Nasu Town offers a diverse array of attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the year, thanks to its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Nasu is a tourist destination just an hour and a half from Tokyo, featuring unique attractions not found in the urban center.
This guide will introduce you to popular tourist spots in Nasu, so please use it as a reference to fully enjoy the charms of Nasu.
Nasu Animal Kingdom
The Nasu Animal Kingdom is a popular spot especially for families.
It offers various animal interactions, allowing visitors to get up close with the animals, which is one of its main attractions.
Compared to other zoos, the distance between visitors and animals is closer, allowing for observations of animals behaving naturally in an environment close to their natural habitats.
The park is full of shows and events, ensuring visitors remain entertained all day long.
Located near the mountains, the cooler temperatures in the summer are another reason for its popularity, providing a refreshing climate unique to Nasu.
Although operations scale down during the winter, the “Capibara Bath” where capybaras enjoy a hot spring, becomes a seasonal highlight.
| Facility Name： | Nasu Animal Kingdom |
| Address： | 1042-1 Oshima, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details： | https://nasu-oukoku.com/ |
Sessho-seki and Nasu Yuzen Shrine
The mysterious Sessho-seki (Killing Stone) and the nearby Nasu Yuzen Shrine are among the top attractions in Nasu.
Known as a natural power spot, the shrine offers solace to its visitors.
The legend of the Sessho-seki and its historical background add to the mystical atmosphere.
Nearby, there are also numerous hot spring inns and facilities, so if you are traveling in Japan, it is highly recommended to indulge in the long-standing tradition of hot spring culture.
This article introduces the hot springs and traditions of Nasu.
| Facility Name： | Sessho-seki |
| Address： | 182 Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details： | https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/en/R2-00679.html |
| Facility Name： | Nasu Yuzen Shrine |
| Address： | 182 Yumoto, Nasu Town, Nasu District, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details： | https://nasu-yuzen.jp/ |
Nasu Ropeway
The Nasu Ropeway, connecting the base to near the summit of Mount Nasu, is popular not only among hikers but also among tourists who wish to easily enjoy the mountain.
In the vicinity of Mount Nasu, visitors can experience the changing Japanese seasons: fresh greenery in spring, cool and lush summers, colorful autumn foliage, and snowy winters.
The ropeway offers spectacular views of the Nasu mountain range, showcasing the beauty of nature in each season.
The autumn foliage season is particularly mesmerizing, with its vibrant and expansive mountain landscapes.
| Facility Name： | Nasu Ropeway |
| Address： | 215 Nasudake, Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details： | https://www.nasu-ropeway.jp/ |
Nasu Trick Art Museum
At “Nasu Trick Art Museum,” visitors can immerse themselves in a world of optical illusions.
The exhibits change their appearance depending on the viewing angle, providing endless amusement.
The facility, divided into three themed buildings, features a variety of trick art, including paintings that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the art itself, and themes based on Italian Renaissance paintings.
Be sure to take plenty of photos to commemorate your trip to Japan.
| Facility Name： | Nasu Trick Art Museum |
| Address： | 5760 Takaku Ko, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details： | https://www.trick-art.jp/ |
Nasu Teddy Bear Museum
The Nasu Teddy Bear Museum is a specialized museum displaying over a thousand stuffed animals, creating a paradise for plush lovers.
It features a special exhibition “My Neighbor Totoro Stuffed Toy Exhibition” in collaboration with the globally beloved Studio Ghibli film “My Neighbor Totoro,” making it a must-visit for fans of Ghibli and Totoro.
By participating in a stuffed toy-making workshop, you can even create your own teddy bear.
| Facility Name： | Nasu Teddy Bear Museum |
| Address： | 1185-4 Takaku Hei, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture |
| Details： | https://www.teddynet.co.jp/nasu/ |
Conclusion
Nasu Town is a land rich in nature and culture, offering attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
From animal interactions at Nasu Animal Kingdom, the mystical experiences at Nasu Yuzen Shrine, breathtaking views from the Nasu Ropeway, to the artistic adventures at Trick Art Pia, Nasu provides diverse attractions for all visitors.
It’s a recommended destination for families, art enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
