The story of Nasu begins with its volcano. This creative, untamed force shaped the mountains and continues to breathe life into the land. As a traveller, you can feel its raw power while hiking the trails of an active volcano, or experience it as a gentle, healing warmth while soaking in the waters of a legendary onsen.
At the heart of the region is Mount Chausu, the peak of the Nasu mountain range and an active volcano that still vents steam into the sky. To walk its hiking paths is to feel the pulse of the earth beneath your feet, a direct connection to the forces that forged this landscape. For a different perspective, head to the Sessho-seki, or “Killing Stone”, which holds the local legend of the nine-tailed fox. Here, you’ll discover an almost otherworldly scene, where a desolate expanse of shattered volcanic rock and billowing sulphurous steam create a stark and beautiful reminder of the power simmering below.
Yet, the volcano’s greatest gift is undoubtedly its hot springs. The area is dotted with “Nasu Jyuniyu” — the twelve hot springs of Nasu — which offer a remarkable six different types of mineral water to experience. The most historic of these is Shika-no-yu, or the “Deer’s Spring,” the oldest onsen in Tochigi Prefecture with a history stretching back almost 1,400 years. Local legend tells of a wounded deer found miraculously healed after bathing in its waters, a story that speaks to the restorative power people have found here for centuries.
To submerge yourself in a Nasu onsen is to feel the immense energy of the volcano transformed into a soft, welcoming embrace.
If the volcano is Nasu’s heart, then water is the lifeblood that flows through its veins. The rain and snow that fall on the mountains gather into pure, clear streams, nourishing the valleys and sustaining a rich ecosystem. It is this pristine water that protects Nasu’s vibrant green landscapes and is the source of its exceptional food culture.
The water that springs from the mountains has shaped the scenery you see today, from the deep forests to the nostalgic landscapes of satoyama—the traditional, cultivated countryside that exists in harmony with nature. This environment allows a vast variety of plant life to flourish, but the region is most famous for its brilliant azaleas. Each spring, they set the mountainsides ablaze with colour. One particular native species, the delicate white Shiroyashio azalea, is also known as the official symbol of Her Imperial Highness Princess Aiko.
This same pure water is the foundation of Nasu’s food. The award-winning “Nasu Hikari” rice is a perfect example, grown in mineral-rich water to produce a superior grain. Even the region’s dramatic summer thunderstorms play their part, delivering welcome showers just when the growing rice needs it most. Furthermore, the clear snowmelt and underground water from the Naka River are perfect for brewing sake, a craft that has defined this region as a home of master brewers for over a century.
In a single glass of local sake or a simple bowl of rice, you can taste the pure, life-giving blessing of Nasu’s water.
The true essence of Nasu is found in its people. A long history of communities facing a challenging environment together has cultivated a pioneering spirit and a culture of mutual support. It is this very spirit that forms the foundation of the warm welcome that greets travellers today.
The old highways that cross the region were once cultural and historical crossroads for pilgrims and samurai. After the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, aristocrats established Western-style farms, laying the groundwork for the area’s dairy and livestock industries. Then, after the Second World War, returning soldiers and local residents joined forces to tame the barren, highly acidic soil. Through these collective struggles against a harsh landscape, a deep-rooted culture emerged that values harmony and extends a warm welcome to all who visit Nasu.
This spirit is still very much alive, flowing into the diverse hospitality you’ll find today. It has drawn a creative community of artists, chefs, and craftspeople to the area, and it’s why you can find everything from secluded forest villas to welcoming, family-run minshuku (traditional guesthouses). A stay in Nasu is an experience that goes beyond sightseeing, offering a chance to connect with the genuine, warm heart of its people.
(You can discover more about the people of Nasu here.)
There is a refined, almost protected, atmosphere in Nasu, born from its unique history with the Imperial Family of Japan. For generations, the area has been chosen and cherished by royalty, creating a deep connection that symbolises Nasu’s natural beauty and quiet elegance.
The story begins in 1926, when the Nasu Imperial Villa was established after the Shōwa Emperor, then Crown Prince, was profoundly moved by the area’s landscape. As the oldest of the existing Imperial Villas, it has been a beloved summer retreat for the Imperial Family. Their presence helped establish Nasu as one of Japan’s leading resorts, cementing its reputation as a place of distinguished beauty in perfect harmony with nature.
This imperial connection has also been vital for nature conservation. Emperor Shōwa, who was also a biologist, used the villa as a base for his botanical research, and his passion contributed directly to the preservation of the surrounding environment. One of the greatest results of this legacy is the Nasu Heisei no Mori Forest. A pristine area of approximately 560 hectares, once part of the Imperial Villa grounds, is now open for everyone to explore.
Walking through the same forest beloved by the Imperial Family allows one to experience the history and protected nature of Nasu firsthand.