Areas to stay
- Nasu Yumoto and the upper hot springs — ryokan with sulphur baths, close to the ropeway.
- Nasu Kogen plateau — resort hotels with pools and buffets, small pensions, cottages.
- Nasushiobara / Kuroiso stations — business hotels for late arrivals.
What to eat
Nasu is dairy country: fresh milk, cheese, cheesecake and soft-serve ice cream are everywhere, along with artisan bread. Look for Nasu wagyu and local pork, highland vegetables, and soba. Roadside farm shops sell seasonal produce.
Money-saving tips
- The JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers the return shinkansen and pays for itself on this trip alone.
- Bus day passes for the Nasu area are sold at the stations.
- Shika-no-yu costs far less than a hotel day bath.
One day (no car)
- Early shinkansen to Nasushiobara; bus to the ropeway.
- Ropeway and hike to the Chausu crater.
- Bus down to Nasu Yumoto: Sessho-seki, the onsen shrine and Shika-no-yu.
- Late-afternoon bus to the station and shinkansen back.
Two days (with a car)
Day one as above, staying at Yumoto or on the plateau. Day two: Heisei-no-mori Forest in the morning, then Animal Kingdom or the Stained Glass Museum and a farm café, returning the car at the station.
Safety on the mountain
Mount Chausu is exposed and often very windy; weather changes fast. Stay on marked trails away from the gas vents, carry water and a jacket, and turn back if cloud comes down. Bears live in the forests — carry a bell.
Nasu Highlands: FAQs
Do I need a car in Nasu?
Not for the ropeway and Nasu Yumoto, which are on the bus route. For Animal Kingdom, museums and farms, a car saves a lot of time.
Is Nasu good for children?
Very. Animal Kingdom, the Safari Park, Nasu Highland Park and the farms are all aimed at families, and many hotels have pools and family rooms.
How hard is the hike up Mount Chausu?
From the top of the ropeway it is about 50 minutes up a rocky path with around 230 metres of climb — manageable for most walkers in proper shoes, but not in bad weather.
Can I visit the Nasu Imperial Villa?
No, the villa itself is private. The neighbouring Heisei-no-mori Forest, formerly part of its grounds, is open to the public.
