Tochigi-Ji-Guide in English
Nasu & Kuroiso
a leading hot spring resort in Tochigi
The Nasu and Kuroiso Hot Spring area is a lively tourist site located near Nasu Highland at the foot of the Nasu mountain range. Hot springs with atmosphere, notable museums, leisure facilities and sophisticated stores targeting young people dot the entire area, enabling people of all ages to have fun here.
Sightseeing spot navigation
Yugyo Yanagi
A willow called “Yugyo Yanagi” is found in Ashino in Nasu Town, which once prospered as a posthouse along the Oshu Street. It became famous after Matsuo Basho came here and described this willow in his book of poems Okunohosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North). Basho’s monument with his haiku inscription stands by the willow.
Nasu Highland
A large foothill extends to the south of Mt. Chausu, the main peak of the Nasu mountain range. Blessed with natural magnificence, this place shows diverse aspects by season. The view of Rengetsutsuji Azalea in spring, gentians and crimson foliage in fall is particularly dazzling. This place is also known as a summer resort because of its cool summer. Nasu has also long been popular as a hot spring resort, and the resort area veiled in white steam is famous nationwide.
Mt. Chausu (Mt. Nasu)
Mt. Chausu, 1,915 meters above sea level, is the main peak of the Nasu Mountain Range. This active volcano still fumes and bring forth the abundant hot springs in the piedmont area. The aerial tramway runs from late March to November to the ninth station, from which the summit is 45 minutes’ walk. A panoramic view of the entire area awaits those reaching the mountaintop. The sight of fuming Mt. Chausu, whose beauty changes with the seasons, is the symbol of Nasu Highland.
Museums in Nasu Highland
Nasu Highland has many galleries and museums, each of which features unique collections of music boxes, glasswork, accessories, teddy bears and classic cars. Tourists can choose ones to their liking, or take the Nasu Museum Tour Bus to look around these fascinating museums with ease.
Leisure facilities in Nasu Highland
There are a wide variety of leisure facilities alongside the Nasu Road, the main avenue of Nasu Highland, including pastures where visitors can become familiar with animals, theme parks for thrilling experiences and encounter with unknown worlds, ski hills and golf courses. You will never feel bored here!
Azaleas (in Yahata)
Some 100,000 azaleas are in full bloom from late May to early June over a huge 13-ha land near Yahata Hot Springs. A breathtaking panorama of the Kanto Plain, which extends beyond azaleas, can be enjoyed from the 1,000-meter-high plateau.
Shiroyashio (Goyo Azalea)
Goyo Azalea (Shiroyashiro), known as the symbol of Princess Aiko, the daughter of Crown Prince and Princess Masako, grows naturally at the foot of Mt. Nasu, forming a huge cluster of some 20,000 azalea trees that blossom from early to late May. Take the gondola of the ski hill to go to the hiking trail.
Killing Stone
A group of boulders is located in front of Nasu Yumoto Hot Springs. Poisonous gas gushes out from a hole nearby, filling the entire area with the smell of sulfur. According to the legend “Fox with Nine Tails,” these stones began to release poisonous gas when the monstrous fox was killed.
Nasu Hot Springs
With hot springs and inns located near the slope of Mt. Chausu, this area has long prospered as a spa resort. Its history dates back to the 7th century, when Deer Hot Spring, which still releases white steam near the Killing Stone, was discovered. This hot spring resort is popular nationwide as a place where visitors can enjoy seven varieties of hot springs, which differ from each other in effect, quality and taste.