Why visit Nasu
The Nasu Highlands spread across the southern skirts of the Nasu volcanic range, from about 400 metres up to the smoking summit of Mount Chausu at 1,915 metres. The imperial family has kept a summer villa here since 1926, and the area developed into one of eastern Japan’s favourite highland resorts — a place of second homes, bakeries, cheese makers and small museums scattered through the woods.
There are really two Nasus. The upper part, around Nasu Yumoto, is old and elemental: a hot spring said to have been found some 1,300 years ago, a barren valley of sulphur vents, and a ropeway to the crater. The lower plateau is family territory, with an animal park, a safari park, an amusement park and outlet shopping.
It pairs naturally with Shiobara Onsen, which is reached from the same shinkansen station.
How long to stay
One night lets you do the volcano and hot springs properly. Two nights suits families who want a day at the parks as well. As a day trip from Tokyo it is possible but rushed without a car.
Where to base yourself
Stay at Nasu Yumoto for onsen ryokan and the ropeway, or on the Nasu Kogen plateau for resort hotels, pensions and the family attractions. With no car, choose somewhere on the bus route between Nasushiobara station and Yumoto.
Nasu Highlands highlights
- The ropeway and a 50-minute climb to Mount Chausu’s crater
- Autumn colour on the mountainside from late September
- Six wooden pools of increasing heat at Shika-no-yu
- The eerie Sessho-seki valley
- A guided walk in the former imperial forest of Heisei-no-mori
- Capybaras, alpacas and bird shows at Nasu Animal Kingdom
