Nestled in the picturesque highlands of Tochigi Prefecture, Nasu is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. Located just about 150 kilometers north of Tokyo, this highland resort area has been a favorite retreat for both Japanese locals and international visitors seeking respite from urban life. From rejuvenating hot springs and scenic mountain trails to exciting theme parks and cultural attractions, Nasu promises a diverse range of experiences for travelers of all ages and interests.Discover Nasu's Enchanting Hot SpringsPhoto by ：http://www.shikanoyu.jp/Nasu Onsen VillageThe primary draw of Nasu is undoubtedly its famous hot spring resorts. Nasu Onsen (那須温泉) is a pleasantly old-fashioned, spread-out hot spring resort area on the slopes of Mount Nasudake. These therapeutic waters have been soothing visitors since the 8th century, making this one of Japan's historic onsen destinations. The village offers numerous public bathhouses and traditional ryokans where you can experience authentic Japanese hospitality while soaking in mineral-rich waters.Recommended Hot Springs:Shika-no-Yu: One of the oldest and most famous hot springs in the area, known for its high-quality waters and tranquil settingNasu Onsen Sanraku: Features 100% pure hot-spring water that comes directly from the mountain stream, producing as much as 800 liters per minuteShiobara Onsen: Another nearby hot spring village worth exploring for its variety of bathing options and scenic riverside settingsEmbrace Nature and Outdoor ActivitiesMount Nasudake HikingNasu is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Mount Nasudake, the main peak of the Nasu mountain range, offers excellent hiking opportunities for all experience levels. A popular option is to take the ropeway up part of the mountain and then hike approximately 45 minutes to reach the summit, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding highlands.Scenic Trails and WaterfallsThe forested areas around Nasu feature numerous well-maintained hiking trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls and viewpoints. The Nasu Nature Study Paths are particularly popular for casual hikers looking to experience the region's lush forests and diverse flora and fauna.Seasonal HighlightsSpring: Enjoy the fresh greenery and blooming flowers as the mountains come alive after winterSummer: Escape the heat of the cities in the cool highland climateAutumn: Witness spectacular fall foliage as the mountainsides are painted in vibrant reds, oranges, and goldsWinter: Experience the serene snow-covered landscapes and winter sports opportunitiesFamily-Friendly Theme Parks and AttractionsNasu Highland ParkPhoto by ：https://www.nasuhai.co.jp/Nasu Highland Park is the largest amusement park in northern Kanto, featuring over 40 attractions including 10 thrilling roller coasters. Built on hilly terrain, the park offers exciting rides for all ages, from gentle options for small children to more adventurous attractions for thrill-seekers. Even on rainy days, visitors can enjoy indoor attractions, making this an all-weather entertainment option.Photo by ：https://www.pure-cottages.jp/For the perfect accommodation experience while visiting Nasu Highland Park, we highly recommend staying at TOWA Pure Cottages. As the official hotel of Nasu Highland Park, these cozy cottages offer special perks including easy access to the park's attractions. Each spacious cottage features a beautiful fireplace from Northern Europe, creating a comfortable, homey atmosphere that's ideal for families and groups. With cottages that can accommodate up to ten people, along with amenities like onsen baths, tennis courts, and international restaurants, TOWA Pure Cottages provides the perfect base for exploring all that Nasu has to offer.Nasu Rindo Lake Family RanchPhoto by ：https://www.rindo.co.jp/This expansive leisure facility spans 300,000 square meters around Rindo Lake, the only lake in the Nasu Highlands. The ranch combines elements of a tourist farm and an amusement park, offering interactive animal experiences (including alpacas that were incorporated from the former Nasu Alpaca Farm), zipline adventures over the lake, pleasure boat rides, and various other entertainment options in a beautiful natural setting. The Swiss-style buildings add a charming European touch to the landscape.Animal Encounters and FarmsNasu Animal KingdomPhoto by ：https://nasu-oukoku.com/Nasu Animal Kingdom is one of the area's most popular attractions, especially for families with children. This comprehensive zoo facility houses a wide variety of animals from around the world and offers interactive experiences where visitors can observe and sometimes feed the animals in naturalistic habitats.Rindo Lake Family Ranch's Animal AreaPhoto by ：https://www.rindo.co.jp/The Rindo Lake Family Ranch features a wonderful animal interaction area where visitors can meet and interact with various farm animals. Following the closure of the separate Nasu Alpaca Farm, the alpacas have been integrated into Rindo Lake's attractions, allowing visitors to still enjoy these charming creatures as part of their Nasu experience.Minamigaoka Dairy FarmPhoto by ：https://www.minamigaoka.co.jp/Located 700 meters above sea level at the foot of Mount Nasu, Minamigaoka Dairy Farm maintains its natural landscape while offering visitors a chance to experience farm life and learn about dairy production. The farm is particularly known for its high-quality dairy products, including fresh milk, ice cream, and cheese that visitors can purchase and enjoy on-site.Art and Cultural AttractionsNasu Trick Art MuseumPhoto by ：https://www.trick-art.jp/Japan's largest trick art museum consists of three distinct halls: the Trick Art Hall, the Michelangelo Hall, and the Trick Art Labyrinth. Each building offers interactive optical illusion artworks that create mind-bending visual experiences for visitors of all ages. This is a perfect activity for families and groups looking for unique photo opportunities and lighthearted entertainment.N's YARDPhoto by ：https://www.nsyard.com/N's YARD is a contemporary art space showcasing works by renowned artist Yoshitomo Nara and other modern artists. Set in the natural beauty of Nasu, this private modern art museum offers visitors a chance to appreciate world-class contemporary art in a serene environment. The exhibits often feature not only paintings but also record sleeves and various art objects.Fujishiro Seiji MuseumPhoto by ：https://fujishiro-seiji-museum.jp/Dedicated to ceramic art, this specialized museum showcases beautiful pottery and ceramic works. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the craftsmanship and artistic expression on display in this cultural institution.Seasonal Floral DisplaysNasu Flower WorldPhoto by ：http://www.flower-world.net/This large flower park in the Nasu highlands features picturesque fields of colorful blooms that change with the seasons. From tulips and roses to autumn flowers, the park offers beautiful views year-round. The flower displays are arranged to create stunning "ground pictures" or geoglyphs that are best appreciated when viewed against the backdrop of the mountains.Local Cuisine and SpecialtiesNasu offers a variety of local culinary delights that showcase the region's agricultural bounty.Regional Specialties:Dairy Products: The highland area is famous for its high-quality cheese and dairy products. Don't miss Cheese Garden Nasu and Amatani Cheese Factory for some of the best cheesecake and fresh cheesesNasu no Pan: Wild yeast breads and additive-free baked goods made with local ingredients at various bakeries throughout the regionLocal Produce: Fresh vegetables, particularly highland-grown varieties that benefit from the clean air and water of the mountain regionNasuben: A locally produced lunch set that showcases the flavors of Nasu Kogen, named in reference to the legend of the nine-tailed foxWhere to Find Local Products:Farm-direct shops and roadside stations (michi-no-eki) around the Nasu areaSpecialty shops in the onsen villagesFarmers' markets selling fresh, seasonal produceBest Time to Visit and How to Get ThereIdeal SeasonsWhile Nasu is beautiful year-round, late spring (May-June) for the fresh greenery and early autumn (September-October) for the fall foliage are particularly recommended for first-time visitors. Summer offers a cool retreat from the urban heat, while winter provides a different perspective with snow-covered landscapes.Access from TokyoBy Train: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nasushiobara Station (approximately 1 hour), then transfer to a local bus or taxi to reach your specific destination within the Nasu areaBy Car: Drive via the Tohoku Expressway, taking the Nasu IC exit (approximately 2.5-3 hours from central Tokyo, depending on traffic)ConclusionNasu offers a refreshing escape from urban life with its perfect combination of natural beauty, relaxing hot springs, exciting attractions, and cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure on hiking trails and roller coasters, relaxation in therapeutic hot spring waters, or cultural enrichment at museums and farms, this highland retreat has something to offer every type of traveler. Just a few hours from Tokyo, Nasu provides an accessible yet comprehensive glimpse into the diverse charms of rural Japan, making it an ideal destination for both short getaways and extended explorations.For the ultimate Nasu experience, we recommend staying at TOWA Pure Cottages. These comfortable accommodations provide easy access to Nasu Highland Park and serve as an excellent base for exploring all of Nasu's attractions. The spacious cottages, complete with cozy fireplaces and modern amenities, offer the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for your Nasu adventure.Plan your visit to coincide with your preferred seasonal highlights, and prepare to discover why Nasu has been enchanting visitors for centuries. From solo travelers and couples to families with children, Nasu's varied attractions ensure memorable experiences that will have you planning your return visit before you've even left.