Nasu turned out to be one of the unexpected highlights of my Tokyo trip, with its mountainous locales, forest trails, and quiet serenity. 

Spanning from Nasu Shiobara and Nasu Kogen, it’s an expansive, remote region that’s also home to numerous onsens and holiday villas of the rich and famous. Here are nine spots where you can check out Nasu’s natural beauty and enjoy an idyllic getaway from the city.

1. Komadome Falls observation point

At approximately 20 metres high and 2 metres wide, Komadome Falls is a sight to behold during the fall season. The observation point is an open-air deck tucked deep into the hilly terrains of Yumoto. It’s a pleasant spot to stop and admire the water as it crashes into the azure pool below. 

Address: Yumoto, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0301, Japan
Google Maps

2. Kita Onsen

Located downhill from Komadome Observation Point is Kita Onsen, a secluded, traditional ryokan that has supposedly been around for centuries. The footpath leading to the spa complex is pretty steep and winding. But, make your way down and you will be rewarded with a scene of peaceful serenity. Even if you are not checking in, it’s worth a stroll around the outer area to ponder the place’s history. 

Address: 151 Yumoto, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0301, Japan
Google Maps
Contact: +81 287 76 2008
Website

3. Killing Stone/ Sessho-Seki

The Killing Stone is a mythological stone that is said to contain the transformed corpse of a nine-tailed fox, with the ability to kill anyone who comes into contact with it. Needless to say, its split about a year ago sparked some chatter on social media, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Still, you can traverse the sulphur-ridden premises and take a look at this mysterious rock, among other sights, which takes on an ominous vibe on overcast days.

Address: 182 Yumoto, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0301, Japan
Google Maps

4. Nasu Kogen Minamigaoka Dairy 

Fancy trying some dairy goods that are as fresh as they can get? Nasu Koden Minamigaoka Dairy is home to about 40 Guernsey cows, of which only about 200 are in Japan. The milk yielded from these cows are extremely thick with a butterfat content of more than 4%, making the cheese and soft serve made from this Guernsey Golden Milk highly rich and creamy. So much so that it has been awarded the top gold medal in the Local Yoghurt Grand Prix. 

Aside from that, the farm is free to enter and you can get up close with several farm animals such as cows, goats, and even donkeys. The grounds that are open to public access are pretty small, so you can take a short walk and imagine you are a character in a farming simulator. Interestingly, there are also a few Russian delicacies that can be found here. 

Address: 579 Yumoto, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0301, Japan
Google Maps
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 8am – 5.30pm daily  
Contact: +81 287 76 2150
Website

5. Nasu Ichiya Hotel 

Nasu Ichiya Hotel is a charming ryokan that re-opened in 2015 after refurbishment. The 3-star accommodation is fitted with various creature comforts, including a shared bath and numerous complimentary snack and drink buffets that guests can partake in before or after dinner. Best of all, you can reserve a private, open-air onsen for up to 40 minutes! Both the rooms and onsen command picturesque views of the Nasu mountain range, and the lobby is well-stocked with snacks for you to indulge in post-dip. 

Address: 204-14 Yumoto, 那須郡那須町 Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0301, Japan
Google Maps
Contact: +81 287 74 3418
Website

6. Bakery Cafe Penny Lane 

What do Nasu and The Beatles have in common? A themed cafe by the name of Bakery Cafe Penny Lane! Step in and be transported to a cozy cottage in England, complete with wall-to-wall Beatles memorabilia which you can also purchase! 

Here, you can indulge in Japanised Western comfort food, such as hamburg and bread bowls. There is also an adjoining bakery where mouthwatering baked goods are sold, including freshly-baked blueberry bread which is pretty popular on reviews. 

Full review here. 

Address: 656-2 Yumoto, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0301, Japan
Google Maps
Opening Hours: 8am – 5pm daily 
Contact: +81 287 76 1960
Website

7. Otome Waterfall

Standing for “virgin” in Japanese, Otome Waterfall is an accessible, 5-minute forest trail on the Sawana River, which is itself said to resemble a maiden’s flowing hair. The trail is really short and easy if you’re simply planning to view the waterfall but, I highly recommend taking a walk as far as possible down the river! 

The peaceful sound of the waterfall, coupled with the tranquil scene of the river flowing among the rocks, reminded me of the forest walk in The Last of Us. 

Address: 703 Itamuro, Nasushiobara, Tochigi 325-0111, Japan
Google Maps

8. Kinomata River

Kinomata River is another spot worth checking out, especially if you are up to try your hand at fishing from March to September. Like most of the spots we visited in Nasu, there were virtually no visitors pre-Golden Week and the river was remarkably still and calming. 

Address: Japan, 〒325-0115 Tochigi, Nasushiobara, Momura, 地内
Google Maps

9. Roadside Station Meijinomori Kuroiso

One thing that never fails to impress me about roadside stations in Japan is the amount of sights and amenities one can find on their premises. Roadside Station Meijinomori Kuroiso is home to a rapeseed field that you can take a stroll through, as well as the former Aoki Family Nasu Villa. The building is accessible with a ¥500 entry fee, and the walk up to it will have you feeling as though you are a character in an old Western film.

Address: Japan, 〒325-0103 Tochigi, Nasushiobara, Aoki, 27 27番地
Google Maps
Contact: +81 287 63 0399
Website

Nasu is chock-full of hidden charms where you can leave the bustle of the city behind and immerse yourself in rest and relaxation, whether it’s in an onsen or at a chalet BBQ with your fellow road-trippers. It’s well worth driving up a couple of hours from Ibaraki to spend a night or two. 

chueonit.