In our previous article, we introduced Nasu Town as a place rich in attractions, including nature, history, cuisine, and tourist spots.
In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to reach Nasu Town, ensuring that visitors from abroad can travel with confidence to this charming destination.
Geography of Nasu Town
Nasu Town, located in the northern part of Tochigi Prefecture in the Kanto region, is a beautiful destination known for its rich natural environment and scenic beauty.
Location
Nasu Town is situated to the northeast of Japan’s capital, Tokyo.
It lies in the northern region of Tochigi Prefecture, making it a part of the Kanto region, which encompasses the greater Tokyo area and surrounding prefectures.
Accessibility
One of the appealing aspects of Nasu Town is its accessibility from Tokyo.
The town is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Tokyo by Shinkansen (bullet train).
This makes Nasu Town an easy and convenient destination for both domestic and international travelers looking to escape the bustling city life and immerse themselves in nature and tranquility.
With its combination of easy access and stunning natural landscapes, Nasu Town continues to attract visitors who are eager to experience its unique charm and beauty.
Getting to Nasu Town
Access by Plane and Public Transportation
The nearest major international airport to Nasu Town is Narita International Airport (NRT) in Chiba Prefecture, and Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo.
Both airports are well-connected to major cities worldwide.
Here’s how to get to Nasu Town from these airports:
From Narita International Airport:
- Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station: Take the N’EX to Tokyo Station (approximately 1 hour).
- Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nasu-Shiobara Station: Transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen and travel to Nasu-Shiobara Station (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
From Haneda Airport:
- Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (approx. 20 minutes).
- Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station: Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and travel to Tokyo Station (approx. 5 minutes).
- Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nasu-Shiobara Station: Transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen and travel to Nasu-Shiobara Station (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
Access by Plane and Rental Car
If you prefer to drive directly from the airport to Nasu Town, rental car services are available at both Narita and Haneda airports.
The drive from Narita International Airport to Nasu Town is approximately 200 km and takes around 3 hours via the Joban Expressway and Tohoku Expressway.
From Haneda Airport, the distance is slightly shorter, about 180 km, and takes around 2.5 hours via the Tohoku Expressway.
During the drive, you can take breaks at multiple service areas and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. As you approach Nasu Town, the mountains and expansive landscapes become particularly soothing.
Recommended Transportation: Rent a Car in Nasu Town
Even if you travel from the airport to Nasu-Shiobara Station by Shinkansen, we strongly recommend using a rental car for further travel to Nasu Town.
Although there are buses from Nasu-Shiobara Station, they run infrequently and are not convenient for sightseeing. Many shops in Nasu Town offer free parking, emphasizing car transportation. If you choose to use a rental car, we recommend making a reservation in advance.
We’ll introduce what you should prepare when renting a car in Japan and rental car reservation sites that support English.
Documents required to Rent a Car
1.Passport
Your valid passport is necessary for identification purposes.
2.International Driving Permit (IDP)
You will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the Geneva Convention of September 19, 1949.
3.Foreign driver’s license and its Japanese translation
If you have a driver’s license from Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, Slovenia, or Monaco, you can rent a car in Japan with just your home country’s driver’s license, a Japanese translation, and your passport, without needing to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).
4.Credit Card
Japanese rental car services typically require payment by credit card, so it’s a good idea to have one ready beforehand.
Japanese traffic rules you should know
1.Drive on the Left Side of the Road
In Japan, vehicles drive on the left side of the road. This applies to both urban and rural areas.
2.Traffic Signals
Pay attention to traffic signals, including traffic lights and road signs. Red means stop, yellow means caution, and green means go.
3.Seat Belts
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle, including passengers in the back seat.
4.Drinking and Driving
The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Japan is 0.03%. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited and can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment.
5.Mobile Phones
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless you have a hands-free device. Texting or browsing on a phone while driving is strictly prohibited.
6.Parking
Follow parking regulations carefully. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed away, and fines can be hefty.
7.Pedestrian Crossings
Yield to pedestrians at designated crossings. Be especially cautious around school zones and pedestrian-heavy areas.
8.Emergency Vehicles
When you hear the siren of an emergency vehicle, pull over to the side of the road and let it pass.
9.Child Safety Seats
Children under a certain age or height must be secured in a child safety seat.
These are just a few of Japan’s traffic rules. For more detailed information about International Driving Permits and Japanese traffic rules, please check the official websites of the National Police Agency’s website or the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF).
Rental car reservation websites that support English
We will introduce rental car reservation sites that are available in English. The following rental car companies have branches near Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, and Nasu-Shiobara Station.
【TOYOTA Rent a Car】
This is the largest rental car company in Japan in terms of the number of vehicles and branches.A wide range of vehicle types are available, so you can choose a car according to your needs.
【NIPPON RENT-A-CAR】
The company offers a range of services, including ETC card rental and multilingual phone support.
【NISSAN Rent a Car】
It is a rental car company affiliated with Nissan Motors. Most Nissan models are available for rent. The Haneda Airport branch is open 24 hours, making it convenient for those picking up a car from Haneda Airport.
Summary
This article introduces the location, access methods, and rental car usage in Nasu Town.
It is conveniently accessible from Tokyo, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by Shinkansen.
Rental cars are also available for direct travel from Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport to Nasu Town.
It is recommended to use a rental car for getting around Nasu Town.
Utilizing a rental car enhances the convenience of traveling to tourist destinations and restaurants.
Before making a rental car reservation, it is advisable to check the necessary documents and Japan’s traffic rules to fully enjoy sightseeing in Nasu Town!
