:
- Relief from neuralgia and muscle pain
- Improvement of joint pain and frozen shoulder
- Mitigation of motor paralysis and joint stiffness
- Improvement of contusions, sprains, and chronic gastrointestinal diseases
- Relief from hemorrhoids and cold constitution
- Recovery after illness, fatigue recovery, and health promotion
- Promotion of healing in chronic skin diseases, cuts, and burns
- Improvement of chronic gynecological disorders
In particular, sulfurous hot springs are said to be effective for skin diseases and cuts due to their strong bactericidal properties and have long been beloved by hot spring therapy visitors.
Access to Nasu Hot Spring
Access by Train
From the Tokyo Area：
- Get off at JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Nasu-Shiobara Station” (approximately 70 minutes from Tokyo Station)
- Approximately 50 minutes by route bus or approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Nasu-Shiobara Station
- Board the “Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring” bound bus from Nasu-Shiobara Station and get off at the terminal “Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring”
From the Sendai Area：
- Get off at JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Nasu-Shiobara Station” (approximately 90 minutes from Sendai Station)
- Access Nasu Hot Spring by route bus or taxi from Nasu-Shiobara Station
Access by Car
From the Tokyo Area：
- Exit at the Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway (approximately 180 km from Tokyo, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Approximately 20-25 minutes from Nasu IC via Prefectural Route 17
From the Sendai Area：
- Exit at the Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway (approximately 200 km from Sendai, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Approximately 20-25 minutes from Nasu IC via Prefectural Route 17
Parking Information
There are public parking lots in Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring Town, which can be used as a base for day-trip hot springs and sightseeing. Most major accommodations are equipped with dedicated parking lots, and parking is generally free for guests. Congestion is expected during tourist seasons (Golden Week, summer vacation, and fall foliage season), so early arrival is recommended.
Recommended Accommodations at Nasu Hot Spring
Luxury Ryokans and Resort Hotels
Nasu Hot Spring Mori Shun no Kago / Hewitt Resort
An upscale resort hotel nestled in the forest. It offers top-quality relaxation in a naturally rich environment. While enjoying the scenery of each season, guests can enjoy source hot spring flowing directly and cuisine made with local ingredients. It is popular as an accommodation where one can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend relaxing moments enveloped in tranquility.
Daimaru Hot Spring Inn
A single inn located deep in the Nasu hot spring area, in the forest at an elevation of 1,300 meters. The “hot water river” flowing from the back mountain flows directly into the wild Daimaru open-air bath, allowing guests to enjoy eight hot springs full of character. All hot springs feature hot water directly from the source, providing a luxurious space where one can feel at one with nature.
Historic Established Ryokans
Kita Hot Spring Inn
A single inn of Kita Hot Spring, one of the Seven Hot Springs of Nasu. A historic hot spring accommodation continuing since the Edo period, it is also known as a filming location for the movie “Thermae Romae.” Multiple bathing facilities, including the Tengu Bath, offer different charms. The atmosphere unique to a hidden hot spring and the nostalgic ambiance of a traditional hot spring therapy spa are its attractions.
Family-Oriented Hotels
The Nasu Plateau has numerous family-oriented comprehensive resort hotels. Facilities combining nature, scenic views, food, relaxation, and fun provide accommodations where families with children can stay with confidence, with complete equipment and services. They are ideal for family trips.
Pensions and Guesthouses
For those seeking a homey atmosphere, pensions and guesthouses on the Nasu Plateau are also recommended. Guests can enjoy hot springs at reasonable rates, and interaction with owners is another pleasure of the trip. Home-cooked cuisine and meals using local ingredients are also attractions.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities at Nasu Hot Spring
Shika no Yu
“Shika no Yu,” the birthplace of Nasu Hot Spring with a history of over 1,300 years, is a public bathhouse. Characterized by whitish sulfurous hot water, it features six bathing pools of different temperatures ranging from 41 to 48 degrees. Guests can experience traditional hot spring therapy bathing, and the facility is loved by local residents.
Operating Hours：8:00～18:00 (Last admission 17:30)
Bathing Fee：Adults ¥500, Children ¥300 (As of 2026)
Water Type：Acidic・Sulfurous-Sodium・Aluminum-Sulfate-Chloride Hot Spring
Kogashika no Yu
A day-trip hot spring facility in Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring Town. Guests can enjoy whitish cloudy hot water sourced directly from “Shika no Yu.” The cloudy water from the sulfurous hot spring is highly regarded for making the skin smooth. The facility features a spacious bathing area and resting space where visitors can spend a relaxing time.
Operating Hours：10:00～21:00 (Last admission 20:30)
Bathing Fee：Adults ¥800, Children ¥400 (As of 2026)
Kyuka-mura Nasu
A day-trip hot spring of Kyuka-mura situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters on the southern foot of “Chausu-dake,” one of Japan’s hundred famous mountains. The observation-style large bath allows guests to bathe while enjoying the majestic scenery of the Nasu mountain range. With a restaurant and souvenir shop on site, visitors can enjoy hot springs, meals, and shopping in one visit.
Operating Hours：11:00～15:00 (Varies by season)
Bathing Fee：Adults ¥700, Children ¥350 (As of 2026)
Nasu Hot Spring Hotel Epinard Nasu (Day-Trip Plan)
A large resort hotel offering diverse baths containing three types of hot spring minerals: “sulfurous hot spring,” “weakly alkaline hot spring,” and “magnesium hot spring.” Day-trip plans include hot spring bathing combined with lunch buffets, allowing guests to enjoy the facility all day.
Tourist Attractions Around Nasu Hot Spring
Sessho-seki (Murder Stone)
A symbolic tourist attraction of Nasu Hot Spring, famous for the legend of the nine-tailed fox. The desolate landscape with volcanic gas vents creates an atmosphere like “hell.” A walking trail is well-maintained for safe sightseeing. In 2022, the stone cracked, generating further attention.
Chausu-dake (Nasu-dake)
An active volcano with an elevation of 1,915 meters and one of Japan’s hundred famous mountains. Using the Nasu Ropeway allows even beginners to easily access near the summit. The view from the mountaintop overlooks the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, Mount Fuji can sometimes be seen. The autumn foliage season is particularly beautiful, attracting many climbers.
Tsutsji Suspension Bridge
A 130-meter-long suspension bridge on the Nasu Plateau where visitors can enjoy fresh greenery and fall foliage. From the bridge, one can view the Yahata azalea cluster and the spectacular scenery of the Nasu mountain range. In spring, azaleas bloom gloriously; in autumn, the fall colors are beautiful, offering natural beauty in all four seasons.
Nasu Doubutsu Oukoku
A theme park offering interaction with animals. Visitors can interact with various animals such as capybaras and alpacas, and bird of prey performances are also popular. Particularly recommended for families with children.
Nasu Stained Glass Museum
An art museum housed in a building relocated from the Cotswolds region of England. It displays stained glass works from the Middle Ages to the present, creating a fantastical space. Pipe organ performances are also held regularly, allowing visitors to enjoy both art and music.
Nasu Safari Park
A safari park where visitors can observe wild animals such as lions and giraffes up close while driving through the grounds. Feeding experiences are also available, offering encounters with impressive animals.
Nasu Plateau Rindo Lake Family Ranch
A comprehensive leisure facility centered on a lake. Visitors can enjoy boating, animal interaction, and attractions. Winter features illumination events with a romantic atmosphere.
Ways to Enjoy and Spend Time at Nasu Hot Spring
Enjoying Hot Spring Tours
The greatest attraction of Nasu Hot Spring is the ability to enjoy diverse water qualities in one hot spring destination. Since many facilities offer day-trip bathing, a “hot spring tour” visiting multiple springs is recommended. Conquering all seven springs of Nasu is an attractive goal for hot spring enthusiasts.
Seasonal Ways to Enjoy
Spring (March～May)：Azalea blooming season. Around 200,000 azaleas bloom in the Yahata azalea cluster from mid to late May.
Summer (June～August)：Full enjoyment of the Nasu Plateau as a summer retreat. Due to high elevation, temperatures are 5-8 degrees lower than Tokyo, allowing for comfortable stays.
Fall (September～November)：Fall foliage season. Chausu-dake’s fall colors begin in late September, and by mid-October, the entire Nasu Plateau is colored.
Winter (December～February)：Hot springs in snowy landscapes are exceptional. Combining skiing and snowboarding with hot springs is also a popular way to enjoy the area.
Enjoying Gourmet Food
The Nasu Plateau is known for dairy farming, with fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt as local specialties. Cuisine using locally grown vegetables and dishes using “Tochigi Wagyu,” a Tochigi Prefecture brand beef, can also be enjoyed. Additionally, the Nasu Plateau has many unique cafes and bakeries, making them ideal stops during hot spring tours.
Enjoying Activities
Beyond hot springs, the Nasu Plateau offers various activities. Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and paragliding provide opportunities to fully enjoy nature. A hot spring bath after active pursuits is the ultimate reward for fatigue recovery.
Points to Consider When Choosing Accommodations at Nasu Hot Spring
Choosing Accommodations Based on Purpose
Hot Spring Therapy and Hot Spring Focus：Accommodations with direct source hot springs or multiple bathing facilities are recommended. Staying at one of the Seven Hot Springs of Nasu provides a genuinely authentic hot spring experience.
Family Travel：Choose accommodations with kids’ rooms, family rooms, and complete children’s amenities. Consider proximity to nearby tourist attractions as well.
Couples and Special Occasions：Accommodations with open-air baths in guest rooms, private baths, or private dining areas are recommended. These allow for private time in a quiet environment.
Solo Travel：Accommodations with single-guest plans or traditional hot spring therapy inns with communal bathing allow carefree enjoyment of the hot springs.
Accommodation Rate Guide
Accommodation rates at Nasu Hot Spring vary greatly depending on facility grade and season.
- Luxury Ryokans and Resort Hotels：One night with two meals ¥20,000～¥50,000+
- Mid-Range Ryokans and Hotels：One night with two meals ¥12,000～¥25,000
- Pensions and Guesthouses：One night with two meals ¥8,000～¥15,000
- Hot Spring Therapy Inns and Room-Only：¥3,000～¥8,000
Rates tend to increase during peak seasons such as Golden Week, summer vacation, and fall foliage season. Aiming for weekdays or off-season periods offers potential for more affordable stays.
Nearby Hot Spring Destinations
Several other attractive hot spring destinations are scattered around Nasu Hot Spring.
Shiobara Hot Spring Area
Located approximately 40 minutes by car from Nasu Hot Spring, this hot spring area boasts a 1,200-year history. Eleven hot springs are scattered along the Houki River, known as the “Eleven Hot Springs of Shiobara.” It offers the appeal of enjoying both gorge scenery and hot springs simultaneously.
Itamuro Hot Spring
Approximately 30 minutes by car from Nasu Hot Spring. Known as the “medicinal hot spring of Shimotsuke,” this hot spring spa is characterized by soft simple hot water. Recommended for those who wish to spend peaceful time in a quiet mountain hot spring area.
Nikko Yumoto Hot Spring
Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Nasu Hot Spring. Located within Nikko National Park at an elevation of 1,500 meters. Characterized by milky white sulfurous hot water, it offers simultaneous enjoyment of Oku-Nikko’s nature and hot springs.
Reviews and Reputation of Nasu Hot Spring
Overall Satisfaction
Nasu Hot Spring is highly rated as a hot spring destination with good balance among water quality, convenience of sightseeing, and natural environment. The following points in particular receive high evaluations:
- Diversity of Water Quality：Ability to enjoy various water types in one hot spring destination
- Abundance of Tourist Attractions：Rich entertainment beyond hot springs
- Convenience of Access：Relatively close to Tokyo—approximately 1 hour by bullet train, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car
- Seasonal Appeal：Different scenery and pleasures available throughout the year
Atmosphere and Convenience of Hot Spring Area
Atmosphere：Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring Town maintains the ambiance of a traditional hot spring spa while also featuring modern facilities. The volcanic landscape around Sessho-seki creates a unique hot spring destination atmosphere.
Convenience：Numerous tourist facilities, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops are scattered throughout the Nasu Plateau, making it easy to combine hot springs and sightseeing. However, public transportation is limited, making car travel convenient.
Evaluations of Hot Spring and Water Characteristics
Appeal of Sulfurous Hot Springs：The whitish cloudy water and distinctive sulfur aroma provide visitors with a genuine “visiting a hot spring” experience and are highly praised. In particular, the sulfurous hot springs of “Shika no Yu” and “Daimaru Hot Spring” receive high evaluations from hot spring enthusiasts.
Direct Source Bathing：Many facilities implement direct source bathing, allowing visitors to enjoy fresh hot water.
Temperature Options：Facilities like Shika no Yu with multiple temperature baths are praised for allowing visitors to bathe according to personal preference.
Information Helpful for Planning Nasu Hot Spring Trips
Best Seasons
Nasu Hot Spring can be enjoyed year-round, with particularly recommended seasons being:
- Spring (mid to late May)：Azalea blooming season
- Fall (early to mid-October)：Fall foliage season
During these periods, tourist crowds are significant; however, the natural beauty of the Nasu Plateau can be most fully appreciated.
Items to Bring and Clothing
Bring a Layer Even in Summer：The Nasu Plateau has high elevation and becomes cool in early mornings and evenings even in summer. Bring a light jacket or cardigan.
Comfortable Walking Shoes：When touring tourist attractions, comfortable sneakers or athletic shoes are recommended.
Towel：Some day-trip hot spring facilities require guests to bring their own towels.
Reservation Tips
Book Early：Popular accommodations and those during peak seasons fill reservations quickly. For Golden Week, summer vacation, and fall foliage season, reservations 2-3 months in advance are recommended.
Weekdays Are More Economical：Weekdays offer lower rates and less crowding compared to weekends and holidays, allowing for more relaxed stays.
Compare Accommodation Plans：Comparing rates and plan details across multiple reservation websites may result in more economical bookings.
Conclusion
Nasu Hot Spring in Tochigi Prefecture is one of the leading hot spring destinations in the Kanto region, boasting a history of over 1,300 years. Featuring diverse springs including the Seven Hot Springs of Nasu, abundant hot water, and diverse water qualities, it receives high evaluations from hot spring enthusiasts.
Its convenience as an access point—approximately 1 hour by bullet train from Tokyo or approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by car—is another attraction. Hot springs can be enjoyed in various styles, from day-trip bathing to luxury ryokans.
The Nasu Plateau features abundant tourist attractions including natural scenery such as Sessho-seki and Chausu-dake, as well as zoos and theme parks, allowing visitors to combine hot springs and sightseeing. Spring’s azaleas and fall’s foliage are must-see.
With good balance among water quality, convenience of sightseeing, and natural environment, Nasu Hot Spring is a comprehensive hot spring destination accommodating all types of travelers—family trips, couple trips, solo travel, and hot spring therapy.
For your next vacation, why not plan a rejuvenating trip to Nasu Hot Spring? Historic hot springs and rich nature are sure to provide healing for both body and mind.
