Things To Do
in Nasu
Nasu is a charming town located in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, known for its picturesque landscapes and hot springs. The area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. Nasu is also home to several beautiful gardens and historic sites, including the renowned Nasu Imperial Villa.
Visitors can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and natural beauty of Nasu while indulging in traditional Japanese cuisine at local restaurants.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a visit to Nasu Highland, enjoying stunning views and fresh air. Explore the picturesque landscapes and take plenty of photos.
Have lunch at a local café and try some regional cuisine. After that, visit the Nasu Animal Kingdom for a delightful experience with various animals.
End your day with a relaxing bath at a local onsen. Enjoy a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling local specialties.
Start with a peaceful hike in the Nasu Nature Park, where you'll find various trails and vibrant flora. Make sure to capture the early morning beauty.
Visit the Nasu Heisei no Mori, where you can enjoy a picnic amidst nature. This serene location allows for relaxation and connection with the outdoors.
As the day winds down, take a stroll through the Nasu Garden Outlet for some shopping. End the night with dinner at a cozy izakaya.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic beauty with stunning views of Mount Nasu and lush landscapes.
- Rich in hot springs and therapeutic onsen, promoting relaxation and wellness.
- Access to various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding.
- Unique local cuisine, including fresh produce and traditional Japanese dishes.
- Cultural significance with historical sites and shrines, offering insights into Japan's heritage.
- Limited public transportation options, making travel less convenient.
- Can be quite touristy during peak seasons, leading to overcrowding.
- Harsh winters may deter visitors not interested in winter sports.
- High cost of accommodations and dining, especially in popular areas.
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers, affecting communication and navigation.
Best Activities in Nasu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike with diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Encounter various animals in a natural environment, including rare species like red pandas and capybaras.
Engage in outdoor activities such as mini-golf, go-karting, and picnicking amidst beautiful landscapes.
Places to Visit in Nasu
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, especially during autumn foliage.
Provides panoramic views of the Nasu mountain range and allows for great photo opportunities.
Features picturesque landscapes and opportunities to capture photos with various animals.
Food in Nasu
Nasu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled eggplant topped with a sweet miso glaze, a signature dish of the region. Best enjoyed at local izakayas or traditional restaurants like Sozankyo.
Must-Try!
Thinly sliced tofu skin served with soy sauce and wasabi, a delicate and flavorful local specialty often found at specialty tofu shops and traditional Japanese restaurants.
Locally sourced, high-quality beef known for its marbling and tenderness, a must-try for meat lovers. Visit restaurants such as Yamashokudo to savor this culinary delight.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers an array of local produce, snacks, and handmade goods. Visitors can sample regional delicacies such as pickled vegetables, freshly prepared mochi, and local honey.
An excellent destination for street food enthusiasts, this park hosts various food stalls showcasing diverse offerings, from yakitori and takoyaki to freshly made crepes and traditional Japanese sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nasu, Japan, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and manners, and by addressing them with appropriate honorifics.
In Japanese homes and certain traditional establishments, it is customary to remove shoes before entering in order to maintain cleanliness and show respect for the space.
When dining in Nasu, Japan, it is important to observe proper table manners, such as saying 'Itadakimasu' before the meal, not sticking chopsticks upright in rice, and not making loud noises while eating.
Safety
Tipping in Nasu
Ensure a smooth experience
In Nasu, Japan, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. It is not customary to tip in restaurants, hotels, or for other services.
Payment in Nasu, Japan is primarily done using cash. Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments and tourist areas. It is always advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case credit cards are not accepted.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to see cherry blossoms in full bloom and pleasant weather.
Warm weather, good for outdoor activities and enjoying Nasu's natural beauty.
Beautiful foliage, ideal for hiking and exploring the picturesque landscapes.
Perfect for skiing and snowboarding, with breathtaking snow-covered scenery.
Nasu at Night
Hiking in Nasu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot known for its stunning views and various trails suitable for all skill levels. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it a beautiful place to explore.
This mountain offers a moderately challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views from the summit. It's a great location for both hiking and picnicking.
Not only known for its hot springs, but it also has accessible hiking trails that allow you to enjoy the area's natural beauty.
A popular hiking destination, Kaguratake features scenic trails that lead through beautiful landscapes and offer breathtaking views from its peak.
This area boasts multiple hiking paths with varying difficulties. It's also known for its flowers and vibrant wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Aiports
How to reach Nasu by plane.
Located approximately 170 km south of Nasu, Narita International Airport is one of the main international airports serving Tokyo and the surrounding regions.
Approximately 180 km south of Nasu, Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo and also serves numerous international flights.
Located about 130 km northeast of Nasu, Sendai Airport is the main airport serving the Tohoku region of Japan and offers some international flights.
This airport is about 340 km southwest of Nasu and serves the Nagoya area with a significant number of international flights.
Located approximately 520 km west of Nasu, Kansai International Airport serves the Osaka region and offers a wide range of international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, comprising the vast majority of the population.
Includes a small number of expatriates and immigrants from various countries.
A fluctuating demographic that visits Nasu, particularly during peak seasons, including international travelers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Nasu, with many local teams and youth leagues.
Soccer has gained substantial popularity in Nasu, with a growing number of youth programs and local clubs.
Basketball is widely played in schools and local communities, offering various competitions and leagues.
Tennis is a favored sport in Nasu, with several courts available for public use and numerous tournaments.
Nasu is known for its picturesque golf courses, attracting both locals and tourists for recreational play.
Cycling is a popular activity in Nasu, thanks to its scenic roads and trails, often used for both leisure and sport.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nasu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many traditional dishes contain meat or fish, some restaurants in Nasu offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Popular options include tofu-based dishes, vegetable tempura, and locally grown salads.
Individuals with gluten sensitivities can enjoy rice-based dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls. It's advisable to communicate dietary requirements to restaurant staff, who are often accommodating and attentive to specific requests.