Nasu Onsen In Tochigi - The Best Hot Springs, Access, And More

Nasu Onsen - Famous Hot Springs Easily Accessible From Tokyo!

Nasu Onsen is the name of a group of hot springs in the Nasu district of Tochigi prefecture. The history of this hot spring dates way back, and it is said that the Shika no Yu hot spring first opened in the year 630.

Historically, Nasu Onsen has been said to be a hot spring that helps cure illnesses. According to the popular hot spring ranking guide published back in the Edo period it was ranked second following Kusatsu onsen in the Kanto area.

The current Nasu Onsen has over ten bathing facilities and nearly thirty inns where you can spend time and relax. The qualities of the springs vary by the facility so it may be nice to hop around a few hot springs during your visit.

The Traits and Effects of Nasu Onsen Springs

Nasu Onsen was a spot where many monks and warriors came to heal their wounds from battle. The spring has been said to help cure burns, cuts, and various dermatological issues.

Aside from surface wounds, the hot spring is said to ease neuralgia, rheumatism, intestinal problems and menstrual problems. Please note that depending on the hot spring facility, the effects can be different.

Getting to Nasu Onsen from Tokyo

In order to go to Nasu Onsen, you will first go on the JR Tohoku bullet train, Nasuno, from Tokyo Station to Nasu Shiobara Station. It takes around 70 minutes and costs 5390 yen.

From Nasu Shiobara Station, transfer to the Nasu Shiobara Takahara Loop Bus, Kyubii. The bus goes around the hot spring areas and the Nasu Yumoto Onsen District Nasu Tourism Association. It takes around 60 minutes and tickets are 350 yen one-way. Their unlimited ride pass is good for one whole day, and costs 1000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.

One-Day Hot Spring Spots in Nasu Shiobara

Let us introduce you to some bathing facilities you can enjoy in Nasu Onsen.

Nasu Onsen (Shika no Yu)

Opening its doors in the year 630, this is said to be the oldest hot spring in Nasu. Due to the temperature of the water being on the higher side, a unique bathing style has been developed. One way is the kaburi-yu style where you take a dipper to pour the hot water on yourself. Another is the jikan-yu style where one rests every time they bathe.

The simple hot springs here are sulfuric springs containing sulfuric hydrate and hypotonic acid. The water in the hot spring is said to help skin problems, obstetric and gynecological issues, cuts, diabetes, high blood pressure, and arteriosclerosis. All baths in this facility are located indoors.

Address: Tochigi, Nasu district, Nasu, Yumoto 181
Bathing fee: Adults 500 yen for weekend and holidays, 400 yen for weekdays. 300 yen for elementary school students. Free for infants. Bathing tax and consumption tax included.
Website: Nasu Onsen (Shika no Yu) (Japanese)

Oomaru Onsen Ryokan

A hot spring facility located by the Nasu Ropeway station. Opened in 1691, it was loved by many feudal lords and samurai of the Nasu area. This facility is known for the unique open-air bath in the river called Kawa no Yu.

Aside from the Kawa no Yu, they also have indoor baths and other open-air baths (mixed and women only). The spring itself is a simple spring that is said to help chronic rashes, neuralgia, rheumatism, and stomach problems. Please note that there are days when bathing is not available for customers who are not staying at the inn.

Address: Tochigi, Nasu district, Nasu, Yumoto 269
Bathing fee: Adults 1000 yen, 3-Elementary school students 700 yen. Bathing tax and consumption tax included.
Website: Oomaru Onsen Ryokan (Japanese)

Gensen Nasuzan

For those who wish to ease their daily stress, visiting the Gensen Nasuzan is recommended. The bathing and resting facilities are constructed with genuine wood from Japan that makes a perfect atmosphere for a relaxing time. The hot springs here are free-flowing.

The water itself is a sodium chloride spring that is said to help neuralgia, joint problems, poor circulation, menstrual problems and relieve fatigue.

Address: Tochigi, Nasu district, Nasu, Takakuko 4588-10
Bathing fee: Adults 870-1020 yen, Children 410-510 yen. Bathing tax and consumption tax included.
Website: Gensen Nasuzan (Japanese)

Recommended Inns at Nasu Onsen

Here are some recommended inns in the Nasu area.

Ashino Onsen

This is a fairly new hot spring inn that is loved by people of many generations. They are known to have herbal baths, sauna with herbal mist, open air-baths and more.

Address: Tochigi, Nasu district, Nasu, Ashino 1461
Website: Ashino Onsen (Japanese)

Ohruri Sanso

Located on a hill, this hot spring inn has an open-air bath where you can get a view of the town of Nasu. Ranging at around 5000 to 8000 yen, they have reasonable prices for staying the night and bathing.

Address: Tochigi, Nasu district, Nasu, Yumoto 212-486
Website: Ohruri Sanso (Japanese)

Kita Onsen

This hot spring inn has a history of 160 years and even appeared in the Japanese movie, ”Thermae Romae”. Used as the home of the heroine, this inn is known for its historical Edo and Meiji period style structures. The rooms in this inn are in the Japanese-style and have tatami mats, shoji doors, and futons.

Address: Tochigi, Nasu district, Nasu, Yumoto 151
Website: Kita Onsen

Points to Enjoy Nasu Onsen Even More

Nasu Onsen is a spot with many bathing facilities. It is highly recommended to try bathing in more than one spot to feel the difference.

Around the Nasu Onsen area, you will find other tourist spots such as the field of Yawata azalea flowers or the Sesshoseki ruins that are related to the Japanese legend of the nine tailed fox. After enjoying a bath, why not tour around the area to find something special?

For more information about how to bathe in the hot springs, please refer to ”Bath Culture In Japan: What Every Visitor Should Know Ahead Of Time”.

** Travel times and expenses are based on publicly available information and are current as of January 2017. They may be subject to change.

Nasu Kogen Tourist Information Center

182 Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0301