Nasu area overview
Nasu, Japan, boasts stunning natural beauty, including Mount Nasu and hot springs, alongside historical sites like the imperial villa. It’s an easily accessible destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful escape from city life.
The Nasu Imperial Villa, established in 1926, has served as a secluded summer retreat for Japan’s Imperial Family for generations. Commissioned by Showa Emperor, then Crown Prince, who was captivated by the region’s stunning natural beauty, the villa has played a significant role in making Nasu a renowned tourist destination. A portion of the estate was designated as Nasu Heisei no Mori National Park, further preserving its natural beauty. Successive emperors have continued the tradition of spending their summers there, enjoying the tranquility and natural surroundings.
Geography
Location
Map
Nasu is located at the northernmost point of the region centered around Tokyo, bordering the region that is often considered the northern part of Japan, in Tochigi Prefecture, approximately 180 kilometers north of Tokyo.
Station
Departing from Tokyo Station, the JR Tohoku Shinkansen will deliver you to Nasushiobara Station in just 70 minutes.
Population
As of the end of 2024, Nasu area which is mainly consisted of three municipalities, Nasu Town, Nasu-shiobara city, and Otawara holds approximately 210,000 accounting for less than 11% of Tochigi Prefecture total population of 1,900,000 and merely 0.16% of Japan’s total population (approximately 125,000,000).
Nature
Nasu, located in northern Tochigi Prefecture, exhibits diverse topography spanning 372.34 square kilometers. Elevations range from the 1,915-meter peak of Mount Chausu to lowland areas. The region’s geology is characterized by volcanic rock and sedimentary layers. Flora varies with elevation, from alpine plants on the summit to azalea-dominated areas and diverse forest types.
Climate
Nasu enjoys a humid continental climate, featuring warm summers and snowy winters. The average annual temperature is a cool 9.5°C, with July being the wettest month. The region’s higher altitude, extensive forests, and lack of a basin effect contribute to cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months. With average summer temperatures around 20°C, visitors can enjoy pleasant summers and chilly winters when exploring the area.
Industry
Nasu, a renowned royal resort, offers stunning natural scenery and numerous hot springs. While tourism is a major industry, the region also boasts a thriving agricultural sector, including dairy farming and rice cultivation.
History
Nasu, a historic crossroads connecting Kyoto and Edo, played a key role in shaping Japan. Renowned for figures like Nasu no Yoichi and samurai history, the region saw a dramatic transformation. After the decline of the samurai era, the once-bustling towns around the 13 castles fell into ruin. However, the fertile volcanic soil offered potential. Over the past one to two centuries, through the tireless efforts of its people, Nasu has risen from a desolate plain to a thriving agricultural hub, known for its dairy and rice production.
Local specialties
Hot Springs
Nasu’s hot spring history spans 1,400 years, initially reserved for the elite. During the Edo period, improved accessibility led to the rise of inns and communal baths. Nasu gained fame as a top Eastern Japan hot spring, celebrated for its therapeutic benefits. The arrival of the railway and Shinkansen further boosted its popularity, transforming it into a renowned hot spring resort and vacation home destination.
Food
- Rice: Nasu rice thrives in a unique climate characterized by large temperature fluctuations caused by mountains and frequent summer storms, resulting in a sweet and delicious product.
- Soba: Northern Tochigi region, known for soba for centuries, boasts a cool climate and pure mountain water, perfect for growing high-quality buckwheat, a fiber-rich and healthy food.
- River Fish: With limited coastline, Nasu specializes in river fish like ayu and a variety of trout, offering a unique and delicious grilled experience.
- Dairy Products: Nasu, a leading dairy region, produces high-quality milk from cows grazing on lush pastures. The cool climate and rich soil contribute to exceptional dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and ice cream.
- Sake: Nasu’s pristine environment, with cold, soft mountain water and high-quality local rice, creates exceptional sake. Historic breweries like Tentaka Shuzo and Shimazaki Shuzo offer tours and tastings to experience this tradition firsthand.
Traditional Crafts Must-see
- Shino Craft: A traditional craft in Nasu highlands using “shinodake” bamboo, valued for its softness and smooth, curved surfaces. Lightweight, durable, and tactile, it’s used for baskets, sieves, and everyday items.
- Ashino Stone Carving: Known since the 14th century, Ashino Stone is soft tuff with excellent water resistance and durability. Made of andesite, it’s ideal for stone lanterns, Buddhist statues, and decorative items.
- Kurobane Indigo Dyeing: Originating in Kurobane in the 18th century, it uses the “kon-zome” technique. This method, involving soot from pine roots mixed with soybean liquid, produces a rich, fade-resistant indigo hue.
- Karasuyama Washi: Traditional handmade washi from mulberry (kōzo), valued for its thick texture, strength, and elegance. Its history dates back to the 8th century . At the Karasuyama Washi Museum, visitors can watch papermaking, join workshops, and create washi crafts.
- Koisago pottery originated from the Mito Domain’s industrial policies in the 17th century, using Kosago clay. Hikozaburo Ogane later established his kiln. It is known for its refined simplicity and elegant hues like golden-yellow and reddish-pink glazes.
Cultural site
- The Killing Stone is a legendary rock with a scientific twist. Folklore tells of a defeated nine-tailed fox transformed into the stone, emitting poisonous gas. Scientifically, the area’s volcanic activity can release toxic gases, possibly influencing the legend. Today, visitors can explore this unique site, learning about both the myth and the geological reality.
- The yugyo yanagi, a willow tree famed in Japanese poetry, stands peacefully amidst rice paddies in Ashino, Nasu. Often planted near temples by traveling Buddhist monks, this tree has long symbolized tranquility and peace. Made famous by the renowned poet Matsuo Basho, it has stood witness to centuries of travelers and pilgrims.
- Ungan-ji Temple, a historic Zen monastery in Ōtawara City, has been a place of spiritual practice for over nine centuries. Founded in the 12th century, it was once a prominent center for Zen training in Japan, boasting national treasures. Today, the temple continues to offer a serene environment for meditation and contemplation, inspiring visitors like the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho.
- Daiouji Temple, renowned for its zazen meditation practices, is located in Otawara City. Founded in 1404, the temple boasts a unique architectural style with thatched roofs and a simple, unified design. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Ozeki clan, one of the powerful Nasu Seven Clans, played a significant role in the temple’s history by supporting its reconstruction and relocation. The temple now serves as the family temple of the Ozeki clan, where generations of the clan have been laid to rest.
- Nanko Park was founded in 1801 by Matsudaira Sadanobu, a visionary leader who championed social reforms. Unlike traditional Japanese gardens, which were often exclusive to the samurai class, Nanko Park was designed as an inclusive space, open to all. Its tranquil lake, surrounded by lush greenery and with the stunning Nasu mountains as a backdrop, offers a peaceful retreat and a testament to the forward-thinking spirit of its creator.
- Shirakawa Barrier was one of the three ancient barriers in the Ōshū region of Japan. It served as a checkpoint for people and goods traveling between the eastern and western parts of the country during the Nara and Heian periods. Today, the site is a historical landmark, attracting visitors who are interested in Japanese history and culture.
Hot Spring-Onsen
There are many hot spring facilities and inns in Nasu, but the two most prominent and historically significant hot springs are as follows.
- Shikanoyu hot spring, meaning “Deer Bath,” was discovered in the early 7th century. Legend has it that a hunter found a wounded deer soothing itself in the hot spring, leading to its name. Popular among feudal lords during the Edo period, the spa offers various baths with different temperatures.
- Kita hot spring boasts a history dating back over 1200 years, with legends of its discovery by Shugendo ascetics. These spiritual seekers, often associated with Tengu – mythical creatures with long noses – are said to have found the hot spring while exploring the mountains. Today, “Tengu no Yu,” a bath adorned with Tengu masks, recalls this legendary past. Renowned for its abundant hot spring water, Kita Onsen offers unique features like a large “swimming bath”.
Activities
- Nasu Ropeway in Nasu National Park
- Nasu Heisei no Mori hiking in Nikko National Park
- Minamigaoka Farm in Nasu Highland
- Bicycle cruise in Nasu Highland
- Chausu Mountain hiking
- Otome-no-taki Waterfall