While the Nasu area feels like a remote highland escape, it is remarkably accessible. This beautiful region in Tochigi Prefecture is conveniently located just over an hour from Tokyo. Your journey from the urban rush to the calm of the mountains is the first step of your authentic Japanese adventure.
Travelling from Japan’s bustling capital to the tranquil highlands of Nasu is a seamless transition, taking you from urban energy to natural calm in under two hours.
This is undoubtedly the most efficient and relaxing way to travel.
Board the JR Tohoku Shinkansen. All Nasuno services stop at Nasushiobara Station, but some Yamabiko services don’t, so make sure your train stops there befor boarding. The journey is direct, with no transfers required.
Make sure your train stops at Nasushiobara Station as some don’t. We recommend reserving a seat in advance during peak seasons, to ensure a comfortable ride.
A road trip to Nasu offers flexibility and the freedom to explore the countryside at your own leisure.
From central Tokyo, access the Tohoku Expressway. Drive north and exit at the Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC, Kuroiso-Itamuro IC, or the Nasu Interchange (IC), depending on your final destination.
(Nasushiobara Station is a short drive from Kuroiso-Itamuro IC)
Driving to Nasu or renting a vehicle is an excellent way to discover the more remote attractions, cafes, and artisan workshops scattered throughout the Nasu highlands.
Nasu is a perfect stop for those journeying between Tokyo and the Tohoku region, and easily reached from its largest city, Sendai.
The southbound journey from Sendai is just as simple as the northbound one from Tokyo.
From Sendai Station, take a southbound JR Tohoku Shinkansen (Yamabiko service) directly to Nasushiobara Station.
Make sure your train stops at Nasushiobara Station as some don’t. We recommend reserving a seat in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a comfortable ride.
The drive from Sendai is a pleasant journey through the landscapes of southern Tohoku.
Take the Tohoku Expressway south from Sendai. Exit at the Nasu Interchange (IC), Kuroiso-Itamuro IC, or the Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC, depending on your final destination.
(Nasushiobara Station is a short drive from Kuroiso-Itamuro IC)
Driving to Nasu or renting a vehicle is an excellent way to discover the more remote attractions, cafes, and artisan workshops scattered throughout the Nasu highlands.
If you’re beginning your Japan adventure in Nasu, here is how to get here from the country’s main international gateways.
The most common route involves two comfortable train journeys.
First, take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station. From there, transfer to the JR Tohoku Shinkansen for the final leg to Nasushiobara Station.
If you’re using a Japan Rail Pass, make your way to the JR EAST Travel Service Center (located in Terminals 1 and 2) and ask the staff to book your entire journey. They can activate your Japan Rail Pass and reserve you a seat on both the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station and your connecting Tohoku Shinkansen to Nasushiobara Station.
Make sure your train stops at Nasushiobara Station as some don’t.
From the airport, take the Higashi-Kanto Expressway towards Tokyo, then merge onto the Tohoku Expressway heading north.
Drive north and exit at the Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC, Kuroiso-Itamuro IC, or the Nasu Interchange (IC), depending on your final destination.
(Nasushiobara Station is a short drive from Kuroiso-Itamuro IC)
Driving to Nasu or renting a vehicle is an excellent way to discover the more remote attractions, cafes, and artisan workshops scattered throughout the Nasu highlands.
The most common route is to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
If you’re using a Japan Rail Pass, head straight to the JR EAST Travel Service Center at Haneda Airport before you find trains. Here, you can activate your pass and reserve your Shinkansen seat all the way to Nasushiobara Station in one efficient stop.
Make sure your train stops at Nasushiobara Station as some don’t.
Navigate Tokyo’s network of expressways to connect to the Tohoku Expressway.
Drive north and exit at the Nishinasuno-Shiobara IC, Kuroiso-Itamuro IC, or the Nasu Interchange (IC), depending on your final destination.
(Nasushiobara Station is a short drive from Kuroiso-Itamuro IC)
Navigating Tokyo’s complex expressways is extremely challenging for first-time drivers in Japan, especially during peak hours. We strongly recommend taking the train to Nasushiobara Station and renting your car from there to bypass Tokyo traffic entirely. Just be sure to book ahead, as local rental offices may close in the evening.